NYDIS Recommends April 7 Queens Faith Leader Preparedness Forum
 NYDIS recommends that
Queens religious leaders attend the April 7 Citizen Corps borough-based Emergency Preparedness Forum for
Faith Leaders. These forums have been organized by the Citizen Corps Council in partnership with the
American Red Cross of Greater New York, and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in collaboration with
NYDIS and other Citizen Corps members, to promote best practices and to support clergy networking at the
neighborhood level in all boroughs. NYDIS board members and staff are among the many subject matter experts
on the forum faculty. All of NYDIS's mitigation education and preparedness training resources are available
for free to forum participants. To date, 200 clergy have attended the previous forums in the Bronx,
Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
Upcoming forum schedule:
Queens: April 7, Queens Museum of Art
Staten Island: TBA
To register for free: click here or call 718.422.8904
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NYDIS Responds to East Side Crane Collapse - St. Peter's Hosts FAC
On March 15, a crane collapsed at a construction site on the East Side of Manhattan, killing 6 construction workers and
1 resident to date and injuring at least 28 other workers and civilians. The collapse caused millions of dollars of
damage to surrounding residential buildings, which were evacuated immediately. On March 16, NYDIS was activated by the
New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) to provide relief support for this emergency. Through
NYDIS’s HOWCALM™ system, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on 54th Street and Lexington Avenue has been
activated
as a Family Assistance Center. It will be open from 9:00 am- 9:00 pm March 17 through March 22. The Salvation Army, a
NYDIS member, was activated Saturday and has been providing canteen services to recovery workers and residents on site.
The American Red Cross has also been on scene providing mental health support and direct assistance as well as
sheltering displaced families.
Residents seeking assistance can go to:
The Family Assistance Center
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
619 Lexington Avenue (between 53rd and 54th Sts.)
Call or visit:
1-877-REDCROSS
www.nyredcross.org/cranecollapse
To donate to NYDIS’s recovery effort:
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=3445
For more information about the response, see OEM’s March 17 press
release:
www.nyc.gov/html/oem/html/pr/08_03_17_crane_collapse.shtml
:: NYDIS and Partners Complete Emergency Rest Center (ERC) Pilot
In collaboration with Judson Memorial Church (Manhattan), NYU’s World Faith Program, and the NYC Office of
Emergency Management (NYC OEM), NYDIS has completed the development of a three-hour curriculum for its Emergency Rest
Center (ERC) training. Over 20 volunteers from Judson participated in the first pilot training on Tuesday, March 11.
Feedback from that pilot was used to finalize the curriculum. NYDIS will launch the training city-wide in April. Over
40 houses of worship are pre-registered with HOWCALM™.
NYDIS ERCs are houses of worship who volunteer to self-activate or be activated by NYDIS to serve the public by
offering hospitality and safe haven during emergencies. They also can be activated as cooling or heating centers. NYDIS
trains houses of worship to meet criteria established in conjunction with NYC OEM. It also provides training and
operational guidance for volunteers and volunteer managers from NYDIS ERC houses of worship. If your house of worship
wishes to participate, please contact NYDIS or register in HOWCALM™ (www.howcalm.org) with an indication of your
interest.
If you have questions, contact:
Ruth Wenger, Interim Coordinator of Community Outreach and Training
212.669.6104
rwenger@nydis.org
:: NYDIS Executive Director Presents at Preparedness Conference in Buffalo
NYDIS Executive Director & CEO Peter Gudaitis was a featured presenter at the Crossing Borders Emergency Preparedness
Conference in Buffalo, NY on March 13 and 14. Hosted by Niagara University and regional emergency managers, the two-day
conference offered tracks in Public Health & Healthcare; Emergency Management, Leadership, & Governmental
Affairs; Public Safety & First Responders; Business Continuity & Risk Management; and Community
Preparedness & Participation. Mr. Gudaitis led a workshop entitled “Building Interfaith Partnerships &
Training Models for Readiness, Response, and Recovery” as part of the Community Preparedness & Participation
track.
For more information about the conference:
www.niagara.edu/BorderCommunityService/CrossingBordersConference.htm
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NYC
9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Updates
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NYC 9/11 In-Service Training for Case Workers
In-Service Training is required for case workers who have never presented a case at the
Roundtable, and is recommended as
a refresher for experienced case workers who have previously presented cases. All
training
sessions take place at NYDIS ( map).
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NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable Schedule
The NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable brings together donors and agencies providing case management
services to financially assist individuals impacted by 9/11. Case managers who would like to present a
case to the Roundtable must sign up for a case review meeting with the Moderator. Case review hours are
posted on a bi-weekly basis on 9/11 RWCAN at https://911rwcan.communityos.org/cms/
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Thursday, March 27 - 9:30 am-12:00 pm (Open)
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Thursday, April 10 - 9:30 am-12:00 pm (Open)
To RSVP, contact:
Lida Mora, Moderator, NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable
212.669.6139
lmora@nydis.org
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NYC 9/11 Case Management Coordination Meetings
NYDIS hosts monthly Case Management Coordination meetings for service providers that are assisting
9/11 recovery workers
and the general 9/11-affected community. These meetings are open to representatives from any
service providers that wish to coordinate and share information about their services and the
community's needs.
To RSVP, contact:
Lida Mora, Moderator, NYC 9/11 Unmet Needs Roundtable
212.669.6139
lmora@nydis.org
:: NYC 9/11 Recovery Resources
A comprehensive list of news, updates and resources for 9/11 victims and
injured
recovery workers, updated weekly:
www.nydis.org/911
:: Recovery Resources for Other NYC Area Disasters
www.nydis.org/nyarea
:: Historic WTC Survivors' Staircase Moves
On March 9, the Vesey Street Stair Remnant, also known as the Survivors’ Stairway, was moved into temporary storage
until it is eventually preserved in the WTC Memorial Museum. The Stairway is the only surviving above-ground remnant
of the World Trade Center, where it served as an essential path to safety for many survivors on 9/11. It will be
placed in the Memorial Museum as a reminder of the WTC, 9/11, and all the events that followed. Port Authority, the
Memorial, and preservationists worked together to ensure that the stair was moved carefully and safely.
Read the press release: click here
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GAO Report on NIOSH's 9/11 Health Cost Estimates Released
On March 12, Senators Charles Schumer, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Frank Lautenberg, and Robert Menedez, and Representatives
Carolyn Maloney, Jerrold Nadler, and Vito Fossella released a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO)
concerning the National Institute for Occupational Safety’s (NIOSH) 9/11 health cost estimates. The report
concludes that, over the course of the past year, NIOSH has improved its cost estimates for WTC medical monitoring and
treatment, lowering the total expected cost to $218.5 million for FY 2008 from the $230 to $283 million estimated for
FY 2007. This new number is based on the actual costs of monitoring and treatment in 2007.
To read the press release from the Office of Congresswoman Maloney: click here
To read the GAO report: click here
::
Health of Journalists and Photographers Impacted by 9/11 Events
On and after 9/11, journalists and photographers from across the United States rushed to Lower Manhattan to capture the
events. Photo District News Online reports that many were exposed to the toxic smoke and fumes at Ground Zero as a
result. Six and a half years later, they describe experiencing debilitating health effects, similar to those that
recovery workers face, that now prevent them from working their jobs and having a normal life. Many of them mention
that they were not aware of the dangers of the air since the area had been deemed safe by the EPA. While the deadline
for recovery workers to register for workers’ compensation has been extended until August 14 of this year, the
deadline for journalists has not been extended.
Read the article in Photo District News: click here
:: Pope to Make Pastoral Visit to the World Trade Center Site
On Sunday, April 20, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will visit the WTC site. The Archdiocese of New York is organizing
an honor guard of 9/11 family members for his visit. Members of the honor guard will be chosen by lottery, as
participation in the event is extremely limited. The Archdiocese welcomes recommendations for the lottery until March
24. Selected members will be notified in early April. The visit will be televised.
To recommend a 9/11 family member for the honor guard:
www.archny.org/papalvisit/papal-visit-to-ground-zero---recommend-a-family/
For more information about the Pope’s visit:
www.archny.org/papalvisit/
From Our Members &
Partners
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Sikh Coalition Meets with Attorney General about Sikh Concerns
Two weeks ago, Attorney General Michael Mukasey met with representatives from faith communities across the United
States for conversation about each community’s respective concerns. The Sikh Coalition represented the Sikh
community at this meeting, where Amandeep Singh (Sidhu), from the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP,
outlined the kinds of hate crimes and discrimination that American Sikhs continue to face in many places and
situations, from airports to schools. General Mukasey assured the Sikh Coalition that he and the Department of
Justice are dedicated to enforcing religious freedom and justice. The Sikh Coalition acclaims his support and
eagerness to engage with religious communities about issues they encounter as a result of their faith.
Read the March 14 advisory on the Sikh Coalition website:
www.sikhcoalition.org/advisories/AttorneyGeneralMeeting.htm
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HSC Announces Interim Senior Director for Disaster Preparedness and Response
HSC recently announced that Eric Brettschneider will serve as their Interim Senior Director for Disaster
Preparedness and Response. An experienced human services professional, Mr. Brettschneider served as the Executive
Director of Agenda for Children Tomorrow for over 18 years. Most recently, he worked for the United Way of NYC as
their Interim Senior Vice President. He also teaches at NYU. HSC is pleased to welcome his guidance and support.
Contact Eric Brettschneider:
917.288.0080
ebrettschneider@gmail.com
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NVOAD Now Accepting New Members
National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) has approved its updated membership criteria and now is
taking applications for new members. NVOAD works to coordinate planning and response efforts during and after
disasters to increase the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of that response. This kind of collaboration between
agencies is becoming increasingly important as the number and scope of disasters continues to rise. Organizations
with voluntary membership and financial accountability that provide disaster relief services are welcomed to apply.
Read the letter from Diana Rothe-Smith, NVOAD Executive Director: click here
View the Membership Criteria and Application: click here
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National Disaster Interfaiths Network (NDIN) Launches Membership Drive
 The National Disaster
Interfaiths Network (NDIN) is pleased to announce that it has been incorporated with the
State of New York and now enjoys 501(c)(3) status. NDIN was founded in 2006 by a group of Executive Directors
from local, regional, and state disaster interfaith organizations. The network was launched at the 2007 National
VOAD Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico last summer. Its mission is to reduce disaster-caused human
suffering through the exchange of information and cooperative support across the nation. On February 1st, NDIN
released its corporate documents as well as its Program Profile and 2008 Membership Application.
Its website, www.n-din.org, will be available in March. All local, regional,
and state disaster interfaiths are invited to join.
To become a member of NDIN, submit the Membership Application: click here
To view the NDIN Program Overview: click here
For more information, contact:
Emily Stoneham, VISTA Member, NDIN
212.669.6116
estoneham@n-din.org
ADVOCACY & BACKLASH MITIGATION
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NYC OEM Coordinates Advocacy Effort to Amend the Stafford Act
At the end of February, the New York City Office of Emergency Management (NYC OEM) wrote and distributed letters of
support for the recently introduced, human services-related amendments to the Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act. OEM encouraged other NYC human services organizations to also send these letters to the
appropriate U.S. Representatives and Senators to show their support of the amendments. If passed, the bills will
increase the amount of assistance money that victims of disasters receive and therefore will make the money that
disaster services organizations spend go farther. NYDIS and many of its member agencies sent letters in support of
the legislation.
To receive a copy of the letters NYDIS sent, contact:
Alison VanBuskirk, VISTA Member, Communications
212.669.6102
avanbuskirk@nydis.org
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CDC Releases Public Health Preparedness Report
On February 20, the Centers for Disease Control’s Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Response
released its report, Public Health Preparedness: Mobilizing State by State. The report outlines key
improvements in public health emergency preparedness in states and cities across the United States since 9/11.
These improvements come in the areas of disease detection and investigation, the number of public health
laboratories, states’ response plans, and available trainings. The report also pinpoints areas of public
health preparedness that need further development, including states’ abilities to quickly distribute
medications to the public and the use of technology to increase readiness and response. Along with a national
report, CDC has released information specific to each of the 50 states along with Chicago, Los Angelos County, New
York City, and Washington DC.
Read the NYC report: click here
See reports for all locations:
www.bt.cdc.gov/publications/feb08phprep/
Read the CDC press release:
www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2008/r080220.htm
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NYDIS Preparedness Resources
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Is Your House of Worship Registered with HOWCALM™?
 Available to NYC faith communities and houses of worship, NYDIS has developed HOWCALM™, a free, secure,
web-based database system for managing faith-based assets in times of crisis. By tracking the logistics and
resources of houses of worship, religious schools, and faith-based service providers, the system enhances
preparedness, response capacity, and emergency planning efforts in NYC. Enrolling in
HOWCALM ™ provides congregations with access to the emergency communication system as well
as disaster training opportunities. It also enhances NYDIS’s ability to work in partnership with OEM and
Human Service agencies in their emergency planning and preparedness efforts.
For more information download the brochure on pdf: click here
To register your House of Worship: click here
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Cold Weather Preparedness
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Centers for Disease Control: Cool Tip of the Week
“Wind can lower the ambient temperature. If the temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind is
blowing at 15 mph, the windchill is -19 degrees Fahrenheit. Exercise caution and dress appropriately in
windy conditions even if the temperature is not excessively cold.”
For more winter weather tips from CDC:
www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/
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Pandemic Flu Preparedness
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Pandemic Flu Guide: Ministry & Hope During The Pandemic Influenza
Developed for a May 2007 conference in Virginia for religious leaders held by the Fairfax County Health
Department, Ministry & Hope During The Pandemic Influenza offers a pandemic flu overview
and helpful guidance for faith communities as they create preparedness plans. The guide takes the
emotional and spiritual aspects of pandemic preparedness into account to frame the readiness strategies
it suggests.
Read the guide: click here
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View the Progress at Ground Zero
As rebuilding continues at Ground Zero, the area is gradually transforming. The site was turned over to contractor
Larry Silverstein in mid-February, and construction on two of the office buildings is beginning. Looking at the
progress there brings hope for the future of Lower Manhattan six and a half years after 9/11.
For the latest images of planned development, visit:
www.wtc.com
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GAO Report on National Disaster Response
The Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report, “National Disaster Response: FEMA Should Take
Action to Improve Capacity and Coordination between Government and Voluntary Sectors,” discusses the roles of
FEMA, the Red Cross, and NVOAD during disasters. The report found that FEMA, rather than the Red Cross, should be
the primary agency to oversee mass care during disasters because of its resources and its contact with other federal
agencies. Mass care services for the disabled particularly need improvement. The report also concludes that FEMA
should take a more active role in supporting NVOAD and coordinating between the government and voluntary
organizations to improve communication and information sharing during response efforts.
Read the report: click here
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Book Review: Disaster Spiritual Care: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy
Edited by the Rev. Willard W. C. Ashley Sr., DMin, DH and Rabbi Stephen B. Roberts, BCJC, Disaster Spiritual
Care: Practical Clergy Responses to Community, Regional and National Tragedy was written for religious leaders
from all faiths who are involved with disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Contributors from a wide range
of faith traditions offer their perspectives and insight about their experiences working with disasters. They address
topics that are relevant to congregations and faith-based organizations, including understanding the impact of
disasters on communities, being aware of coping mechanisms, and recognizing compassion fatigue in caregivers. By
integrating information about the physical aspects of disaster response with the spiritual and psychological aspects
of people’s reactions, this book is a valuable and comprehensive resource for faith communities. It is
published by SkyLight Paths Publishing and is now available
at www.skylightpaths.com.
View an informational flyer:
click here
Order the book: click here
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Scholarship Opportunity: The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation
The Michael Lynch Memorial Foundation is a scholarship program for children of New York City firefighters, victims
of September 11, and victims of other disasters and fires. Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded over $800,000 in
college scholarships to help these children afford a higher education. The application deadline for this year is
April 30. The winners will be announced on June 30.
Download the application:
www.mlynch.org/ml/application.htm
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Scholarship Opportunity: IAEM Scholarship Program
The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) Scholarship Program has scholarship money available for
undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in emergency management or a similar field. Applications are
due on May 16.
Download the application:
www.iaem.com/resources/scholarships/documents/2008ScholarshipApplication.pdf
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NYCOSH/NYS AFL-CIO Workers’ Compensation Conference
Changes in New York State Workers’ Compensation Law:
What Do They Mean to Injured Workers?
Thursday, March 20
9 am – 1 pm
Breakfast served at 8:30 am
Cornell ILR School
16 East 34th Street, 6th Floor
Co-sponsored by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), the New York State AFL-CIO, and Cornell ILR
School Labor Programs, this event will focus on changes in NY State workers’ compensation laws and how they affect injured
workers. Speakers include Zachary Weiss’ Chairperson of the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board; M. Patricia
Smith, Commissioner of New York State Department of Labor; and Denis Hughes, President of New York State AFL-CIO. Panelists include
Michael Lax from the Central New York Occupational Health Clinical Center, Stephen Levin from the Irving J. Selikoff
Occupational and Environmental Health Clinic, and Eric Frumin from UNITE-HERE.
For more information: click here
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Institute for Disaster Mental Health Conference
Friday, April 11
All-day
SUNY at New Paltz, NY
The Institute for Disaster Mental Health’s 5th annual conference, “Healing the Scars of War,”
is for spiritual leaders and mental health professionals who provide services to veterans. Morning keynote
speakers will highlight several approaches to assessment and treatment of service personnel and their
families. Afternoon workshops will provide mental health practitioners and spiritual care providers with
in-depth information, guidance, and training.
For more information:
www.newpaltz.edu/idmh
Online pre-registration begins January 15:
www.newpaltz.edu/cas/currentevents.html
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Yale Center for Public Health Preparedness Conference
April 17-18
New Haven, CT
Titled, “Community Preparedness: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Populations,” this conference will aim
to provide participants with tools that can be used to plan for the needs of special, at-risk, and vulnerable
populations during an emergency. Topics include emergency preparedness for diverse populations, ethical principles
of emergency management, and risk communication.
See the informational flyer: click here
Register for the conference:
http://publichealth.yale.edu/ycphp/conference.html
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Geriatric Mental Health and Emergency Preparedness: A Certificate Program
April 25, May 2, 6, 16, & 23
8:45 am- 4:00 pm
J.J. Peters VA Medical Center
130 W. Kingsbridge Rd., Bronx
This certificate program will cover topics including Geriatric Mental Health and Disaster Preparedness, Humor in
Healing and Stress Management during Disasters, the Role of Clergy as Responders in Disasters and Emergencies, and
Alzheimer’s Disease and Emergency Preparedness. The five-day training is free for all J.J. Peters VA Medical
Center staff and costs $200 for all others.
To see the agenda: click here
To register, go to:
www.nygec.org
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Annual National VOAD Conference
May 5 – 8
Little Rock, AR
The 16th Annual VOAD Conference, “Pathways to Partnership," will hold pre-conference meetings Monday
and Tuesday, and Kick-Off events start Tuesday night. Responding to attendee feedback, there will be more
opportunity to network with “Talkshops,” facilitated discussions around topics of interest. It
will take place at the Peabody Little Rock at 3 Statehouse Plaza.
For more information:
www.nvoad.org/annualconf1.php
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Long Island/ New York City Emergency Management Conference
May 28-29
Hilton Long Island
Melville, New York
Intended for business and emergency management professionals, the 15th Annual Long Island/New York City Emergency
Management Conference is titled, “No Man is an Island: Disaster Survival Through Regional Support.”
Presentations and speakers will concentrate on the importance of interagency cooperation and support during
disasters. With this focus on collaboration, the conference will cover topics such as campus safety and dealing
with natural disasters.
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth B. O’Neill
emconference@optonline.net
Visit the conference website:
www.linycemconference.com
Job & Volunteer Opportunities
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NYDIS, Communications Volunteers
NYDIS is seeking volunteers to provide support for the Communications office. Positions begin immediately.
To apply, please email a Letter of Inquiry and Resume to:
pgudaitis@nydis.org or fax to 212.669.6101.
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NYDIS, Community Outreach & Training Volunteers
NYDIS is seeking volunteers to support disaster preparedness/training programs and to perform other outreach duties
under staff direction. Positions begin immediately.
To apply, please email a Letter of Inquiry and Resume to:
pgudaitis@nydis.org or fax to 212.669.6101.
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Catholic Charities, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) is seeking to hire a Disaster Preparedness Coordinator to write,
evaluate, and implement their disaster response plans. Additionally, the Coordinator will ensure that CCBQ is
active in the NYC disaster preparedness community and coordinate internal and external emergency preparedness.
For the job description: click here
To apply, send resume and cover letter to:
Nina Valmonte
Associate Director
Parish & Community Outreach and Services
nvalmonte@ccbq.org
Fax: 718.722.6233
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Government Disaster Human Services and Other Jobs
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Support NYDIS - Donate Online
 If you'd
like to make a donation to assist NYDIS in its mission of providing faith-based disaster services,
click here, or send a check to NYDIS
at 22 Cortlandt Street,
20th Fl., New York, NY 10007. NYDIS is a 501(c)(3)
corporation and contributions are 100% tax deductible. It is a great way to
honor or memorialize someone and we will send an acknowledgement of your gift.
To donate online, go to the NYDIS homepage and click "Make a Donation":
www.nydis.org
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Online 9/11 Client Inquiry
Form