New organization taking over recovery efforts for Bollinger County tornado victims

BOLLINGER COUNTY Mo. (KBSI) – A new organization will be taking over recovery efforts to assist Bollinger County tornado victims.

Nicolle Hahn is Executive Director of East Missouri Action Agency, an organization that has partnered with the Long Term Recovery Committee to assist  residents affected by the tornado that tragically ripped through Bollinger County last year. She says, “People are thankful that there’s been a response. They’re thankful that they feel like this will hopefully get the ball moving.”

She recalls the agency moving quickly to help those in need, saying, “This meeting happened last week, and we were on the ground running on Monday. We’re working with Catholic charities we received most of the cases.”

So far, the EMAA has seen about 18-20 people today, and at least a dozen on Monday. All staff working tirelessly to ensure the residents are assisted.

Executive Director Keri McCrorey says building trust won’t be much of a struggle since the organization already has the local connection in the county.

“Really, the services will be a lot like we we’re doing then making sure people have the necessary needs that they have just to survive day to day. Whether it be clothing, personal care items.” Said McCrorey.

According to McCrorey, the EMAA has no control over the donated funds but will provide case management to let the recovery committee make the decisions.

She adds, “We started assisting people in a variety of ways. EMAA naturally assists people in crisis situations so that is our natural process that we do.”

Staff will be available in Bollinger County through April 11, so victims can meet a case manager in person.