March News and Updates
Eastland Complex Wildfire Update
This month, United Rescue Alliance took time to acknowledge the one-year anniversary of the Eastland Complex Wildfires. This disaster impacted over 85 homes and left many households in the Eastland Complex communities without homes or physical resources. United Rescue Alliance was committed to assisting these communities in whatever ways possible. URA provided long and short-term case management and funding distribution.
All impacted households were invited to request funding and case management services. Assistance was provided based on requests submitted by the family and their level of need. URA assisted those that requested case management services by helping them create a personal recovery plan that worked for their household and encouraging them to stick to it.
This month, our team took two trips to visit survivors and distribute donated heaters. With donated funds, URA purchased an RV for a client. This RV allowed her to move back to her land and ensured she had a safe home!
Having distributed the remainder of the financial resources, United Rescue Alliance would like to extend a big "thank you" to The Community Foundation of Abilene and all the generous donors, first responders, and volunteers. We are so grateful to have been a part of the recovery and transformation in the Eastland Complex communities!
URA Guatemala Updates
This month, United Rescue Alliance Guatemala visited a community called El Jocotillo, Villa Canales. While there, the team distributed 108 pounds of food! The 27-pound bags had food items like beans, rice, cooking oil, pasta, and oatmeal. While there, Dr. Brenda de Zamora and the team gave sandwiches to the children and families, allowing them to share the gospel and pray for people.
While the team had the attention of the community members, they were able to give out and teach about the Watts of Love Lights. These lights are an incredible resource for those without another source of power. With a 120-hour battery when fully charged and solar power recharging, these lights are a vital resource!
March was also a month of team building and training for the URA Guatemala team! The team is proud to announce the successful disaster response training of 30 volunteers who live in disaster-prone areas. They received training on assessing and providing immediate care for disaster survivors! Finally, the URA Guatemala team hosted a team building and worship night with our partner organization, TheOne Kafé!
Team Updates
United Rescue Alliance is expanding! We are excited to announce that this month, Brad Gilley and Diana Morrell joined our team.
Meet Brad Gilley! Brad joined the URA team as the Volunteer and Program Coordinator. Brad has been married to his wife for 31 years, helped raise three daughters, and will be soon graduating to grandpa. Brad served in the USAF and retired after 21 years of service.
During his last 3 years of military service, he started an undergraduate program at Liberty University Online and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2013. Through this program, he received a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Brad expressed that he has since utilized his degree in the workplace to promote others around him to serve as Jesus would, to move forward in business, and expand the Kingdom of God.
Meet Diana Morrell! Diana is our new Hospitality Coordinator. She was born and raised in Abilene, left after college, and returned 40 years later to care for her aging parents. Though both parents have passed, Diana and her husband David have remained in Abilene, which she has always seen as “home.” During her time away from Abilene, she owned and operated small business where she developed a variety of skills.
Diana spent 21 years at Morrell Jewelry in Boerne, Texas where her husband was the jeweler/watchmaker, and she was store manager/bookkeeper. Since her move to Abilene she has been active in several ministries including Taylor County Jail Ministry, Church on the Rock, Roar Tent Ministry and Abilene Street Church. Diana has 3 daughters and sons in law, 6 grandchildren (3 married), and 5 great-grandchildren - they all bring her great joy! She says her passion is “King Jesus Christ and being a part of what He does on earth.” Diana says she is excited to be a part of what God is doing through URA and Camp Barkeley.
Join Us for Worship!
Every Tuesday night at 6:30pm, URA hosts a night of worship and prayer at the Camp Barkeley Worship Center. All are welcome and invited!
Community Emergency Response Team Training
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training gives community members like you and your family the chance to be a part of the solution in times of disaster. Don't miss out on your next chance to become CERT certified! Click below to learn more!
Next Training: June 21-24, 2023
