On Nov. 5, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it would not provide any aid to Southern Indiana for the August floods, and on that same day area service agencies gathered at the New Albany Salvation Army to start a new disaster relief organization called COAD.
“COAD stands for Community Organizations Active in Disaster,” said Amy Bernheisel, Clark Floyd and Harrison County COAD project manager. “And there are a bunch of them springing up all over the state. It’s basically a way for community organizations to have a forum where they can streamline their disaster services, exchange ideas and cross-train.
“It became apparent after the ice storm that there were some issues of disaster response. While all of our people did a tremendous job of serving the needs of the people in the community, and as we continue to do so, we are always continuously working to improve. And COAD is meant to help streamline communications and make sure if there are any needs not being met those are addressed.”
Area agencies, from Clark, Floyd and Harrison counties, such as the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Harrison County Community Foundation, LifeSpan Resources, Interfaith Community Council, Floyd County Emergency Management as well as local churches were some of the organizations in attendance at the meeting. The organizations’ representatives were given the opportunity to network and hear two guest speakers. Kevin Cox, president and founder of Hope Crisis Response Network, and Steve Cain, president of INVOAD, took questions from COAD members as well as explained what a COAD is and what to do to be a successful organization.
“All these people are in this room and some of these people are meeting each other for the first time,” Bernheisel said, “and really the COAD is about building networks. I really just want to cement the COAD concept in everyone’s mind and also get them excited about the prospect of a COAD. These people are really busy and they do important work, and the success of the COAD going forward depends on their commitment. Also we want to make sure the community understands.”
The Metro United Way is supporting this organization with funds from a Lily Grant that was endowed to the agency.
“From the disasters that occurred in Southern Indiana the service providers expressed that there is sometimes a disconnect or lack of coordination among them,” Jan Sherrell, Metro United Way associate director of agency relations said. “So this was a step at defining who does what and where and providing better service when the next disaster hits.”
The meeting sparked enthusiasm among the members. Several members commented on the need for this organization, and the need to get other organizations involved.
“It’s helpful to get everybody organized, so everybody knows what each other is doing,” Terry Herthel, director of the Floyd County Emergency Management Agency, said. “There is a lot of duplication of services and a lot of services that aren’t being taken care of at all.”
Bernheisel said this is a long term commitment and hopes to see this organization grow to other counties as well as into a long-term recovery committee.
“I think it’s critical,” Bernheisel said.
Clark County
New disaster-relief organization starts locally
Southern Indiana agencies spurred by recent acts of nature
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
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Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
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JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
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be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
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Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
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Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
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He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
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Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
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TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
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But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
