Standing Strong Together

S.O.G.W.O.A.'s Community Relief Efforts in the Wake of Hurricane Idalia

Dear friends and supporters of Servants of God With Open Arms (S.O.G.W.O.A.),

In the face of adversity, the strength and resilience of our community shine brightly. On September 2, 2023, our organization joined forces with other community organizations to provide 900+ hot meals to those affected by Hurricane Idalia in Valdosta.

Hurricane Idalia, a formidable Category 2 storm, swept through our beloved Valdosta, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. With maximum sustained winds reaching 105 miles per hour, the impact was substantial. Over a thousand power poles in Lowndes County were snapped, plunging 97% of the county into darkness. It was a challenging and trying time for our community.

Bringing Hope Amidst the Darkness

Amidst this darkness, both literal and metaphorical, S.O.G.W.O.A. stood as a beacon of hope. Alongside our partners, including Lateshia Lane and the S.I.S.T.A.S. R.E.A.D. organization, Author Shundra Brown, as well as Pastor Jay Williams and The Victory Church, we came together to make a difference.

Our collective efforts bore fruit as we managed to provide food to a staggering 925 individuals. Many of these were our homeless neighbors, hungry and in despair after the hurricane's devastation. It was a heartwarming display of unity and compassion in a time of great need.

Rebuilding Lives, One Meal at a Time

The impact of Hurricane Idalia extended beyond the physical damage. Many residents had to discard spoiled food, and countless families faced uncertainty. In response, the Red Cross set up a relief site offering essential supplies, including food and water, to those who needed it most.

Our involvement in this relief effort is a testament to our commitment to the well-being of our community. We firmly believe that when we come together as a collective force for good, we can overcome even the most formidable challenges.

Advocating for Disaster Relief

We are not only focused on immediate relief but also on advocating for the support our community deserves. Senators Warnock and Ossoff surveyed the damage, pushing for a federal disaster declaration for Lowndes County. This declaration is crucial in ensuring that we receive the necessary resources for a full recovery.

"FEMA and GEMA are undertaking joint damage assessments so that such a request, when it comes from the state to the president, is full, complete, and accurate," Sen. Ossoff emphasized.

A Community United

The outpouring of support and assistance from our community members has been nothing short of extraordinary. In times of crisis, it's when we see neighbors helping neighbors, offering generators, gas, and unwavering support. The resilience and compassion of our community continue to inspire us.

"I really want to thank everybody, every single neighbor, and people that aren't neighbors, that came here and made sure we had generators, gas," resident Jason Day shared. "I mean, it's one of those things that make you well up with tears."

As we look back on these challenging times, we're reminded of the power of community, unity, and unwavering determination. S.O.G.W.O.A. remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community, and we will continue to stand by your side as we rebuild and recover.

Thanking Our Donors and Volunteers

We extend our deepest gratitude to the generous donors and dedicated volunteers who made this relief effort possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to our mission are the driving force behind our success. It's your compassion and willingness to stand with us that enable us to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

As we look back on these challenging times, we're reminded of the power of community, unity, and unwavering determination. S.O.G.W.O.A. remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community, and we will continue to stand by your side as we rebuild and recover.

Supporting Our Mission

We encourage all our supporters to continue standing with us. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, makes a significant impact on the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient Valdosta.

In the spirit of unity and hope, let's keep moving forward, hand in hand. Together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Warmest regards,

The S.O.G.W.O.A. Team