Day 1-8: Casting a Safety Net— Navigating Individual Assistance in the Wake of Disasters | Anne Whatley (Moderator), Claire Balsley (Panelist), Melissa Bauer (Panelist), & Kate Bulger (Panelist)

When disasters strike, the aftermath is often overwhelming. Countless individuals find themselves in dire need of assistance to get back on their feet. However, the process of seeking aid from different organizations can be incredibly bureaucratic and intimidating for many. No one should feel lost or helpless in the face of disaster. That’s why providing comprehensive guidance and navigational support is absolutely crucial. By offering clear and accessible information, we can remove the intimidation factor and cast a safety net that guides individuals through the process, alleviating their worries and paving the way for a smoother recovery.

Joining our panel are Claire Balsley, the Director of Disaster Assistance Programs at SBP; Melissa Bauer, the Integrated Health and Outreach Director at Santiam Hospital and Clinics; and Kate Bulger, the Vice President of Business Development at Money Management International 

Listen in as Anne Whatley, the Senior Consultant with Network Impact and Lead Facilitator at Ventura County Long-term Recovery Group, interviews our panel members about the key aspects that communities need to consider when setting up assistance systems after a disaster, strategies for keeping individuals engaged throughout the lengthy recovery process, challenges around self-care for advocates, and the importance of collaboration between organizations through different areas of the recovery journey.