Peoria, Ill .— April 22, 2014 – Disaster recovery agencies are collaborating to help survivors struggling in the aftermath of the November tornados. The American Red Cross and AmeriCares are partnering with Lutheran Disaster Response to provide disaster case management assistance through their affiliate, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, to affected individuals still in need.

Case managers will work with survivors to create individualized recovery plans and help them access available services such as relocation assistance, temporary housing, child care, food assistance, counseling and assistance with rebuilding.

“No one organization can do everything to help people recover from a storm of this magnitude,” said Megan Chamberlain, Red Cross Recovery Operations Director and Illinois State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Chair. “Recovery from a major disaster like the November tornadoes takes time and help from many different groups in the community. Through the generosity of our donors and the support of AmeriCares, we are pleased to be able to help survivors as they rebuild their lives.”

Families in Champaign, Massac and Tazewell counties are expected to benefit from the expanded services. “This disaster has created new challenges for many families in these communities and they are faced with difficult decisions that can be overwhelming,” said AmeriCares Emergency Response Manager Kate Dischino. “This expanded program will connect survivors with services that will help them navigate the complex rebuilding process and get them on the road to recovery.”