Our Vision
We envision communities equipped for disasters through robust recovery infrastructure, well-informed leadership, and empowered citizens working together to minimize the impact of disasters. By supporting relief efforts and promoting disaster preparedness education, we aim to ensure more efficient and equitable recovery efforts and to protect livelihoods for the future.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Melinda Grace
Administrative Coordinator of Hopkins County Long Term Recovery Group
As the Administrative Coordinator of the Hopkins County Long-Term Recovery Group, I witnessed firsthand the devastation faced by families in the path of the December 10, 2021 tornado. This experience highlighted the critical need for proactive regional planning, coordination, and resource development to effectively mitigate the impacts of disasters. In May 2024, just as we were concluding recovery efforts from the 2021 disaster, our county was struck by another EF3 tornado. This time, we observed a significant difference: more survivors were prepared, had insurance, and understood the recovery process. Our partnership with the Disaster Readiness Center (DRC) allowed us to conduct a community-led survey within 48-72 hours post-tornado, enabling funders to respond to our immediate needs. This experience reinforced my belief that we must develop and share initiatives focused on building resilience and preparedness. Such efforts are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and adaptability in the face of increasingly frequent and severe disasters.
Amy Chicoine
“When the December 10, 2021, tornado devastated West Kentucky, I felt compelled to make a difference, leaving my career in teaching and education administration to join the Mayfield Graves LTRG. Through subsequent disasters, I have witnessed firsthand the critical need for strong networks of LTRGs, EMAs, community leaders, NPOs, and engaged citizens. As Executive Director of the Mayfield Graves LTRG and a member of the DRC Executive Board, I see firsthand the importance of clear communication, education, and pre-established disaster recovery networks. I am committed to working with our team and partners to address recovery gaps, taking action both post-disaster and during blue skies to build sustainable systems that protect communities and support long-term recovery efforts.”
Executive Director of Mayfield-Graves County Long Term Reovery Group
Karastin Hancock
Executive Board Chair of the Mayfield Graves County Long Term Recovery Group, Community Engagement Specialist
"Merging my passion for community engagement and non-profit development with disaster relief efforts in Western Kentucky and Western Tennessee felt like a natural fit when our region was hit by two devastating tornadoes on the night of December 10, 2021. Over the past three years, I have worked with various non-profit and community-based organizations to assist with multiple natural disasters. Before these events that hit close to home, I was involved in disaster recovery efforts in El Reno and Norman, Oklahoma. While we can never prevent natural disasters, I believe we can work toward building resilient, prepared communities so that when disaster strikes, we rise together."
Advisors
Chris Dockins, Ph.D.
Community Led Recovery Advocate, Community Foundation of West Kentucky, Adjunct Professor Murray State University’s Nonprofit Leadership Program
“I am driven by a deep commitment to sustaining philanthropic gestures and labors of love throughout the local nonprofit sector, empowering communities to flourish. Disaster threatens to erase years of hard work and investment in a matter of minutes. Without swift intervention, communities may face long term hardships for generations to come. Implementing the DARCI program into community led recovery preparedness increases efficient use of philanthropic donations when they are needed most and changes the trajectory of the future.”
Ryan Drane
Community Led Recovery Advocate, Founder and Executive Director of the Mayfield Graves Long Term Recovery Group for its first two years, Founder of A New Lease on Life
“When my hometown was devastated by a historic tornado, I didn't hesitate to use my expertise in economic development and strategic planning to help lead the recovery effort. As the Executive Director of the Mayfield Graves Long Term Recovery Group, I stood up fully operational relief efforts in record time, while also founding a creative housing solution, A New Lease on Life. Through collaborative work with local nonprofits and national partners, we will not only recover over 4,000 survivors in three years, but also managed recovery from a historic flood. Sharing these lessons to empower other communities is not just my passion - it brings healing to my heart. I'm confident our experience can help build stronger, more resilient communities prepared for any challenge."
Implementation and Support
Dylan Lohman
Implementation Specialist, Streamlined and optimized logistics operations for Dippin' Dots on a national scale. Assisted in the Conceptualization and Implementation of the DARCI Program.
“After many years of operational logistics for a national vendor, bringing my skills to an organization that equips local leaders and citizens with the tools and knowledge to effectively prepare for and recover from disasters is incredibly fulfilling. The collaborative spirit and the impact we have in building resilient, disaster-ready communities inspires me every day.”
Shanna Bradley
Catholic Charities - Disaster Case Manager, American Red Cross - Long Term Recovery Case Worker, Salvation Army - LifNav Street Outreach Coach
“In 2021, after the devastating tornado impacted my hometown of Mayfield/Graves Co, I felt the need to make a difference in the lives of my community, and I set out on a mission to become a disaster case manager. Working with the DRC gives me the opportunity to ensure that not only my community, but all of those in Western Ky have the tools needed to be prepared in the event of another disaster.”
Our Story
In December 2021, a historic 165 mile-long EF-4 tornado impacted 12 western Kentucky counties, leaving behind $3.5 billion in damages and impacting the livelihood of over 14,000 citizens. To fulfill grant awards by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and American Red Cross, the Community Foundation of West Kentucky oversaw the development of a regional nonprofit, the Disaster Readiness Center, and its activity to explore a solution that will empower local communities to identify impacted individuals, communicate needs, and attract resources; thus, increasing the efficiency of philanthropic donations while empowering local led recovery.
The project team worked alongside long term recovery groups across western Kentucky to capture lessons learned. It was found that a lack of understanding of long term recovery processes by citizens/local nonprofits and a lack of connection between local emergency management and local nonprofit sector contributes significantly to what is often referred to as “the second wave of disaster,” long term recovery.
The DRC project team developed a long term recovery awareness program called DARCI, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities. The program includes three perspectives, the Center (long term recovery group), the Partner (local and national disaster nonprofits), and the Citizen. To become a DARCI Community, the program requires local emergency management to support the establishment of a Center. The Center identifies local and national nonprofit Partners. Both work together to connect with Citizens. Each POV is designed to educate the participants according to their unique perspective and define roles to manage increased need and resources during long term recovery. When all three of these components are in place, the community will be better positioned to identify those impacted by a disaster, communicate needs, and attract resources.
In May 2024 an EF-3 tornado cut across counties previously impacted by the December 2021 tornado. It was not until 18 months after the December 2021 event that functioning long term recovery groups were able to communicate the overall needs of their people. In May 2024, with a pre-established long term recovery group (Center) directing local and national nonprofits (Partners) and with educated survivors (Citizens), the long term recovery group was able to clearly communicate the needs of their people to nonprofits by Day 5. The VOAD groups expressed their appreciation for the well organized efforts and communication from the long term recovery groups, shared the need within their networks, and brought in more help. The long term recovery groups successfully attracted available resources.
The Disaster Readiness Center operated under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of West Kentucky from October 2022 until launching as an independent nonprofit in November 2024.
