Senior Citizens Bureau and Hurricane Ike

FiftyAndFurthermore.com received a plea for help this weekend from the Senior Citizens Bureau in response to the devastating Hurricane Ike that ravaged the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Ike landed in Texas on Saturday morning and wreaked havoc across 9 states, killing 17 people and destroying many communities along its path. As rescuers, emergency response teams, and volunteers fly into the storm torn regions to offer aid, the death count is likely to continue to climb. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Ike
The SCB is a national, Houston-based, non-profit organization that provides services and community resources for the elderly, children of the elderly, and other caregivers, advocates and professionals. SCB currently serves over 400,000 members with information and support through http://www.seniorcitizensbureau.com/ and Elder Info Line (1.877.ELDER.55/1.877.353.3755), a 24-hour hotline for SCBmembers and those with vision limitations. (SCB) (http://www.seniorcitizensbureau.com). SCB's mission is to provide easily accessible information, guidance, and dispute resolution to the senior community and industry, and to bridge the gap between the elderly client and the service provider.
FiftyAndFurthermore will do all that we can to help those impacted by Hurricane Ike and asks our readers, visitors, writers and community to do the same.
How?Contribute:FundsFood HousingClothingGlassesHearing AidsMedicationLetters and HugsJoin a rescue team Household goods
Some specific issues that are facing the FiftyAndFurthermores in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike:
Keeping the community intact after the devastation and loss of lifeStarting over againFamily disruptionEconomic lossLoss of history, family photos, etc. Medical needsLoss of property and pets
Those of us over the age of fifty are in a unique position to offer wisdom, education and hugs. For those of us who can, donate funds to the victims who will need aid in the aftermath of Ike's destruction. FiftyAndFurthermore will keep you updated as to what you can do.
One thing not to do, is to rush to the hurricane scene unless you have specific training and/or are with a select aid group such as SCB, the Red Cross, or the American Group Psychotherapy Association's Trauma Division. Organizations such as these have resources that help match your skill set and ability with the jobs that are needed (on site, or off site). It's important to help, but it's also crucial to volunteer and make a difference in the capacity where you can do the most good. Warning: helpers with good hearts but without a plan or sustaining community often wind up as "collateral damage" instead of healers.
My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time on the Gulf Coast.
Dr. Dorree Lynn