After the flood.
The end of August 2011 saw the worst flood Vermont has had in 100 years. Hurricane Irene brought the storms and that after spring and summer floods in the same year. The saturated ground could not soak up any more water and the rushing water consumed many things in its path. Swept away were towns, villages, neighborhoods, schools, roads, homes and people’s belongings of a life time.
What is left is a stronger Vermont; a Vermont which has always looked out for its neighbors and again stepped up to assist family, friends, neighbors and strangers. The work of rebuilding will go on for some time.
Among the displaced is the Vermont Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. We lost our office in Waterbury and were homeless for several weeks. Through friends of the Federation and another small non-profit, Building Bright Futures, we are now settled in a shared office space in Williston. We’ve gone through some of what all natural disaster victims will go through.: shock, disbelief, renewed energy in the face of disaster, then loss of energy as the enormity of what you and many others worse off are going through and will continue to go through. We’ve been blessed by many who have stepped up to help. We did not lose everything, only our office and our familiar, comfortable way of working. We’ve had to grow in different ways than we would have if this flood had not come our way. We are learning to use the technology that was available, but would not have been tapped into other wise. We are learning to be aware and more thankful for what we have.
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During this time, many families lost so much. The calls to our office shortly after the storm almost stopped, then picked up with renewed vigor ever since. Families that had some needs prior to the flood have significantly higher needs now. This week we finally have direct dial-in phone service! Funny how we appreciate those things we have had to lose for a time! Our numbers are:
New Phone number 802 876 7021
toll free is the same and now rings into the office 800 639 6071
fax is the same 802 329 2135
We were able to call back most folks who called during our phone outage time.
Coming through this time, we are reminded how blessed we are and are very thankful!
Kathleen Holsopple
Executive Director VFFCMH