SW Montana Community Organizations Active in Disasters

After volunteering as chair for the American Red Cross Disaster Team for 10 years , in 2018 Susan established and currently maintains the Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active In Disasters (SWMTCOAD). This is a group of 41 non-profit organizations(and growing) that come together and support disaster response across Gallatin, Park, and Madison Counties. 

There are five areas that COAD focus on during a disaster: 

1. Mass Care Team which includes sheltering (both humans and animals),feeding, childcare support for first responders, and mental, emotional and spiritual care 

2. Physical Donations Team - oversee, organize and distribute community donations to those affected by disaster 

3. Financial Donations Team - oversee and distribute community donations to those affected by disaster 

4. Spontaneous Volunteers Team- Organize and disseminate volunteers throughout the community in time of disaster 

5. Communications Team- oversees social media and works with officials to disseminate information to the community in time of disaster 

This group of amazing individuals spend countless hours a month planning and preparing for disaster and continuously look for ways to support our communities. No two disasters are ever the same.

Outside of COAD Susan runs a small landscaping business, co-owns a construction/maintenance business, volunteers at the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter and enjoys gardening and outdoor activities.