When an East Texas camp reached out to a Louisiana nonprofit in the wake of Hurricane Laura, the result was a “match made in heaven.” The people of Evergreen Life Services, whose group homes for disabled adults were severely damaged by the storm, have found a home away from home at Camp Gilmont.
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Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, TX
Evergreen and Gilmont
by Matt Curry

GILMER, Texas – Residents of a Louisiana nonprofit agency that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities found a port in the storm among the peaceful, piney woods of East Texas.
It all began when Marie Nelson, assistant director of Camp Gilmont, reached out to Evergreen Life Service following Hurricane Laura’s bashing of the Louisiana coast. Nelson had a simple question: “Do you need help?”
Evergreen, which evacuated its group homes in Lake Charles before the storm hit, initially found refuge in a hotel in Natchitoches. But then the power went out, and the Evergreen staff learned of Nelson’s offer. The next day, 96 people, including 24 staff, found themselves welcomed to the more than 400 acres of lush forest, hills and lakes of Gilmont, which is near Gilmer, Texas.
“Basically, our number one priority is safety,” said Mark Bowman, Evergreen’s vocational services director. “Here we have cabins, plenty of space to accommodate our people, the facilities have made it where we can continue our activities as normal here, and we did not expect that.”
Nelson said Gilmont had room for everyone. A perfect fit.
After settling in, Evergreen residents, who have been locked down since March due to the coronavirus, have been getting some fresh air. On a recent day at Gilmont, some tried their hand at fishing, and others enjoyed a “spa night. “
Bowman said the group evacuated on Aug. 17. Hurricane Laura made landfall in southern Louisiana on Aug. 27 as a Category 4 storm, causing 15 deaths and extensive property damage, including to the Evergreen facilities. The same day, the hotel where the residents were staying had a power outage, a grave situation since some of the residents require oxygen and feeding tubes. The staff could not find a generator, and several people were suffering from heat exhaustion.

"We didn't have a clue what we would do," Bowman said.

In stepped Gilmont.
Nelson said the Louisiana group arrived weary and a little dehydrated. The camp brought in all its staff and postponed a Labor Day weekend event. Volunteers are also helping out, and Nelson brought in some of her college-age summer staff.
“They are the only ones here, so we are just exploring ‘what else can we do for you?,’” Nelson said.
Nelson said the Louisiana group arrived weary and a little dehydrated. The camp brought in all its staff and postponed a Labor Day weekend event. Volunteers are also helping out, and Nelson brought in some of her college-age summer staff.
“They are the only ones here, so we are just exploring ‘what else can we do for you?,’” Nelson said.
Gilmont has a longstanding relationship with Evergreen, which has a covenant agreement with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Synod of the Sun. Gilmont and Evergreen representatives know each other well from operating booths next to one another during presbytery meetings, said Gary Minton, a Gilmont board member.
“It seems to be one of those matches made in heaven,” said Minton, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. “Our staff is glad to be able to serve them, and it’s working out well.”
Bowman says, “The people here are amazing.”
Gilmont is seeking help with the unforeseen expenses resulting from the visit.
Since neither Evergreen nor Gilmont have contingency funds budgeted for this unexpected event, Minton said “we are figuring it out as we go.” Even at a modest $50 per day, the costs reaches into thousands of dollars per day. The cost to Gilmont is immediate, since it is billed bi-weekly and monthy by suppliers and providers. Minton said donations made by churches and individuals will help reduce the amount of the invoice it gives to Evergreen.
Monetary donations to help support Evergreen at Gilmont can be designated through a link on the camp’s Web site: https://gilmont.networkforgood.com/projects/56836-gilmont-main-donations
 
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The Rev. Matt Curry is in search of Good News from ministries throughout the Synod of the Sun that are making connections with their congregations and communities? Do you have an idea to share? Send Matt an email at cpcwaxpastor@gmail.com.