Restore IPRA?

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Words cannot even give you a glimpse of the devastation this community is experiencing. We moved debris, tore down walls, sorted, lifted, pulled and pushed. The work was physically grueling. It was difficult to envision how we could make a difference, but we did it one property at a time. The AmeriCorps team leading our efforts were delighted to check one more off their list, as this was the plan: To safely, quickly clear one block at a time. That was our job, to stick to the "plan." While the physical aspects of the community are hard to look at, the inside was beautiful. The residents of Joplin, yoked with volunteers from all over the country, were thankful, strong, working hard and bonding together in full force to restore their beloved town.

While there is no real physical comparison, in 2009 IPRA had its own internal disaster. Those on the inside saw their "walls fall." It would have been easy for board members and staff to flee. Instead we found "alternative" housing and we called in relief workers to help rebuild our foundation. With the IPRA Staff and Board leading the efforts and over 100 volunteers, you, our dedicated, self-less, hard-working volunteers rolled up your sleeves and said "let’s restore IPRA."

While we are looking better, we are still recovering at a strong pace. Recently we have made great strides and as the months progress you will start to see the strategic plan goals being checked off one by one. We are just around the corner from unveiling a new brand for IPRA, including more effective educational opportunities, a new logo and web site, improved communication systems and increased membership value. As a Joplin resident said, "we are out of the news but there is still work to be done." I believe the same is true for IPRA, "there is still work to be done." This is an ideal time to get involved with shaping IPRA's future. If you would like to be a part of the relief team, volunteers still needed! Contact me at: lkpaden@Illinois.edu