Volunteer Appreciation and activity

August 2024

ROA Volunteer Update

Here is an update on recent happenings with Reach Out America. We want to highlight a long-term volunteer who has worked with ROA for almost 28 years. He has partnered with Larry Williamson since nearly the beginning of ROA’s efforts to provide humanitarian relief. Robert Armstrong helps manage the finances and is a board member and close advisor to our president. We applaud Robert Armstrong’s efforts over the years to help ROA thrive!

We have checked on border states about a response to Hurricane Debby. Our teams are actively coordinating with local organizations and community leaders to assess the specific needs of the affected areas. As we gather more information, we are prepared to mobilize resources and volunteers to provide essential supplies and support for those impacted by the storm.

Your continued support will be crucial as we work together to help communities recover and rebuild. We have also talked with pastors in Idaho about the recent fires that have endangered cities and are working to see how we can respond.

We have received several truckloads of Birch plywood from FEMA, which will be distributed across the south for several projects in Florida, Louisiana, and South Texas. One was in helping a church that burned to a total loss. The plywood is indoors and can be used for cabinet making, interior walls, desks, or bookshelves. We greatly appreciate all our volunteers signing up to help with ROA disaster response work. This has been considered a heavy hurricane year, and we hope to have opportunities for you to help near you.

State Disaster Coordinators

We are working to get Disaster Coordinators in every state who will understand the local needs and assets available in that state that we can coordinate with. We can also connect you with local FEMA Coordinators and your State VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disasters), linking them with local volunteer organizations that can provide resources to disaster-impacted communities.

If we can assist you with resources or training, please don’t hesitate to contact us. You can reach me using my information below or Mike LaBrie, who helps coordinate volunteers.

Together, we can be the lifeline many communities need during these challenging times. Your involvement and support make a significant difference, and we look forward to collaborating with you to provide hope and restoration to those affected by disasters.

Sincerely,

Mark A. Johnson

ROA Coordinator – Mark.Johnson@reachoutamerica.org

Michael LaBrie

Volunteer Coordinator – M.Labrie@reachoutamerica.org