Many readers of our blog have been asking how we are doing recuperating from our mid-June flood. The great news is, with the help of neighbors, friends, and donors, as well as the amazing participation of employees and volunteers, we are fully "back in business!"
"Flood week" was a challenge, but our staff and volunteers jumped in to lend a hand. The next two weeks were spent dealing with decontamination and removal of all the carpeting, as well as all the items that were waterlogged (furniture, books, papers, toys, materials, etc.). During these weeks, we were able to continue providing all programs and activities that did not require the basement; youth and teen programming was cancelled.
Once the basement was empty and decontaminated, we had to dry it out. Our friends and neighbors came to the rescue, sharing and loaning dehumidifiers and other equipment. Then, with the help of Walmart and also Von Briesen and Roper, SC, both carpeting and installation were donated! Soon, we were ready to move back in! Our volunteers, including our vets from Vet Central, and our employees (including our new summer youth staff) all pitched in to put things back together in time for the start of our summer day camp on June 30.
Miller Brewing Company, Ministry Health Care Corporate Headquarters, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Faye McBeath Foundation, and dozens of individual donors came to our rescue by donating emergency funds that allowed us to cover the expenses of clean up and decontamination. Their gifts also are helping us to replace materials, books, and teen/youth equipment that we had to discard due to the contaminents.
Our "Big Flood" at Agape Community Center was not what we'd planned on for June! But, looking back, we can see that it offered us many, many opportunities to truly count our blessings- especially the blessings of so many caring and committed people willing to do whatever it takes to keep Agape's community so vibrant and alive. We are truly grateful!
