FSPA's continued support 'crucial' to Cedar Rapids flood recovery

June 13, 2009, will mark the one year anniversary of Iowa’s flood—reportedly the worst natural disaster in the history of the state. When the river water that covered 10 square-miles of its second largest city—Cedar Rapids—had receded, the community of about 120,000 people found 1,049 of its businesses flooded, 9,000 workers displaced, 1,900 residents evacuated (in addition to those that had already fled) and 5,390 homes flooded, damaged or destroyed (as published by The Gazette and KCRG-TV9 in Epic Surge).

Physically, financially and prayerfully, FSPA continues to be a constant presence in Cedar Rapids. Sister Joann Gehling, adjunct staff member at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, Hiawatha, Iowa, has been acting as a liaison between St. Rose Convent and Villa St. Joseph, Prairiewoods and the FSPA members and affiliates in the Cedar Rapids area. She has helped to procure an FSPA grant and an additional donation from FSPA leadership. Contributions have been made to the FSPA Cedar Rapids Relief Fund as well.

FSPA outreach has spread far—to individuals, families and nonprofit organizations affected by the flood. Food vouchers and gift cards to places like Wal-Mart and Menards were initially given. As needs evolve, rehab materials, appliances and furniture are purchased. At times, transportation is provided. Carloads of food, clothes, bedding, kitchen and household supplies and toys have been driven from La Crosse to Prairiewoods. “Sister Fran Morrissey has been an ongoing angel in assisting with this project,” says Sister Joann. Items have gone directly to families as well as to the Olivet Clothes Closet and St. Vincent de Paul. Waypoint services for women, children and families has also received assistance to resume their aid to others.

Contributions helped to reopen the doors of flood-damaged area churches—places of spiritual support in a time of great need—such as St. Wenceslaus, St. Patrick’s and St. Ludmila’s Catholic churches and St. James United Methodist Church. Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, a nonprofit mission in Cedar Rapids whose outreach supports disadvantaged children, was completely destroyed by the flood. A portion of the FSPA grant was used to help restore services like tutoring, computer labs, music lessons and now, a tool lending library to assist residents in their rehab efforts.

The need for such resources remains constant. “We are still experiencing every phase of recovery,” says FSPA covenant affiliate and Prairiewoods Program Director Mary Ellen Dunford. “Some stores and homes have been refurbished right down to the green grass beginning to grow but there are blocks and blocks of others,” she says, “still boarded up and waiting to be mucked out.”

Mary Ellen’s companion community, Via Chiara, has rallied to raise donations from local affiliates, Prairiewoods staff, community members and friends since last August. “People are willing to give since they know the money is going directly to the families,” she says. Through local churches, Via Chiara has sponsored several families. “By helping one family at a time, it seems like we are making a difference.”

With FSPA financial support, Via Chiara recently helped the first of those families move from their FEMA trailer to a newly purchased mobile home. When unforeseen expenses came up the family turned down an offer for additional aid, paying it forward to other flood victims. Mary Ellen was moved, she says, by their integrity. “It’s a wonderful give and take. We’ve received so much from these families in return.”

Lynette Richards, a guidance counselor for Cedar Rapids’ Metro High School who refers people in need to FSPA, knows both sides of that coin. “The flood hit where the most affordable housing was, displacing at-risk children and families,” she says. Twenty percent of her students were affected by the flood; she and her husband lost their home and his business as well.

Lynette tells the story of a single mother who lost her job, her home and her car. Six weeks after the flood, she lost her infant child to respiratory-related distress more than likely caused by exposure to mold. “She lost to a degree that most people couldn’t begin to understand,” she says. With FSPA funds the woman was given a used car, liability insurance and a gas card, help in arranging child care for her two children and assistance in registering for community college classes. Recently the woman also received a scholarship to attend a grief workshop at Prairiewoods (where area clergy and nonprofit professionals are offered meeting space and spiritual support as well). “She is beginning to feel whole again, empowered again. In my eyes,” says Lynette, “FSPA has done the best job of meeting the total need.”

The one-year milestone is approaching, bringing with it warming weather, workgroups like those from Viterbo University and the Franciscan Spirituality Center in La Crosse, and reflection.

“The flood deepened my compassion for those who are struggling to survive and searching for new hope,” says Sister Joann. She expresses deep gratitude for the response given by so many, “particularly from the FSPA community, affiliates, co-workers and friends.”

As Mary Ellen drives through Cedar Rapids on Interstate 380 she passes a billboard that reads “Below this sign is a great city rebuilding.” “We continue to have hundreds and hundreds of volunteers coming in to help,” she says. “It’s really exciting and wonderful. Thank you.”

Monetary donations are crucial to the recovery of Cedar Rapids. Make checks payable to the Cedar Rapids Flood Relief Fund and send to Madalene Buelow, FSPA Director of Development, 912 Market St., La Crosse, WI 54601-8800.