Kaiser Permanente & Hands-On Network

This trip to the Gulf Coast region was made possible by two extremely unbelievable organizations (Kaiser Permanente and Hands-On Network). Their vision and commitment to our communities is unparalleled and I feel honored to be an active member in both organizations.

It is rare to be working in a company where you love what you do, love what the company represents in it's vision and mission, and love the people you work with on a daily basis. It just makes life relatively easy enabling me to enjoy my work-life balance.

Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Kaiser Permanente committed monies and manpower to help with the recovery efforts in New Orleans, LA and Biloxi, MS; two of the most hardest hit regions in the gulf area. Partnering with the Hands-On Network, I had the opportunity to actively lend my services to aid with the rebuilding process anyway that was appropriate.

I'll be chronicling my week of activities in the subsequent posts. I just wanted to note down the sincere gratitude and honor I am having representing Hands-On Gulf Coast, Hands-On New Orleans, and most importantly, Kaiser Permanente.

Opening Post, Purpose, and Background on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Just when we were getting our arms around the Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita tore across the southern section of the United States taking lives in 7 states along the Gulf Coast (primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi).

I am starting this blog today (January 29th....2 days prior to my 31st birthday) as a retrospective and prospective of how we can make a difference in the lives of so many in this community. I have done community service/volunteerism my entire life, however, I've been out of the arena for about 6-7 years working on my career progressions. Spending this week in the Gulf Coast region has resurrected my passion for living my life with volunteerism as a cornerstone of my being. My heart has been touched meeting local community members and the jolt of action that I've received is undeniable.

It has scared me to see what has not been done over the past 2 years after these hurricanes hit land. It's unfortunate and sad that it is taking this long for people to get their lives back....I plan to take part the best I can to serve our fellow neighbors in getting them back on their feet.

For background information on Hurricane Katrina, click on this link - Hurricane Katrina


For background information on Hurricane Rita, click on this link - Hurricane Rita



I'll use this blog to post my week long trip in this region and any information that is made available to improve the region as a whole.