Weakley County
Long Term Recovery Group

In partnership with FEMA and UMCOR [United Methodist Committee on Relief], the WCLTRG is assembling a case management team that is undergoing placement and training. Individuals who have come forth with unmet needs will be assigned a case manager. The case management process links case managers with individuals and families with services and assistance available to them. More importantly, they can assess and recommend resources that can help stabilize survivors’ lives and livelihoods and move them toward recovery.

Case management involves identifying and reviewing unmet needs. A case manager understands the unique needs of a disaster survivor, whether the needs be social, financial, emotional, or spiritual. Case managers will help identify any additional unmet needs and connect individuals with resources. They work with individuals to ensure that an unmet need is truly a deficit between verified disaster-caused damaged and disaster aid and has undergone complete processing through insurance, federal and state assistance, and personal resources.

Whether you donated through a civic, faith-based, or other verfied and legitimate local organization, your donation is in the dedicated account opened for recovery efforts by that specific organization. All money donated for tornado relief is being used to assist survivors. In partnership with UMCOR, FEMA, the United Way of West Tennessee, and local civic and faith-based organizations, funds will be dispersed as authorized by case managers, through the allocations committee, and tracked by the United Way of West Tennessee.

Disaster recovery is intensive and extensive, and thusly, very time-consuming. Several hurdles hinder the allocations and disbursement process for survivors. Attaining partnerships, planning, preparation, and extensive training is required to move toward recovery. Multiple teams and channels must be organized to support the efforts. Once all necessary pieces are in place, unmet needs cases can go through the allocations and case management process. Case managers must validate and confirm the need, ensure that all insurance matters have been filed and settled, and any other applicable documentation necessary relative to FEMA directives.

Facilitated through UMCOR, our case management team is currently assembling and undergoing placement and training. While it takes time, the case management process ensures the most equitable situation for all survivors. Case managers are specially trained to define, identify, categorize, and prioritize unmet needs as they pertain to each unique survivor. The methods they follow ensures that every individual is considered and no community member is left without regard.

Under the advisement and direction of all partners, the WCLTRG can allocate funding only after an individual/family:

• Settles with their insurance company
• Self-identifies the unmet need for the WCLTRG
• The need is verified, confirmed, and sent through the WCLTRG ‘s allocations process and/or case management

The mission of the WCLTRG is to ensure the unmet meeds of every survivor receives  fair and equitable consideration. The allocations and case management process ensures the appropriate and responsible use of donated recovery funds. Case managers are specially trained to define, identify, categorize, and prioritize unmet needs as they pertain to each unique survivor. The methods they follow ensures that every individual is considered and no community member is left without regard.