Upcoming Volunteers in Mission Training Sessions and Trip

Simsbury United Methodist Church’s Volunteers in Mission (VIM) continue to be active in Disaster Response Ministry. In May, a Disaster Response Team of 10 volunteers served in the Ft. Myers, FL area, namely Pine Island and Cape Coral. Many areas are now moving into the Long-Term Recovery phase with rebuilding beginning to take place; however, the area continues to have many homeowners in need of assistance! 

We are excited to announce a second VIM Disaster Response Ministry team going to Fort Myers, FL tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, January 24th through Wednesday, January 31st. The anticipated schedule for the January 2024 Florida Trip is:

Depart CT for Ft. Myers Airport - Wed., 1/24/24 (Time TBA)
Work Days - Thursday-Sat., 1/25/24 – 1/27/24
Worship and Rest - Sunday, 1/28/24
Work Days - Monday-Tuesday, 1/29 – 1/30/24
Depart Fort Myers, FL for CT – Wed., 1/31/24 (Time TBA)

The estimated cost of the Trip is $750 with partial to full scholarships available, based on need.

While we encourage volunteers to have been Early Response Team (ERT)-trained, IT IS NOT REQUIRED FOR FLORIDA LONG-TERM RECOVERY REBUILDING WORK! The training prepares you to assist in local disasters, as well, such as ice storms and flooding events! The following ERT training dates are on the SUM calendar:

Nov. 2 & 9
ERT Re-Certification
Virtual on ZOOM
Trainer: Mel Kawakami

Nov. 4
Basic ERT Certification
In-Person at SUM
Trainer: Mel Kawakami

Contact Cassandra Broadus-Garcia by email or call 860-680-6807 for further information about the ERT training sessions, details about the FL trip, and/or how you can help here at home.

 -        Cassandra Broadus-Garcia