F.A.Q.
2012 FACT SHEET
VOAD ROLE:
To support agencies providing response during community emergency or disaster. VOAD is not, nor should it ever become, a direct response agency. VOAD supports response agencies through communican, coordination, education, convening mechanisms, outreach, mitigation and leadership development.
RATIONALE:
The Kansas City metropolitan region has experienced several sizeable disasters in recent years: 1993 Floods, 2002 Ice Storm, 2003 Tornadoes, 2005 Gulf Coast Evacuee Response. In all cases, voluntary agencies and faith-based organizations have been leaders in providing front-line and immediate assistance to those affected regardless of declaration status. Community response by voluntary agencies begins immediately following a disaster. Government organizations often are resource limited, especially without a federal declaration. To be most efficient, near-term and long-term response must be coordinated.
Each VOAD member agency brings certain program areas of expertise targeted to differing phases of the response and recovery process. No member agency has consistent strength or presence in every community. Our strength of response is in our diversity.
STRUCTURE:
1) Co-Chairs; Recorder; Treasurer; Member Agencies; Unmet Needs Committee
2) Bi-monthly membership meetings, generally with a topical focus related to disaster preparedness, response and recovery
3) Organizing Protocols for communication and coordination following community emergency or disaster
CONTACT:
Dee Smith, Salvation Army, Co-Chair
(816) 471-4337 (office)
(816) 898-9830 (cell)
DeeSmith@usc.salvationarmy.org
Pat Cundiff, Community Volunteer, Co-Chair
(913) 645-4362 (cell and home)
