DURING TIMES OF DISASTER… BE A LOCAL HERO

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched the New York State Civilian Emergency Response Corps to develop a network of skilled volunteers who assist in ongoing Sandy recovery efforts and to develop a network of volunteers who will be able to respond in future disasters.

The New York State Office for New Americans (ONA) is leading part of this effort to ensure that immigrant communities are a focus of the State’s recovery and preparedness efforts, not only by assisting New Americans as they recover and prepare, but by engaging New Americans to volunteer their specific skills to this community effort. Through its ONA Opportunity Center network, ONA joins the State’s Regional Volunteer Centers in New York City, Long Island, and the Mid-Hudson region in recruiting bilingual skilled-professionals such as: tradespeople, social workers, apprentices, interpreters, insurance experts, engineers, , health professionals, advance students, and other individuals who have specialized skills who could help their community recover from a future disaster.

Become a Volunteer. Once you sign up, volunteer liaisons from the Office for New Americans will be contacting you to connect you with a training session and volunteer opportunities. You may also contact them directly for questions or additional information:

On Long Island:
Kelli Cook
NYS Office for New Americans Volunteer Liaison
kellicook@eoc-nassau.org
(516) 292-9710, ext. 229
Cell: (516) 246-1800

In New York City:
Kiwi Grady
NYS Office for New Americans Volunteer Coordinator
kgrady@thenyic.org
(212) 627-2227, ext. 245

On Staten Island:
Rachael Rinaldo
NYS Office for New Americans Program Coordinator
rrinaldo@ymcanyc.org
(718) 981-4382