As the Christmas season approaches, families in Western North Carolina face the daunting task of recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastating flooding and landslides in late September. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh stepped forward last month with a gift of hope and resilience: the Catholic Charities USA Essentials for Disaster Case Managers training.
The two-day comprehensive training equips volunteers and staff from various organizations with essential skills to act as disaster case managers and guide families through the long-term recovery process to get back on their feet – rebuilding their lives. The trainings in Arden, NC and Boone, NC were presented by two Catholic Charities staff members, Daniel Altenau, Director of Communications and Disaster Services, and Emilie Hart, Cape Fear Regional Director.
Altenau said he’s encouraged by the work Catholic Charities is doing to provide support to local organizations providing long-term services and streamlined processes for families so desperately in need.
He said, “one aspect of the training that I am particularly proud of is the activities integrated throughout the two days. The training covers an extensive amount of content which can feel overwhelming at times. By breaking the training up with activities, participants can put what they learn into action, identify areas that remained unclear, and get answers in the moment.” Adding, the goal is to have participants able to implement what they’ve learned immediately after the training ends and for as long as they’re needed.
“Disaster recovery is not a sprint; it’s a marathon,” said Altenau. “This training ensures case managers have the skills to navigate complex recovery processes and help families rebuild their lives after Hurricane Helene or any disaster they face.”
The training features interactive exercises, review of customizable disaster case management forms, and the ability to develop invaluable skills for client interaction. Those attending also learned how to work effectively with Long-Term Recovery Groups and use motivational interviewing techniques to empower survivors.
Cape Fear Regional Director Emilie Hart shared that, “by developing personalized recovery plans, these disaster case managers will ensure that no one is left behind in the journey to normalcy. Their efforts will be instrumental in transforming chaos into coordinated recovery efforts, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected,” said Hart.
Participants praised the two-day sessions as “engaging,” “approachable,” and “authentic.” One attendee noted, “The training was informative, easy to follow, and helpful even for those with no prior disaster case management experience.” Another highlighted the value of community-building activities, saying, “It provided an opportunity to connect with other trainees and practice the skills taught.”
Altenau shared an example of how long the ‘road to recovery’ can take. “Following Hurricane Matthew and Hurricane Florence, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh worked with families for five to six years. In this case, recovery for some families could take seven to ten years.”
The two-day training covered topics such as FEMA’s sequence of delivery, maintaining client confidentiality, and understanding the needs of vulnerable populations… with discussions facilitated in a way to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants.
Hart said, “the goal was clear: to equip local case managers with the skills necessary to navigate the intricate web of disaster assistance and to provide a lifeline to affected families. This training was not just about imparting knowledge; it was about empowering communities to rebuild and recover with dignity.”
As the countless families in the Mountains struggle to rebuild, Catholic Charities leaders reinforce support for Western NC neighbors in need… aligning perfectly with the Catholic Charities mission of providing help and creating hope.
“Recovering from a disaster isn’t just about rebuilding homes; it’s about restoring hope,” said Lisa Perkins, CEO of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh. “Our organization is proud to help communities not only survive but thrive after hardship. We’re committed to seeing NC mountain families thrive again.”
The next Disaster Case Management Training in Western NC is currently being planned for January 2025.