Agencies unite in Roscoe to support storm‑affected residents at one‑stop disaster recovery event

Life Church Roscoe, IL — In the wake of the severe storms that swept through our area last week, families in our community are still sorting through the emotional and logistical aftermath. On Friday afternoon, the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities and Northwest Illinois joined forces with local and state partners to bring vital recovery resources directly to our community. The event, held from 2 to 7 p.m. at Life Church on Elevator Road, offered community members a single, accessible location to get answers, assistance, and reassurance.

“This is a one‑stop shop for people impacted by the disaster,” said Trish Burnett, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of the Quad Cities and Northwest Illinois. “Instead of having to run all over town trying to figure out what you need, you could come here and go table by table, agency by agency, and learn the resources that are available. You can get help for what you need in your recovery.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is also conducting a tornado damage assessment survey to help residents report property damage resulting from the April 17-18 storms, tornadoes, or ongoing river flooding.

Help for Both Direct and Indirect Storm Impacts

Burnett emphasized that the event wasn’t limited to homeowners with visible property damage. Many families experience secondary effects — especially children who may struggle emotionally after a frightening weather event.

“Mental health services, comfort dogs, all kinds of resources are available,” Burnett said. “Don’t assume that we can’t help you. Contact us if you think there’s any need you may have, directly or indirectly, from the storm and the severe weather.”

She stressed that no one should sit at home worrying alone.

“We don’t want people sitting in their house by themselves, worried about something,” she said. “Reach out. Let us get you connected with what you might need.”

Residents can contact the Red Cross anytime at 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS.

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Insurance, Cleanup, and Replacing Essentials Among Top Questions

As residents filtered through the church’s multipurpose room, Burnett said the questions varied widely — but several themes came up again and again.

“Insurance questions are always common at this point, because everybody’s concerned about what coverage they have,” she said. Representatives from the Illinois Department of Insurance were on hand to help residents understand policies and claims. Those who still need assistance can visit idoi.illinois.gov.

Cleanup concerns continue to be top of mind, especially for homeowners dealing with downed trees or debris. Others needed help replacing essential items lost in the storm — including medications.

For those needing medication replacement, caregiving support, or aging‑related services, the Northwestern Illinois Area Agency on Aging can be reached at 815‑226‑4901 or nwilaaa.org.

Mental Health Resources Readily Available

The Winnebago County Health Department distributed materials on improving mental well‑being after a traumatic event. Their recommended resource, taketen815.crediblemind.com, offers tools for stress management and emotional recovery.

Comfort dogs from Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T. were also present, providing a calming presence for families and children processing the storm’s aftermath.

A Strong Network of Local Support

Participating organizations included:

• Roscoe Police Department
• Winnebago County Health Department
• Illinois Department of Insurance
• Winnebago County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA)
• American Red Cross
• Lutheran Church Charities L.E.R.T.

Each agency brought its own expertise, creating a coordinated network of support under one roof.

Preparedness: The Message Every Agency Repeated

Every representative interviewed on Friday shared the same advice: have an emergency preparedness kit ready before the next storm hits.

A full checklist is available at ready.gov or redcross.org covering essentials such as food, water, medications, flashlights, radios, and important documents.

For anyone still needing help, Burnett encouraged residents to reach out.

“Call 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS,” she said. “We’re here to connect you with the resources you need.”

Thank you goes out to the Village of Roscoe for putting this event together for our community.

A huge thank you to LIFE CHURCH for hosting this community event. They generously opened their doors. When I asked numerous members of the LIFE CHURCH family as why they would do this, they stated they wanted to "Be the Hands and Feet of JESUS".