World Cares Center Inc.

Overview

World Cares Center Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities and mitigating the impact of disasters. Founded during the 9/11 relief efforts, the organization plays a crucial role in enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in underserved and at-risk communities.

Mission

The mission of World Cares Center Inc. is to ease the harm, suffering, and loss caused by disasters by empowering under-served and at-risk communities to become educated and skilled responders. This includes preventing everyday accidents and fostering resilience through collective community action[1][2].

History

The organization was established by Spontaneous Unaffiliated Community Volunteers (SUCVs) in New York City during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Seeing the positive contributions of community volunteers, yet recognizing challenges in their integration into formal response systems, World Cares Center was born. Its initial program, the September Space Community Resiliency Center, aimed to promote social, emotional, and physical healing among responders[1].

Programs and Activities

World Cares Center provides ongoing safety and disaster response training to individuals, groups, local governments, and faith-based organizations. It has trained disaster volunteers and managers in 27 states and four countries. Notably, the organization deployed resources and personnel to support recovery efforts in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and played a significant role in responding to Hurricanes Irene and Sandy in New York[1][3].

Leadership and Governance

As of 2022, the Board of Directors includes Ms. Lisa Orloff, John Trottman of the Fort Meade Fire Department, Ana Raynes from Simplified Impact, Matt Begert from the United States Marine Corps, and David Fischer from Loeb & Loeb. The organization emphasizes strong governance practices, including formal board orientations and assessments[3].

Impact

World Cares Center has successfully empowered thousands of disaster volunteers, contributing significantly to disaster preparedness and response efforts. Its work supports the integration of spontaneous volunteers into official disaster response systems, thereby enhancing community resilience and reducing secondary harm during disaster recovery[1].