Hancock CARES (County Assisting Recovery Efforts) was established in response to the August 2007 flooding that occurred in nine NW Ohio counties.  State and local agencies, as well as FEMA and SAMHSA, recognized the need for a proactive effort to assist individuals in recovery.  Since October 2007, Hancock CARES has visited approximately 4,000 homes in Hancock County-assessing unmet needs, making referrals, and providing emotional support. 

Going door-to-door in the flood-affected areas of Hancock County, team members talked with many residents about their experiences and gave referrals for assistance from community resources to those with unmet needs. Since June, Hancock CARES has embarked on a new educational mission, to increase awareness of the short and long term needs for recovery as well as the emotional effects that commonly occur in the aftermath of a disaster.  Hancock CARES will give PowerPoint presentations to community agencies on topics such as the psychological and emotional effects of a disaster, recovery resources in the community, and disaster preparedness.  These phase-down activities are an attempt to ensure that those still in need have a supportive network of collaborative agency assistance after Hancock CARES' services end on September 17, 2008.

With help from The Community Partnership, Hancock CARES is offering an opportunity to express gratitude with handwritten "Thank You" letters to individuals and agencies that helped during and after the flood.  These notes of appreciation with details about the help received will be displayed at various public places around Hancock County and eventually bound and preserved as a historic document.
 
Also, Hancock CARES is planning six "Neighborhood Picnics" during the month of August in Findlay parks in affected areas.  In an effort to help establish a better sense of community and salute flood recovery efforts, the picnics will bring neighborhoods together at a positive social event with food and fun. With the Anniversary date of the flood coming soon, it will be a time when residents can reflect on their personal strength in enduring many challenges in the past year and celebrate resiliency.  If you would like to attend a gathering or would like to write a "Thank You" letter, feel free to call Hancock CARES (419) 306-4176 as soon as possible.