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Use your Paypal account or credit card. Or send a check to the address below. Thank you for supporting the work of ADNet!
Anabaptist Disabilities Network
PO Box 959 Goshen, IN 46527-0959 Phone: 574-535-7053 Ph/Fax: 877-214-9838
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After the Storm
When a natural disaster strikes, people who
are already vulnerable are among those most deeply affected. The media coverage of Hurricane Katrina
illustrated that fact quite vividly to many Americans last summer, particularly
as it related to the city of New
Orleans.
Persons with disabilities are among those vulnerable people who experienced the devastation to both property and lives. This was one of the reasons that in the midst of its own cash crunch last September, we at ADNet were also touched by the plight of those who faced the added challenges that come with facing disasters of this magnitude. We want to extend a special "thank you" to all of you who contributed in September and October to our hastily organized Katrina Tithe campaign! You shared in the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina as well as to the important ongoing work of ADNet. A check for $294.50 was sent to Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) for their relief efforts in the region affected by the hurricane. As it turned out, a story is emerging out of the MDS relief efforts in a small community affected by both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita. The site is As the storm surge followed the canals and bayous inland, it overflowed
into low lying areas throughout the region.
The result was over a foot of water inside the Brussard home which damaged
walls, floors, furniture, cabinets. Jeremy was unable to simply pick up the pieces and start repairs to his
home. About four years ago, he was severely
injured in an auto accident and is now a parapalegic. He gets around very well in his motorized
wheel chair but has to have a nurse with him every night and a good portion of
each day. The Brussard’s were adjusting
to life after the accident and were tremendously grateful for the corps of nurses
who have become loving family members as they care for Jeremy. Makeshift living arrangements came in two stages. A friend who also has physical disabilities
made room for the family in her home, thereby giving Jeremy access to the
physical aids he needs in order to be cared for properly. Finally, after an almost five-month wait, two
FEMA trailers arrived on site, one accessible throughout for Jeremy and his
nurse, and one for the rest of the family.
Mennonite Disaster Service has begun to repair the Brussard home. Saundra Gale, part of the long-term team in MDS workers have also been blessed by Brussard family as well. Their obvious excitement about getting their
home repaired so they can return to familiar surroundings and move back together
as a family again has been contagious.
Says Gale, “The entire Brussard family shows a love for the Lord and for
each other that touches all who visit.
His shining smile is a joy to behold as he shares his thankfulness for the
help he is now getting through Mennonite Disaster Service.” |
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