World Cares Center
September 2021 Newsletter
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A Note From Our Founder,
Lisa Orloff
We will never forget, our sacrifice will not be in vain.
We started as “spontaneous, unaffiliated, community volunteers” responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. We came together, citizens and professional responders with one common goal, to help our community recover.
Over the course of 2001, we realized that the lasting impact of the recovery effort would leave a mark on our souls that we have never experienced in our lifetime. World Cares Center was formed, and its first program, September Space served 45,000 volunteers, responders, survivors, and family members impacted by the attacks of 9/11 and their subsequent service responding. I have no words to describe the unity, commitment, and drive that we all shared to help each other. The experience was life-changing.
In 2007, the city institutionalized 9/11 services and World Cares Center’s focus shifted to addressing the root cause of the pain and suffering that resulted from responding to this catastrophic disaster. To date we have published a field guide that has shifted how we respond as a community, we developed and manage a free emergency operations center platform, a disaster volunteer academy with over 40 safety training available free of charge 24/7 and host an annual Boots on the Ground Exercise so that we can all come together to practice what we have learned. These programs are operational every day. We have helped over one hundred thousand individuals recover their lives and homes and will continue, together.
In commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, and the founding of World Cares Center we will be premiering a 20 year documentary with several partners as well as a small gathering on September 10th. The documentary will also be posted on the World Cares Centers Website.
I look forward to seeing you at one of the many activities we have planned this month to commemorate our collective experiences and celebrate the spirit of the Ready Responder.
With Gratitude,
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COVID-19 Updates + Tips
- Be informed and prepared. Follow the guidance from your Primary Health Care Provider
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer- 70% alcohol or greater.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are not feeling well or become sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as cell phones.
- Be prepared if your child’s school, daycare facility, or work-site is temporarily closed.
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Join Disaster Leaders for a Round Table Discussion!
The Ready Responders Round Table provides leaders and managers the opportunity to discuss the challenges they face in disaster management. This month we will be discussing Food Distribution Safety and its continuing role during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Subject Matter Expert will join us to speak on the importance of Food Distribution in our communities during and after the pandemic.
Ready Responders Round Table
Topic: Food Distribution Safety
Date: Thursday, September 2nd
Time: 1 pm - 2:30 pm
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A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Haiti on August 14, 2021, at 8:29 am local time. World Cares Center has been actively involved in the response with our team members on the island to get up-to-date assessments. We have been working with Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, since the massive earthquake in 2010 and through Hurricane Matthew in 2016. We will continue to support the people of Haiti, as they are some of the most resilient and faithful people on the planet.
Aside from providing immediate supplies such as food and clothing, WCC has focused on a much larger initiative of bringing disaster preparedness, disaster management training, cholera prevention training, family water purification filters, and much more by building the capacity of the community to receive and distribute these items.
Please consider assisting in the relief effort by contributing to the link on our webpage and Thank You for helping us with our mission: To ease the harm, suffering, and loss caused by disasters through the empowerment of under-served, at-risk communities to prevent everyday accidents and react as educated and skilled ready responders when disasters occur.
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Free Cloth and Non Surgical Masks available to all volunteers and front line workers and partner organizations:
For free PPE and free virtual COVID-19 safety training, please email Steven at implementation@worldcares.org.
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Find COVID-19 Vaccines!
Dr. B is a free online tool that connects local community members with potential leftover doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. Once you register with this site, if a dose becomes available that would otherwise expire, you receive a text to alert you. For more information and to register, click here.
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September 21st - Interactive Lunch & Learn
Are you a community volunteer or manager who is responsible for food distribution? Do you want to ensure that you are using safe practices? Then, join us on Tuesday, September 21st, for our Food Distribution Safety training. Our trained facilitator will help you understand what steps to take before volunteering in Food Distribution roles—in addition, accessing the COVID-19 hazards concerning these roles.
Topic: Food Distribution Safety
Date: Tuesday, September 21st
Time: 12 pm - 1pm
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Partner Spotlight
Congratulations to the 24 Summer Youth Employment Program participants from our partner- Regional Ready Rockaway.
These highly motivated individuals have completed 25 hours of Disaster Preparedness & Response Training courses from our Disaster Volunteerism Academy and are now “Ready Responders.”
Ready, Willing, and Able to assist in times of disaster or emergency while working with Dr. Williams and the staff at Regional Ready Rockaway to ensure a more resilient community. Thank you for allowing us to share our knowledge to enhance our future leaders’ lives in building a safer neighborhood.
Regional Ready Rockaway & World Cares Center- Great Partners for a More Resilient Rockaway.
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September Wellness Tip
As we reflect on the last 20 years since the 9/11 attacks and continue to push through the COVID-19 pandemic, let us take a few minutes to understand the importance of physically and emotionally taking care of ourselves. As volunteers and first responders, we often don't think about ourselves in times of disaster. It’s ALWAYS about the service of others. But, it is important to remain balanced by taking "mental & physical" breaks.
WCC offers online Emotional Resiliency courses at our Disaster Volunteerism Academy to give you tips on staying mentally and emotionally healthy. Courses range from COVID-19 Emotional Resiliency for Disaster Volunteers and Workers (DV 101) through Managing Stress in Disaster Response (DV 103).
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Check Out Our New Vaccine Safety Training Courses & Improved Portal
World Cares Center is continuously updating our Disaster Volunteerism Academy learning management portal, which includes over 35 training courses on various disaster readiness, preparedness, and response topics. New Topics Include:
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SAVE THE DATE!
The 20th Commemorative Anniversary Iron Skillet Cook Off!
Don't miss this year's Iron Skillet Cook Off being aired live from Brooklyn Brewery on Monday, October 25, 2021, from 6 - 7 p.m. Join hosts Kirstin Cole of CW 11, and Chef Michael Ayoub of Fornino's as we reflect on the last 20 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Join us in honoring the spirit of cooperation between first responders and community volunteers during times of crisis.
This year's honoree is Michael Barasch of Barasch and McGarry. Michael and his team are committed to the health and well-being of our 9/11 responders.
Our 2021 Iron Skillet Cook Off also represents the generous role of the restaurant industry in disaster recovery and the healing power of food. Once again, five Firehouse chefs, one from each borough, will cook against each other for the coveted 2021 Iron Skillet Cook Off Top Chef Title.
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