Rebuild and Recover-Mapleton

July 20, 2011 Moving forward

A month ago, I was contacted by one of the many, many volunteers who have worked tirelessly on the “tornado crisis” committee, coordinating so much in such a short time span. She along with so many others, are burned out and she asked me to coordinate the recovery organization for Mapleton. Since I will need board members for this organization, I did recruit her because consistency is very important.

We have been briefed by FEMA and I have read the manual and there are some specific steps that must be taken. Some are already in place in the past 30 days:

1. A name: Rebuild and Recover Mapleton
2. A physical address: Our mayor has offered his office and a corner of the City Council Chambers, so we have a public place where people can get information. There is a calendar and list of volunteer work being done in Mapleton in place at this location.
3. A 501(c)3 ID# and designation: At the last City Council meeting it was agreed that the city would apply for an umbrella designation which can be used by other organizations. We are well on the way.
4. A financial committee: The members of this committee are being recruited, and this is an important committee as we want to begin the grant writing in the next few weeks.
5. A Volunteer Coordinating Committee is at work. We have had many volunteers doing great rebuilding work in Mapleton . We will see over 180 volunteers who are VIM’s (volunteers in Mission) through the United Methodist Church, Lutheran volunteers, Catholic volunteers, who come to Mapleton from Nebraska, Eastern Iowa, Sioux County in Iowa, Grinnell, Iowa, Morningside College, Ames, Iowa and their work is amazing.
6. Construction Site Coordination Committee is working to keep the work sites safe and busy.
7. The City Council has recognized and authorized the Rebuild and Recover structure, and the Board has been identified.

We continue to do assessment of needs. It’s not always an easy job, but we have patterned our assessment efforts after a “Shepherd’s “ program initiated by the members of St John’s United Methodist Church. After the tornado, St John’s did an assessment and knew there were 19 Families in Need (FIN’s) who were members of the church. A Shepherd Family has been paired with a FIN and it is quite easy to identify the needs of the FIN’s because the Shepherd’s have done such an excellent job. (Since I had designed the Shepherd’s program, I was thrilled when three members of the St John’s congregation asked if they could be Shepherd’s and two of them are FIN’s themselves!)

Recovery Coordination is unlike Crisis Coordination because recovery does not happen quickly. There are many, many unmet needs, and we will continue to assess them and manage the cases. It is apparent that recovery in Mapleton will probably take 3-5 years. As the Rebuild and Recover Mapleton Board continues with its goals,, a mission statement will be developed by early fall, grants will also be written and needs will continue to be identified and addressed.

Look for pictures of rebuilding in the near future. Presently there are 15 new structures under construction and there are countless renovations being done.

Please keep in touch with us, your support, both financially and physically, is beyond value to us and your prayers have sustained us. Many people are still fighting insurance claims, construction is not on schedule, windows and supplies can be so difficult to get and we’ve had to clean up after two major windstorms and unbelievable heat since the tornado.

THE PROGRESS IS VERY GOOD, WE STILL HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO! Please contact us.

Have a safe and beautiful summer!

Marie Whiteing, Coordinator
26 Elmwood Dr.
Mapleton, Iowa 51034
PH: 712-881-1489
FAX: 712-881-1639

Mapleton City Hall
712712-881-1351

Long Line's partnered with Eldon's Restaurant and raise funds to purchase mattresses for the families of Mapleton.

Official Rebuild and Recover Mapleton Fund Established

For Recovery Efforts in Mapleton

At approximately 7:15 p.m. on Saturday evening April 9th, a tornado hit the rural community of Mapleton, IA. It is estimated that 120 of the 650 plus homes were destroyed and at least a dozen businesses sustained extensive damage.

As a result of the devastation, many Mapleton residents have been displaced and are in need of help as they try to rebuild their lives and their homes.

A special fund has been established through "Rebuild and Recover Mapleton" committee.

Donations can be made as follows:

ALL DONATIONS ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE

April 9, 2011 The following photos are courtesy of the Mapleton Press.