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Long-term recovery group is recognized |
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Monday, 20 October 2008 |
Saline County Long-term Recovery Committee has received recognition from the federal disaster agency.
Members of the committee showed off their hard work last week with a map of areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has helped since the spring tornadoes and a certificate of appreciation they received from FEMA.
They presented the items to County Judge Lanny Fite to hang where he sees fit. Saline County government is a member of the committee.
Member Jimmy King said the committee is handling about eight cases, which are sent to the committee when FEMA has done all it can.
Case manager Azy Crabb said, “We pitch in where we can and offer things, such as bed linens.” The committee was formed shortly after the tornadoes ripped through and devastated several parts of the county.
Its mission is to strengthen countywide disaster coordination among community, faith-based and service organizations.
Services offered range from financial assistance, clean up, minor and major home repair and spiritual counseling. Those who still have unmet needs after exhausting all programs with FEMA, U.S. Small Business Administration and the state should call 317-9722.
Members of the committee include American Red Cross, First United Methodist Church of Benton, First United Methodist Church of Benton, Bryant First United Methodist Church, Churches Joint Council on Human Needs, Catholic Charities of Bryant, Parkview Methodist Church of Benton, First Assembly of God South, First Baptist Church of Benton, First Presbyterian Church, Salem United Methodist Church, Highland Baptist Church, First Christian Church, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Mount Carmel Baptist Church, First Pentecostal Church, Central Arkansas Development Council, Benton-Bauxite Rotary Club, The Vines and the Branches Inc. and Christian Ambassadors of Hot Springs Inc.
King said he thinks the committee is prepared should another disaster strike. “And it will,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time.”
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