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For Immediate Release:
December 28, 2007
Contact: Jan Carter
(573) 526-0407
Jefferson City – Governor Matt Blunt and Department of Social Services (DSS) Director Deborah Scott commended DSS employees across the state for their dedication during the recent winter storms. DSS employees were the second largest group to assist during the storms with only the National Guard providing more workers. More than 150 DSS employees worked to staff shelters and provide other services to Missourians in need during the state of emergency. The last shelter closed on December 23.
"The recent winter storm affected tens of thousands of Missourians. I applaud the department staff for answering my call to help those who lost power find safety and shelter from the storms,” Gov. Blunt said. "Part of what makes our state so great is the willingness of Missourians to help their neighbors in a time of need. These employees exemplified this spirit of neighbors helping neighbors and I thank them for their efforts.”
“I am so proud of our staff's response in the wake of the winter storms to provide support and assistance to Missourians in need,” Scott said. “Having the second largest group of workers speaks volumes to the commitment and selflessness of our staff. I want to thank them for their tireless efforts and assure them that their hard work does not go unnoticed.”
During a state of emergency, DSS’ primary responsibility is to ensure Missourians have shelter. Employees must staff shelters, secure food, water, cots, and bedding as well as address other needs shelter residents have. DSS works closely with all of the volunteer organizations, local officials and the State Emergency Management Agency to ensure shelters operate as efficiently as possible and to make sure the public has complete and accurate information about the location of shelters. Many DSS employees staff local Emergency Operations Centers as well as the State Emergency Operations Center. The DSS Family Support Division (FSD) takes the lead in responding to these situations.
“This event was the most exhausting, demanding, rewarding and faith renewing experience I’ve had,” Nodaway and Worth Counties FSD County Manager Leslie Riney said. “I always suspected that should such an event occur, the community as a whole would pour forth with donations and assistance to take care of their own. Not only did that happen, but their level of generosity was absolutely mind staggering.”
"Many of the FSD staff in Jasper County assisted the Red Cross and others to meet the needs of many people during this difficult time,” Jasper County FSD County Manager Kent Shellenbarger said. “It didn’t come without challenges but in the end it gave us an opportunity to serve our neighbors which is what FSD is all about."
