AT THE RANDOLPH GROUNDBREAKING RECENTLY, Sgt. Ruthie Forgey, corps administrator of the Salvation Army, gives a check for $84,150 to Jim Polier, director of the Long-Term Recovery Organization. In attendance, from left, are Jim Welch, social service coordinator at the Salvation Army; Ben Pennington, disaster relief coordinator at the Salvation Army; Forgey; Janet Randolph, homeowner; Polier; Matt Carlson, local Habitat for Humanity director; and Matt Ryerson, local United Way director. Banner photo, DONNA KAYLOR
The home of Janet Randolph was heavily damaged during the April 27, 2011, outbreak of powerful tornadoes which struck Bradley County.
Jim Polier, director of LTRO said the overall projects of LTRO are winding down but there are still things to do.
“We continue to partner with many organizations to make this happen,” Polier said Thursday during a groundbreaking at the Randolph property on Lee Street.
One key element to the success of LTRO rebuilding projects is not only community support, but that of help from the outside.
Polier said faith-based organizations have been provided tremendous support for the six complete home rebuilds, multiples of repaired homes and unmet needs of the storm victims.
LTRO has actively partnered with Habitat for Humanity, the United Methodist Volunteers in Missions, The Bradley Baptist Association, Men and Women of Action and so many more advocates who have helped rebuild or repair the community after the deadly storms.
The United Way of Bradley County has also served as a partner, housing LTRO and administering funds.
Ruthie Forgey of the Salvation Army was on hand for the Randolph groundbreaking.
She presented a check from the Salvation Army to LTRO to extend further aid.
“Because of the national attention of the storms, the friends and neighbors from afar saw what we were doing. They wanted to get behind us and help and we were able to disperse over $1 million to the Chattanooga area and Bradley County,” said Forgey.
“It is with delight and gratitude we come alongside LTRO and present this check for $84,150 to rebuild and return our community to a new normal.”
Polier said the money will be added to the funds which have been donated through multiple fundraising efforts such as Lee University donations from concerts, LifeCare Centers of America donations, private donations and Rock the Relief efforts.
