(Joplin, MO) – Joplin’s response to and recovery from the devastating EF-5 tornado on May 22, 2011 has inspired many. The Joplin HOPE Center for Disaster Recovery is being established to serve as a comprehensive resource of digitized primary source material when disasters strike other communities. It will also be open to researchers, journalists, and others looking at what steps can be taken to better prepare communities.
The Center is a partnership created by Missouri Southern State University, The City of Joplin, Joplin Schools, and other organizations.
“From the community and local government perspective, the search for relatable and trusted recovery guidance can be time-consuming and frustrating,” said Jane Cage, co-founder of the Center. “While these groups benefit from federal and state recovery expertise, it is learning the best practices of their peers — other communities and local governments that have managed long-term disaster recovery — that they truly covet. The Joplin Hope Project provides this assistance in a digital format that shortens the recovery learning curve. Specifically, it will provide our battle-tested example of recovery plans, strategies, grant applications, engagement efforts, and timetables. The Joplin Hope Project is our opportunity to pay it forward.”
Dr. Kerry Sachetta, assistant superintendent of operations with the Joplin School District, said: “The Joplin HOPE Center for Disaster Recovery is an opportunity for Joplin Schools to memorialize the effort directly afterward, planning for the future, and rebuilding our schools after the devastating 2011 tornado. By collecting and cataloging school district documents, pictures, stories, and lessons learned, we can preserve our efforts to honor the victims, meet the challenge and share our experience with school districts and researchers for generations to come.”
The Center is welcoming local participation in two areas: collecting materials that should be included and accepting financial assistance to underwrite the development of the database and website.
To learn more, visit joplindisastercenter.com
References:
Jane Cage, Co-Founder
Joplin HOPE Center for Disaster Recovery
417.438.6831
jane@janecage.com
Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer
City of Joplin
417.624.0820, ext. 204
Kerry Sachetta, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Joplin Schools
417.625.5200, ext. 2006
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