Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the Diocese of Mississippi established a strong partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Together, they formed the Lutheran Episcopal Services in Ministry (LESM). The organization sprang into immediate action during and after the Katrina crisis.

The Episcopal and Lutheran networks provided resources and leadership for the channeling of funds and the distributing of critical aid and volunteers. The partnership also built networks within the Mississippi Voluntary Agencies Active in Disasters. Diane Livingston, ERD’s Diocesan Coordinator for the Diocese of Mississippi, served for seven months as a volunteer organizer for the disaster and recovery efforts. Visit the Diocese of Mississippi’s Web site at http://www.dioms.org/.

To volunteer in Mississippi, please contact Camp Coast Care's volunteer coordinator, Michael Magargel, at 228-234-5193 or email Michael@campcoastcare.com.