Drawing on wisdom gained as we prepare for the future
 
As we stockpile water, flashlights, batteries, and food we can’t forget those still suffering from last year’s storms. The effects of a natural disaster stick around long after the storm blows over.  For many, things never seem to get back to normal. United Cerebral Palsy and Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response are working together through a partnership - Recovery for Ike Survivors Enterprise, or RISE, to address the long-term needs of our community.
 
RISE is part of a $24.3 million grant to provide disaster case management services to more than 13,000 survivors of Hurricane Ike who live in 16 Texas counties devastated by the deadly storm. The grants are funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
 
“Often after a disaster like Hurricane Ike, survivors are overwhelmed by all the losses and devastation in their lives – home, vehicles, jobs, personal belongings and even the deaths or injuries of family and friends,” said Mark Minick, senior vice president of external relations for Lutheran Social Services. “As a result, they often have trouble figuring out where to even begin the process of rebuilding homes and lives. This program puts 250 caseworkers on the ground in 16 counties over the next year to help them sort out what their needs are and to develop a realistic, achievable recovery plan.”
 
For people with disabilities, many of whom are among our most vulnerable neighbors, the impact of the storm can be catastrophic. United Cerebral Palsy is proud to have been chosen to partner with Lutheran Social Services due to its success in helping those of all ages with all types of disabilities rebuild their lives after the storm. If you or someone you know is still suffering due to Ike related causes please contact Cindy Wooldridge at (281) 207-2520 or cwooldridge@ucphouston.org.
About United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston
Founded in 1946, United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston, Inc. is a non-profit corporation established to provide services to individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities and their families. UCP is the only organization in the Greater Houston area providing comprehensive services to individuals of all ages with any type of disability and to their families, over 65% of whom is below the poverty level. The agency serves thousands of families in Houston and its four surrounding counties each year through eight programs: Infant Development (ECI), Respite Services, Toy/Tech, High School/High Tech, Home of Your Own, Therapy Services, Camps, Counseling & Case Management and Adult Services. For more information about United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Houston and its services please visit www.ucphouston.org.  

About RISE
Recovery for Ike Survivors Enterprise is a disaster case management program designed to provide help, support and advocacy for more than 13,000 survivors of Hurricane Ike as they recover from the disaster. RISE disaster case management is available through a collaborative network of 10 local agencies in 16 counties of southeast Texas, including Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Orange, Walker, Waller and Washington.  For more information, visit www.texasrise.org.

This Document was prepared under a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. Points of view or opinion expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.