LDRNY Eletter | Eletter Archive

Dear Friends of Lutheran Disaster Response of New York:
Here’s the March 10th edition of “Comfort & Renew Online,” a weekly e-newsletter provided by LDRNY.  If you have something to share, please drop an email to mikki@LDRNY.org.

Invisible Injuries: Remembering March 11
On March 11, we remember in our hearts the pain of the victims, survivors and residents of Madrid, Spain, and around the world who experienced the commuter train bombings one year ago. We lift up in our prayers all those who continue -- and may continue for years to come -- to suffer as a result of that devastating tragedy and all victims of terrorism. Three years and six months before March 11 the world began remembering and reaching out to all those effected on that day, many of whom continue to suffer as hidden victims as well. Mikki Baloy, LDRNY Coordinator, remembers Madrid in a piece she has written, Invisible Injuries: Remembering March 11. Go to www.LDRNY.org and click on Top News.

Sen. Hillary Clinton visits LDRNY offices
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY-D) visited LDRNY’s Comfort and Renew Center this week to meet with the September 11th Families Association. LDRNY has been involved with and supported the Association since 2002. Dr. John Scibilia, LDRNY Executive Director, serves as the Association’s treasurer and is a member of the board. Sen. Clinton came to learn more about the planned Tribute Visitors Center that the Association is embarking on. To see the full story and a photo of Sen Clinton and Dr. Scibilia, go to www.LDRNY.org.

We remember the sarin gas attacks in Japan
The 10th anniversary of the sarin gas attacks in Japan, which left 12 dead and 3,000 injured or traumatized, is approaching. Members of the Sept. 11 Families' Association are traveling to Japan to offer their thoughts on volunteerism and long-term recovery, and they're collecting notes of support and good wishes to share with our friends in Tokyo. If you'd like to send a message overseas, please email it to mikki@ldrny.org by Monday at 10 a.m. Let's let Japan know that we haven't forgotten.

Schedule your preparedness workshop now
Does your church or school want to be better prepared in an emergency or crisis? Government, emergency and disaster response agencies urge all of us to plan and drill in the event of an emergency. LDRNY partners with many of these agencies to insure spiritual care will be included in all responses, and to advocate for those with special needs and circumstances. LDRNY has been designated by the NYC Office of Emergency Management as a presenter of the Ready New York? program. LDRNY offers an excellent one-hour presentation for members of your congregation, school or community to feel more prepared. Scibilia is now making appointments with churches and schools to offer the one-hour preparedness presentation. For more information, or to arrange a time and date, contact Scibilia at John@LDRNY.org or call 866-864-1600.

Don’t Go without your Go Bag
LDRNY is sending information to churches and schools about ordering a Go Bag, the most comprehensive disaster-preparedness bag on the market today. The red standard backpack is filled with more than 50 items to help a person survive in the first 24 hours following a disaster or emergency. Items include a flashlight, water, energy bar, whistle, rain poncho, mylar blanket, hand-warmer packet, radio and compass, first-aid kit, toothbrush, hand-sanitizers, ID holder, DNA/fingerprint kit, pen and pad, and much more. The suggested contribution for the Go Bag is $70 each, plus $7.50 shipping/handling, and can be obtained by calling LDRNY at 1-866-864-1600, or by visiting the website, www.LDRNY.org. Click on the red logo on the homepage to get more information and an order form.

Share in a positive vision for your community!
Public Community Forum will be held at University Settlement 184 Eldridge St. (between Delancey St. & Rivington St.) on March 16, 5:30 p.m. The forum will examine how 9/11 recovery money has been spent in lower Manhattan, and how low-income communities have not benefited as they could. About $850 million remains and you can lend your thoughts to the debate on how it should be spent. Dinner catered by ROC NY, former Windows on the World Workers, is provided by New York Disaster Interfaith Services, of which LDRNY is a founding member. Childcare will be available. City Councilmember Alan Jay Gerson will speak, and the event will be moderated by Aarti Shahani of Families for Freedom. RSVP to Maria or Amy at 212-505-1995 Muentes@universitysettlement.org, amy@universitysettlement.org

Disaster Response Program offered
Church World Service is presenting a Disaster Response Program, April 9, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow, 95 Old Country Road in Melville. This informative event is for all congregations, community leaders and individuals who want to know more about CWS and how best to respond to storms through the United States and to crises abroad. Learn firsthand about the CWS Emergency Response to the Tsunami in Asia, the Florida hurricanes, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Sudan and other world hot spots.

Job opportunities

LDRNY seeks a full-time administrative assistant for a new and innovative one-year program with the possibility for a second-year extension. Must be well organized, compassionate, possess excellent written and oral communication skills, and be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. Office is located in North Bellmore, Long Island. Annual salary is $25,000 with benefits. Send resume to faithfulresponse@ldrny.org.

The September 11th Families' Association is accepting resumes for the positions of Project Director, Project Manager and Development Director for the Tribute Visitors Center. For brief job descriptions and further instructions, www.911families.org

Take a planned Faith Walk around Ground Zero
With spring around the corner, and more people planning to visit New York City, LDRNY partner Koinonia NYC invites you to take a Faith Walk around Ground Zero. Faith Walks are inspirational and educational tours of Ground Zero and surrounding landmarks, encouraging healing and hope in the face of despair. If you’re planning a trip to New York City, or want to read more about others' experiences, go to www.LDRNY.org. Participants always report back that they liked the Faith Walk. Here is a comment from one person: "It was informative, very moving, and certainly uplifting. In your very kind and thoughtful manner, you put us all at ease.Your friendly way made us all able to participate and enjoy this opportunity."

Make a gift to LDRNY
LDRNY is grateful for the gifts it receives. If you'd like to make a donation to honor or memorialize someone, send a check to LDRNY at the address below. Tell us who should be notified of the gift, and please provide an address. Thrivent members will have their gift matched. Contributions are a great way to remember someone.

You may now make a gift to support the work of LDRNY among the hidden victims of Sept. 11 online, thanks to Lutheran Community Foundation's Charity Finder. Go to
http://www.thelcf.org/donors/charityfinder_details.asp?charity_id=145

Helpful sites you may want to visit

• Lifenet www.9-11MentalHealth.org 1-800-LIFENET.

LDRNY contact info
To contact LDRNY, call 1-866-864-1600, or send an email to Mikki@ldrny.org Visit the website for information on any of our programs – www. LDRNY.org.

LDRNY
22 Cortlandt St. 
New York, NY10007

1-866-864-1600
212-406-9736

www.LDRNY.org
Dr. John J. Scibilia, Executive Director (john@ldrny.org)