Disaster Child Care to work in New Orleans throughout 2007.

The Disaster Child Care (DCC) ministry of the Church of the Brethren General Board has been requested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide child care for a "Road Home" Program in New Orleans throughout the year 2007.

To assist people returning to the area after being evacuated from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA is opening a "Louisiana Welcome Home Center" in New Orleans on Jan. 2. This One-Stop-Shop will house agencies and organizations that can provide resources to people returning home. FEMA has requested a child care center in the One-Stop-Shop, reported DCC coordinator Helen Stonesifer. "FEMA anticipates that this assistance will be available for one year, therefore, this will be an ongoing DCC project," her report said.

"This is an excellent opportunity for all certified child care volunteers who are available to respond," Stonesifer added. "It will also allow us the privilege of scheduling persons ahead of time," she noted.

Three regions of volunteers for Disaster Child Care have been activated so far to respond in New Orleans. Volunteers will be requested to serve for two-week periods. A team of four will be deployed initially to serve for a first two-week period.

For additional information visit www.disasterchildcare.org or call the DCC Office at 800-451-4407 (option 5).

Source: 12/20/2006 Newsline