The St. Croix Long Term Recovery Group (STXLTRG) is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working on St. Croix to assist individuals and families as they recover from Hurricane Maria. The goal of the organization is to unite recovery resources with community needs in order to ensure that even the most vulnerable in the community recover from the disaster.
The Youth Committee of the LTRG is one of eight committees focused on various aspects of St. Croix Recovery needs. Their focus is on building our community for the youth through the youth. The LTRG Youth Committee is also uniquely positioned to help youth drive efforts to support a culture of preparedness for possible future natural disasters and to identify gaps in services.
The Youth Committee has successfully hosted three Youth Opportunity Fairs (two of which were held in the Sunny Isle Amphitheater) with the intention of connecting families with services available in the community for youth. As part of our efforts to keep disaster preparedness in the forefront of everyday topics, the committee hosts a group of invested youth called the Disaster Preparedness Ambassadors (DPA).
On Thursday, Aug. 7, 10 Disaster Preparedness Ambassadors, along with four adults, answered the call to assist with filling sandbags at the Department of Public Works in Peter’s Rest in anticipation of a busy hurricane season. The ambassadors, who range in age from 12-18, worked hard from 9 a.m. to noon and were able to fill 315 sandbags. These sandbags will be distributed to the elderly and most vulnerable in the event of impending inclement weather. Youth interested in learning more about becoming a Disaster Preparedness Ambassadors should contact Xawntoia Franklin, youth chair, at youth@stxltrg.org.
The LTRG is working to strengthen Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) and is seeking new members to act as a network of helpers in the event of disaster. Those interested in learning more about the COAD can contact Executive Director Delia Richardson at 713-4440 or email edce@stxltrg.org.
