DIOCESAN NEWS
05/07/10
................................................................................................................
Charities outlines ways to assist storm victims
By Bishop Joseph N. Latino
JACKSON — Catholic Charities Disaster Response team is activated after emergencies to provide assistance for those who are the most vulnerable in communities and who fall through the gaps.
The response team, directed by Chamon Williams, program specialist, divided their efforts between Yazoo City, Holmes County including Ebernezer, and Weir, a small community in Choctaw County. Trauma Recovery for Youth (TRY) staff met with victims to address the psychological needs of those traumatized by the storms that hit the state on April 24 and May 2.
Michael Ann Oropeza, coordinator of parish-based ministries, went to Weir and met the local parish leader, Sister Alies Therese, lay ecclesial minister, based at nearby Ackerman St. Mark Mission.
“When we pulled up Sister Alies was hammering a ‘free meals here’ sign in the front yard at the Mt. Mariah Baptist Church where she and several other faith-based leaders had set up a community stop,” Oropeza said. “Sister immediately introduced me to those she had been working with, and then took us to see the damage and meet those who had survived.”
The group went to White Road, where like most small rural communities many families lived on the same street. They met “Ms. Ethel,” whose home was completely destroyed except for one wall.
“Ms. Ethel asked me to sit on her couch,” Oropeza said, “which was weathered and torn from the storm and was sitting on the slab of what used to be a floor. We did the in-take work for Ms. Ethel and moved on to the next house, the Carters.
“The Carters were not as lucky,” Oropeza said. “The Carter’s children and grandchildren lived in a trailer next to them. Their niece and 3-month-old baby lived in the house near them as well. Mr. Carter relayed the most horrific story I have ever heard about the loss of two of his grandchildren and his baby niece.
“Both Mr. Carter’s son and daughter-in-law are hospitalized. Their trailer has yet to be located. We have gone back to White Road many times. The families remain near their property locations with more and more loved ones surrounding them. I don’t know the reason for such tragedy, but I do know that God and love are in their midst,” Oropeza said.
She said, “Sister Alies and our team prayed with the survivors and we continue to provide assistance for those in the community. Sister Alies is there in the community every moment, helping with distribution of goods, holding a hand, searching for loved ones who have not been located. And, amazingly all the while kind, patient and providing a sense of peace.”
Oropeza said, “In a community that was already suffering economically, many without insurance, many already laid off, some who drive two hours to Jackson to work a $9 an hour job, this disaster is unexplainable. However, the care and unceasing support from those like Sister Alies is overwhelming. She makes me proud to say I am Catholic.”
Catholic Charities is partnering with Wal-Mart to provide assistance to victims,” Williams said. “They have set up a ‘wish list’ on the registry system online and at stores across the country. To contribute items simply log in to the registry system or go into a store and purchase items on the list. All items will be delivered to storm victims by Catholic Charities personnel.”
To use Wal-Mart's registry system, click on “wish list” under the registry tab. You must enter “MS” under the first name and “Catholic” under the second name to pull up the registry.
Otherwise items can simply be brought to any Catholic Charities location in Canton, Jackson, Natchez or Vardaman.
For help or to volunteer contact:
— Chamon Williams, disaster preparedness and response program specialist, 601-850-9531;
— Michael Ann Oropeza, coordinator of parish based ministries, 601-326-3725;
— Michael Thomas, director of development, 601-326-3714
— Kami LeVern, coordinator of volunteers, 601-624-3001.
TOP
HOME 
Back to Diocesan News
|
