August | 2023

In This Issue:

• FEMA Region 3 Resilience Report Highlights ESLTRC
• Maryland VOAD Gets A Gold Star
• Accounting Firm to Maryland VOAD's Rescue
• Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Updates
• Extreme Heat Safety Toolkit
• Friendly Emergency Kit Reminder
• MD VOAD Dues Update
• FCC Affordable Connectivity Program
• EMI Learning Management System Rollout Readiness
• FEMA Coffee Break webinar series
• Facebook page

FEMA Region 3 Resilience Report highlights Eastern Shore Long-Term Recovery Committee

FEMA Region 3, Summer Edition of the Resilience Report contains a feature article about the Eastern Shore Long Term Recovery Committee. Read an excerpt here and follow the link below to access the full report.

This summer, the ESLTRC launched an ambitious effort to elevate and repair an additional 100 homes in the next few years. The committee created a “Blue Ribbon Mitigation Task Force” with a goal of raising $5.5 million for these projects. Organizations serving on the task force include Maryland Department of Emergency Management (MDEM), FEMA Region 3, Team Rubicon, The Nature Conservancy, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, Somerset County Commissioners, Dorchester County Council and the City of Crisfield. Speaking on the importance of mitigation, MD VOAD’s Chair noted how homes elevated after Hurricane Sandy did not see any damage or water intrusion during the 2021 tidal flood event. As climate change leads to more severe and frequent coastal flooding, MD VOAD is focused on helping communities build back better and become more resilient.

To learn more and access the full Report

Maryland VOAD Gets A Gold Star

Maryland VOAD believes in transparency in everything we do, and we have proven that by getting a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

The GuideStar database features the most up-to-date information on more than 2.7 nonprofits. You get to be in that database whether you like it or not, because GuideStar obtains basic information from the Form 990s we all file with the IRS. But nonprofits have a choice for greater recognition – we can show our nonprofit’s true transparency by uploading detailed information about who we are and what we do. Potential donors and grantors can then research us to validate that we are the right organization for their dollars. Getting a Gold Seal is a lot of work but we think it’s worth it.

Extreme Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit

For the first time in FEMA history, the agency’s Ready Campaign announced its #SummerReady" campaign to help promote preparedness and resilience against extreme heat events throughout the Summer.

The announcement includes the launch of FEMA’s official #SummerReady website, which provides extreme heat safety tips for individuals, as well as the Extreme Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit, which provides helpful information and graphics for media and other stakeholders.

The #SummerReady campaign seeks to help mitigate extreme heat risks by reaching targeted populations and boosting awareness of the impacts of extreme heat, while highlighting straightforward steps individuals and families can take to prepare. These FEMA resources can be used to communicate these risks to residents and to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat events in your local community.

Click here to access the toolkit.

Have you paid your dues?

Well most of you have…and the rest of you…you know who you are! 

Dues are used to finance Maryland VOAD’s organizational and administrative costs. So, we need your dollars in a timely manner. Please check to see that you are not on the “naughty list”. THANKS!

E0289 State Volunteer and Donations Management Course



Dates: August 14–17, 2023

Course Length: This course is 4 days in length.

Sign up here.