ROTARY DISTRICTS ANNOUNCE GRANT FOR IRENE RECOVERY EFFORTS IN VERMONT
West Lebanon, NH (August 15, 2012) — The Rotary Foundation awarded a matching grant of $412,450 to the Rotary districts in Vermont, New Hampshire and part of Quebec. It will serve as a second wave of assistance for the ongoing recovery from Tropical Storm Irene in Vermont.
This grant was the culmination of an effort lead by Janice McElroy and Marilyn Bedell, past Rotary governors in the two districts that include Vermont. They raised $238,384 which was matched with $174,066 from the Rotary Foundation. Contributions for the grant came from around the Rotary world, including contributions from Taiwan, South Africa, England and Canada and 115 clubs in Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey and all of the New England states.
Senator Patrick Leahy has said about this grant: “Thousands of Vermonters call themselves Rotarians, giving time, money and energy to causes across the globe. When Vermonters needed help the most, Rotarians answered the call here at home, not just neighbors helping neighbors, but Rotarians from all over the world helping Vermonters.”
This Rotary sponsored Irene Assistance Program is being carried out in partnership with the five Community Action Agencies under the leadership of the Southeastern Vermont Action Agency (SEVCA). The Community Action Agencies (CAAs) will enroll candidates for assistance and arrange for the delivery of needed services. Grant funds will be distributed among the various agencies based on the proportion of Federal Emergency Management Agency applications made from their respective areas.
Members of Vermont, New Hampshire and Quebec Rotary clubs will help identify persons who could benefit from assistance and will provide volunteer services to people referred to them by the Vermont CAAs. Rotary members have been and will continue to serve as “boots on the ground.”
For more information about the Irene Assistance Program, contact the following CAA representative in county of residence:
Those in Bennington and Rutland countries should contact Pam Shambo at BROC, 802-665-1721; in Windham and Windsor counties, contact Mary Ann Wolf at SEVCA, 802-376-6570; in Lamoille, Orange or Washington counties, contact Tracy Collier at CVCAC, 802-498-7375; in Orleans, Essex, or Caledonia counties, at NEKCA contact Jan Rossier-(Southern area), 802-748-6040 or Kathy Metras-(Northern area), 802-334-7316 x 204; in Grand Isle, Franklin and Chittenden counties, at CVOEO contact Travis Poulin, 802-863-6248 x 736 or Karen Haury, 802-388-2285.
Primary homeowners or renters who have been impacted by Tropical Storm Irene through property damage or displacement may be eligible for assistance. Examples of Irene-related assistance that may be provided include:
- Short-term rent
- Fuel and utility assistance
- Furnaces and fuel tanks
- Appliance repair and replacement
- Well/Septic System Repairs
- Waste/debris removal
- Car repair and Transportation assistance
- Service road and culvert repairs
- Mold remediation
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders that provides humanitarian service and encourages high ethical standards in all vocations. Rotary’s main objective is service – in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self. Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.
Community Action Agencies were established in 1964 as part of the nationwide War on Poverty to serve the multiple needs of people in crisis and economic distress. Their mission is to help people cope with crisis and hardship, stabilize their lives, and empower them to move toward self-sufficiency. They achieve these goals by providing a wide array of programs and services that give people the knowledge, tools, and support needed to address a wide range of economic related issues.