WHY DID NRV CDRC ADD DISASTER SPIRITUAL CARE TO THE TEAM?
During our response to the VT shootings our community was inundated with people who professed to be clergy and many of these became part of the problem rather then the recovery. The lead agency for the mental health recovery, the NRV Community Services Board, requested that NRV CDRC put together a Disaster Spiritual Care training program and incorporate this element into our organization for future disaster response. Disaster Spiritual Care training emphasizes that we provide spiritual support to people of all faiths, that disaster is NOT an opportunity for evangelization, recruitment or opportunistic fundraising and provides a professional standard and coherent system for those of any faith who are certified and part of the team to mobilize and provide Disaster Spiritual Support Services along with Disaster Mental Health teams.
- People will turn to clergy more than mental health for support and guidance
- Disaster can create spiritual crisis
- Disaster can be a personal spiritual growth process
- Faith is an important resource for many to use when life is disrupted
Disaster Spiritual Care respects all faiths and seeks to work within the religious and cultural context of the individual who needs assistance.
To become part of the Disaster Spiritual Care Team:
Complete the application below AFTER you have received the training. Please attach your background check clearance report to the application.
Disaster Spiritual Care team members will have identification badges and apparel that will allow them to be involved in drills and emergency response operations in the future to provide better security for survivors and victim family members.
Many faith congregations may opt to have disaster related ministries and all faith groups need to have Continuity of Operations Plans to sustain their organization in times of disaster. NRV CDRC can facilitate identification and implementation of disaster related ministry as well as providing guidance on writing the Continuity of Operations Plan.
NRV CDRC has conducted four trainings to date and continues to provide training for this important component of disaster support. We welcome our new team members!
