This week, Southeast Texas experienced perhaps the worst storm of this century if not longer. LeadingAge Texas members throughout the region implemented emergency preparedness procedures, some evacuated, some sheltered in place – all while keeping their residents safe and secure. It is difficult, if not impossible, to imagine living through a hurricane, let alone a storm responsible for dumping 50+ inches of rain in only a matter of days.

The LeadingAge Staff and I have reached out our members in the affected region and, after being in touch with the majority of them, we are happy to report that most communities are intact, though many have water damage. The best news is that there was no loss of life among the thousands of senior Texans served by our members.

The sheer dedication of staff, many of whom stayed with residents for four to five days straight, is noteworthy. At some communities, because they had no way in or out, staff pulled multiple shifts, slept in shifts, and did “whatever it took” to carry on and “make things work.” It is remarkable how seemingly everyone simply pitched in wherever and whenever they were needed – it turns out that the executive director of one member community missed our call because he was pitching in with washing dishes. We will undoubtedly have countless stories to tell about many of our remarkable members who did “whatever it took” to make it through the worst of Harvey and its aftermath.

With all the uplifting stories we have heard from members, they have also shared stories of tragedy - many staff, the selfless individuals who serve our seniors, are suffering from their homes being seriously damaged, and even some have no livable dwelling place to which they can return. Yet, in the midst of receiving that news and living in the space of the unknown, those staff continued to wholeheartedly serve their residents.

SO, HOW CAN YOU HELP? It’s simple – DONATE. LeadingAge, our national partner, has set up a Hurricane Harvey Disaster Fund to aid those affected. LeadingAge members, both communities and business members, have been reaching out nonstop to inquire about helping. Donations have been rolling in and a mechanism for distributing the funds is being developed. A significant portion of these donated funds will go toward helping staff rebuild and recover from Harvey’s destruction.

What stands out through all our communications with members is that their first response to us is that their residents are safe and comfortable. They have all been remarkably positive about their situations, yet concerned about the welfare of their staff. All this positive spirit while their own homes, families, and other loved ones have been affected.

In times like these, we can clearly see the true dedication and “calling” that drove our members to the field of not-for-profit aging services. If ever there was a mass example of “servant leadership” at its finest, this would be the prime case!

AFFECTED COMMUNITIES - visit www.leadingagetexas.org/harvey and fill out our quick survey to let us know about your needs & how Harvey has affected your community, residents & staffl. With specific needs, contact us at (512) 467-2242.

George Linial, CAE, CASP
President & CEO, LeadingAge Texas