Disaster Recovery Services (DRS) is the community partnership for long-term tornado recovery. Since announcing the partnership in late-June, the group has been working diligently to restore lives in Jackson and Madison County.

“I am truly amazed at the way our community leaders and service organizations have come together quickly to care for the people in our area who were devastated by the tornadoes,” said Larry Dooley, chairperson of Disaster Recovery Services. “Through the efforts of over 25 agencies, we are working hard with individuals to make their lives whole again.”

Disaster Recovery Services is the partnership coordinating the delivery of long-term recovery assistance to the victims of the May 4, 2003 tornadoes that hit Jackson and Madison County. Under the direction of Larry Dooley, the partnership will utilize all available resources to help the most people. By working together and sharing information, the partnership’s goal is to eliminate abuse of the recovery assistance.

"This is a community partnership at its finest," stated Gail Gaddie, DRS secretary/treasurer and pastor of Lambuth Memorial Methodist Church. "Experienced people and organizations are working with those affected to determine what needs are not being met. As a group, they decide the most effective way to restore those lives and present their recommendations to the board for approval.”

How does the partnership work? People needing help related to the tornadoes need to call 731-554-9191. Caseworkers interview the individuals and families and get all the necessary information. Once all the information has been collected, the caseworker will bring the case to DRS’ distribution committee. At its meetings, the committee discusses the individual cases, evaluates all the assistance the individual or family has received and determines if there is a genuine unmet need. If the need is authentic, the committee will work together and share the group’s resources to meet the unmet need. The working committee submits its recommendations to the board for final approval of funding and closure of the case.

The partnership’s board was selected from among the DRS membership, representatives of the major contributors and other community leaders. The distribution committee is the working group of individuals from organizations that have expertise in service and disaster situations.

Agencies involved in this effort include Affordable Housing, African American Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross/Jackson Area Chapter, Area Agency on Aging, Area Relief Ministries, Catholic Charities, Christ the King Church, City of Jackson, County of Madison, East Jackson Task Force, Federal Emergency Management (FEMA), Habitat for Humanity, Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Area Ministerial Association (JAMA), Jackson Housing Authority, Lutheran Disaster Response/TN, Madison/Chester/Crockett Baptist Association, Mennonite Disaster Services, Regional Interfaith Association, Salvation Army, Southwest Human Resource Agency, The Dream Center, United Churches of Christ, United Methodist Association, United Way of West Tennessee, West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation, and West Tennessee Legal Services. Additional members may be added at any time.

Disaster Recovery Services was originally formed following the 1999 tornadoes. The partnership had thirteen members from throughout the community that combined their knowledge and resources to help with the community’s long-term recovery. The team invested approximately $222,000 in over 100 families to make them “whole again” following the storms.

Individuals needing more information or help should call 731-554-9191. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to United Way's Disaster Recovery Fund, P.O. Box 2086, Jackson, TN 38302; and West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation's Storm Aid Fund, 708 W. Forest, Jackson, TN 38301. Inquiries may also be sent to Disaster Recovery Services, P O Box 2086, Jackson, Tenn. 38302.

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