What We Do
The mission of United Methodist Disaster Response in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster that begins with response and ends with long term recovery.
What Kinds of Disasters Do We Respond to?
The disaster response effort of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is primarily focused on natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, fires and earth quakes. Other disasters, often called “man- made” may result from terrorism and domestic disturbances or from accidents such as chemical spills. Resources of the conference could be used to assist individuals and families impacted by these disasters as well.
How does the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Respond to Disasters?
The Disaster Response Ministries of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference stands ready to assist any time disasters are so large that the resources of the local community or the district are not sufficient to meet the needs. This response can take many forms. Expert advice can be provided to help the local community as they meet immediate needs, or as they plan for recovery from a disaster, UMCOR kits such as clean-up kits and hygiene kits are distributed; and, volunteers can also be recruited by the conference. If you have questions about UMCOR kits please email office@midwestmission.org or call 217-483-7911. Early response teams (ERTs) are deployed to assist with clean-up and other tasks needed by the community in the period right after the disaster (once the area has been declared safe by first responders). In the long term, UMVIM recovery teams help with home repairs or, in some cases, rebuilding homes that have been completely destroyed during the disaster. In addition, spiritual and emotional care teams can provide support to individuals and congregations as they cope with the loss caused by a disaster.
Early Response Teams and Recertification Trainings
Are you wondering how you can help people in this time of crisis?
Join our Early Response Teams!
Upcoming 2022 Trainings:
ERT Basic Training - To register, please click on the appropriate date:
September TBD from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at East Bay Camp
ERT Recertification Online Training - To register, please click on the appropriate date:
October 17 & 18, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening
Connecting Neighbors Online Training - To register, please click on the appropriate date:
August 1 & 2, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm each evening
November 14 & 15, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm each evening
Disaster Response Gatherings
*September TBD at East Bay Camp
*November TBD
Contact Us
Rebecca Klemm
IGRC Disaster Response Coordinator
Phone: 708-707-7648
Email: rklemm82@gmail.com
Curt Franklin
Coordinator of Mission and Outreach
Phone: 217-494-0417
Email: cfranklin@igrc.org
Christy Blickensderfer
Assistant to the Director of Connectional Ministries
Phone: (217) 529-2473
Email: cblickensderfer@igrc.org
Gene Turner
Midwest Mission Distribution Center
Phone: (217) 416-1306
Email: gene@midwestmission.org
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