Episcopal Church inviting public to join in $1M match for disaster relief

From Oklahoma-

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 518 W. Randolph, is inviting the community to join with the church in making tax-deductible donations to a $1 million matching campaign for disaster relief and development.

"For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world," according to a press release. "Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease."

Episcopal Relief & Development hosts an annual holiday match campaign, offering supporters and donors the opportunity to double the impact of their donations. For the second year in a row, private donors have pledged funds to double others' donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 million.

More here-

https://www.enidnews.com/community/episcopal-church-inviting-public-to-join-in-m-match-for/article_bc53498e-0568-11ea-bfe6-177d51a15a6f.html

Supporting Dioceses Preparing for Hurricane Dorian

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting dioceses located in the path of Hurricane Dorian as they prepare to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

According to the National Hurricane Center on Thursday, August 29, Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen into a Category 4 storm as it moves north towards the Bahamas, Florida and the southeastern United States over Labor Day weekend. The storm passed through the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Wednesday with winds of 85 mph and heavy rainfall, causing damage to buildings and power lines in the US Virgin Islands.

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting affected dioceses and dioceses in the projected path of the storm, in the Caribbean as well as on the US mainland, as they prepare response efforts.. The US Disaster team has begun daily coordination calls with the dioceses to provide assistance as they plan next steps and activate their disaster response plans. Many of these dioceses are still recovering from the effects of the devastating 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and have been working to build resilience for future storms.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/united-states-america/supporting-dioceses-preparing-hurricane-dorian

Responding to the Drought in Namibia

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican Diocese of Namibia in response to the ongoing drought devastating the country. The organization is in contact with the diocese’s development arm, the Namibia Anglican Community Development Organization (NACDO) as it prepares to respond to the needs of impacted communities.

Over the past four years, Namibia has been dealing with a drought affecting crops and drinking water for both people and livestock. Many people have no access to clean water and travel long distances to find water sources. According to the local government, the lack of rain has caused food shortages, leaving one in five Namibians without access to enough food. At least 60,000 domestic animals have died in the past six months.

Working with the diocese and its development agency, Episcopal Relief & Development is helping marginalized communities in the northern part of Namibia. Based on a community assessment, NACDO has identified 1,060 vulnerable families in the Ohangwena and Omusati regions. They will receive critical food supplies and other support. Two communities, Eembindi and Enghandja, will also receive a four to five km pipeline connecting them to a safe accessible water source. In addition, Episcopal Relief & Development and NACDO will provide support for community and home gardens, poultry farming training and the rehabilitation of wells and dams for water sources in six villages.

More here-

 https://reliefweb.int/report/namibia/responding-drought-namibia

Responding to Tropical Cyclone Idai in southern Africa

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting the Anglican partner organizations in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe in response to Cyclone Idai, a category four storm that brought massive flooding, rain and high winds to parts of southern Africa.

Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with church partners in the affected areas as they assess the needs in their communities. In Mozambique, Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Anglican dioceses of Lebombo and Niassa to provide an immediate and long-term response to those impacted. Episcopal Relief & Development is also supporting partners the Anglican Relief & Development Zimbabwe and the Anglican Council of Malawi in providing emergency relief such as food, water and blankets.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/mozambique/responding-tropical-cyclone-idai-southern-africa

Presiding Bishop Appoints New Board Chair for Episcopal Relief & Development as Organization Welcomes New Board Members

From Benzinga-

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, has appointed Teri Lawver as Board Chair for Episcopal Relief & Development. Ms. Lawver replaces Neel Lane who served as chair from 2015 until the end of 2018.

Episcopal Relief & Development welcomes Lawver and also new board member Matt Silva. Lawver was previously on the board of the organization from 2008 to 2013 and has continued to serve on the Advancement Committee.

"I am thrilled to welcome Teri back to the Board of Directors as Board Chair," said Presiding Bishop Curry. "Teri and Episcopal Relief & Development know each other exceedingly well and I am confident that together with the rest of the board and staff, we will create lasting change."

Lawver was named Board Chair, effective January 1, 2019 as Lane completed his term on the board.

More here-

https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/19/01/p12927865/presiding-bishop-appoints-new-board-chair-for-episcopal-relief-develop

Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to the Refugee Crisis in Syria

From University Chronicle-

Episcopal Relief & Development is working with the Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC) to respond to the needs of people displaced by the ongoing unrest in Syria.

This FMEEC partnership will provide blankets, clothing, stoves and fuel during the harsh winter months to 2,850 people newly displaced who are living in the Aleppo, Homs and Hama governorates. Aleppo and Homs have been the center of the conflict. Many homes and buildings have been destroyed and people don’t have access to basic services.

With the crisis in its seventh year, Syrians struggle with basic needs, including food, shelter and medicine. Approximately six million people have been displaced and uprooted from their homes in Syria with over five million seeking refuge outside of the country.

“We are are thankful for our partnership with FMEEC, an organization that is particularly knowledgeable and well connected in Syria, during this humanitarian crisis,” said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development. “After recently visiting the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf outreach centers in Za’atari and Azraq in Jordan and witnessing the impact of displacement, I am grateful to our partners for providing a compassionate and critical response for those uprooted from their homes and who face an uncertain future.”

More here-

http://www.ssuchronicle.com/2018/02/08/episcopal-relief-development-responds-to-the-refugee-crisis-in-syria/

Episcopal Relief & Development Responds to Urgent Needs in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma

From Relief Web-

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting emergency relief efforts in Culebra and Vieques, two islands in Puerto Rico devastated by Hurricane Irma. In partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico, the organization is providing approximately 600 people with temporary housing, medical care, food and meal delivery, clothing, home repairs, water and first aid supplies.

“These islands are among the most highly impacted by Hurricane Irma,” said Abagail Nelson, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Vice President of Programs. “We’re very concerned about the most vulnerable people, especially the older population, and families with small children.”

The island of Puerto Rico avoided a direct hit from Irma. However, thousands are still without power, and this may continue in the weeks and months ahead, particularly in more remote areas. Culebra and Vieques, located off the east coast of Puerto Rico, were the hardest hit; the governor of Puerto Rico has declared both islands as disaster areas. Roughly 30 to 35 homes were badly damaged and destroyed in Culebra, which has an estimated population of 1,800. Many families live in wooden or partially wooden homes, which left them most vulnerable to the powerful winds and rains of the storm. Power systems as well as cell and internet services are down. Most of the population remains without running water and with limited food supplies.

More here-

https://reliefweb.int/report/puerto-rico-united-states-america/episcopal-relief-development-responds-urgent-needs-puerto

Episcopal Relief & Development Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors

From Benzinga-

Episcopal Relief & Development welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors: The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves (Diocese of El Camino Real), The Rt. Rev. Wilfrido Ramos Orench (Diocese of Puerto Rico), Mark D. Constantine (Diocese of Southern Virginia) and Meg L. DeRonghe (Diocese of Olympia).

"Effective leadership of Episcopal Relief & Development – whose programs touch millions of people in nearly 40 countries throughout the world – requires board members who are knowledgeable, engaged and proactive leaders in their fields. Our newest board members more than fit that profile," said Neel Lane, Chair of the organization's Board of Directors. "As we live into the new strategic plan for 2017 and beyond, the diversity of perspectives represented on our Board will enable us to rise to the challenges of becoming a more powerful player in the international development space while remaining true to our Episcopal Church roots."


More here-

http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/17/01/p8870157/episcopal-relief-development-welcomes-four-new-members-to-board-of-dire

The Church Pension Group, the Episcopal Church Foundation, and Episcopal Relief & Development Host Wellness Conference for the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral

From Business Wire-

The Church Pension Group (CPG), a financial services organization that serves The Episcopal Church and its people, in partnership with The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) and Episcopal Relief & Development, hosted a three-day wellness conference for clergy, lay employees, and lay leaders of the Diocese of Ecuador Litoral who were impacted by the April earthquake. CPG covered the cost of attendance for clergy who participate in the benefits programs it offers, and financial support from ECF and Episcopal Relief & Development made it possible to expand the conference to include lay employees and lay leaders in the diocese.

The three-day conference, which took place from July 21 to July 24 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, addressed the psychological, physical, and spiritual needs of attendees who were affected by the earthquake that killed more than 650 individuals and displaced more than 30,000 people. It also offered them assistance in developing coping skills that they can utilize as they continue to minister and serve those impacted by the earthquake.

More here-

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160726005992/en/Church-Pension-Group-Episcopal-Church-Foundation-Episcopal

Episcopal Relief & Development Exceeds 75th Anniversary Goals

From All Africa-

Thanks to the generous support and coordinated efforts of thousands of Episcopalians and friends, Episcopal Relief & Development's 75th Anniversary Celebration exceeded its goals for fundraising and engagement throughout the Church and beyond. During the 75-week celebration, the organization raised $7.94 million [USD, approximately £5.65 million GBP] as part of a special campaign, and connected with supporters through live events, webinars, stories and a traveling photo exhibition.

"After 75 years of serving millions of people around the world, Episcopal Relief & Development and our faithful supporters had much to celebrate - and what a celebration it was!" said Neel Lane, chair of Episcopal Relief & Development's Board of Directors. "On behalf of our board and staff, thank you to our excellent Honorary and Steering Committees, and to all who pledged themselves this past year and a half toward our shared mission of healing a hurting world."

More here-

http://allafrica.com/stories/201603030483.html

Neel Lane appointed Episcopal Relief & Development board chair

From ENS-

Daniel McNeel “Neel” Lane, Jr., has been appointed the new chair of Episcopal Relief & Development‘s board of directors, effective November 1. The appointment was made by The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, newly installed presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, who transitions to the position of honorary chair.

Lane has served on Episcopal Relief & Development’s board since 2011, and has chaired the governance committee since 2012.

“I am inspired by Neel’s commitment to strengthening Episcopal Relief & Development and equipping the organization’s staff and partners for deeper ministry,” said Curry. “I look forward to continuing our service on the board together in our new capacities, as we strive to envision how the organization is called to faithfully partner with communities around the world to leverage their unique gifts to fight poverty and disease.”

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/11/04/neel-lane-appointed-episcopal-relief-development-board-chair/

Episcopal Relief & Development gets grant for ‘groundbreaking’ work

From ENS-

Episcopal Relief & Development announced Nov. 20 that it is a Grand Challenges Explorations grant winner, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The grant will allow Episcopal Relief & Development, in collaboration with its Ghanaian partner, the Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organization (ADDRO), to pursue an innovative global health and development research project, titled “Testing a Financing Solution & Technical Assistance Package to increase Women Smallholder Farmers’ Labor Productivity through Ownership of Donkeys with Ploughs.”

“It is a tremendous honor for Episcopal Relief & Development to receive the Grand Challenges Explorations grant from the Gates Foundation,” said Rob Radtke, the agency’s president, in a press release from Episcopal Relief & Development. “Innovations such as the donkey plough can increase farming efficiency, allowing women to increase their harvests and devote the time they save to other endeavors such as building skills and marketing produce. Empowering women economically helps bring all members of a community into fuller participation in the creation of a brighter future for their families.”

More here-

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/11/20/episcopal-relief-development-gets-grant-for-groundbreaking-work/

NetsforLife Encourages Communities, Stakeholders to 'Invest in the Future. Defeat Malaria'

From Market Watch-

On April 25, World Malaria Day, Episcopal Relief & Development's NetsforLife malaria prevention program is joining with its partners to celebrate the gains made so far in stopping this deadly disease, and call for renewed support from local and international stakeholders to "Invest in the Future. Defeat Malaria."

Working through local Church and community partners, NetsforLife has had a major impact on malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The program's methodology of hanging nets in homes has resulted in higher rates of net coverage and a greater reduction in malaria-related deaths than the standard distribution method. Although the cost of distributing nets directly to households is higher than positioning them at a fixed collection point, coverage and retention rates are much better when the NetsforLife methodology is implemented, leading to a decline in area mosquito populations and a reduction in malaria-related sickness and death.

"The strengths of our award-winning NetsforLife model are that we work through local communities and physically hang nets above people's sleeping areas," said Gifty Tetteh, Strategic Outreach Officer for NetsforLife. "Because we train and work through local volunteers, their neighbors trust them to bring nets into their homes and install them, and later follow-up visits help ensure that the nets are in place and maintained properly."

More here-

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/netsforlife-encourages-communities-stakeholders-to-invest-in-the-future-defeat-malaria-2013-04-25

New Website Gives Episcopal Relief & Development a Fresh Look, New URL

From PR Newswire-

Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a new organizational website featuring an updated look and layout, greater integration with social media and a unified donation pathway to boost interactivity and engagement.  In addition to helpful color coding, new icons and special spotlight sections, the redesign also includes improved accessibility and information flow, making it easier for users to learn more and take action to help heal a hurting world.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110421/DC87843LOGO)

The new design was developed in line with industry best practices, input received from Episcopal Relief & Development's staff and board members and feedback from donors and friends of the organization.  The update was co-managed by Malaika Kamunanwire , Episcopal Relief & Development's Senior Director for Marketing & Communications, and Daryn Kobata , the organization's Social Media and Web Officer, in partnership with digital firm Blue Fountain Media.

"During the development of the new site, we were constantly evaluating our process to make sure that it focused on user needs and interests, while at the same time showcasing who we are as an organization," Kamunanwire said.  "The new look and feel of our site matches our ethos, and the content strives to inform and empower our supporters to act and get others involved in our mission."

More here-

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-website-gives-episcopal-relief--development-a-fresh-look-new-url-204559461.html

Good Stuff in TEC: Episcopal Relief and Development

Episcopal Relief & Development supports Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza

Since the recent upsurge on December 27th, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has left more than 550 people dead, and 2,500 injured. Episcopal Relief & Development's partner, the Ahli Arab Hospital, reports devastating civilian casualties and a rising death toll in Gaza City.

During this time of crisis, Episcopal Relief & Development remains in close contact with its partner the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Episcopal Relief & Development has responded to an urgent appeal from the Diocese by sending initial emergency funds to the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.

"We continue to monitor the needs of the Diocese of Jerusalem and are preparing to send additional emergency funds. Please pray for the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and the Ahi Arab Hospital as they risk their own lives to provide lifesaving emergency care to people injured in the ongoing conflict" said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & development.

Ahli Arab Hospital, located at the heart of Gaza City, has treated more than 100 injured civilians since the beginning of the December attacks. The hospital continues to provide essential emergency health care to injured civilians. Ahli Arab Hospital has not turned anyone away despite increasingly dire conditions. The staff and volunteers at the hospital desperately need medicine and emergency supplies to continue their life saving work.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/KSAI-7N33U5?OpenDocument

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