I wanted to acknowledge the support we have received from the County and specifically all three Commissioners. Without the support we have received from you, we never would have accomplished what we have to this point,” stated Jeana Beam.
On March 15, Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman welcomed Jeana Beam, CFO with Glide Revitalization to a weekly board meeting, for a special presentation and update on the groups ongoing efforts in the Glide Community.
The Commissioners have long supported the efforts of Glide Revitalization, (Glide Rev) and in the aftermath of the Archie Creek Fire made supporting Glide Rev’s and Archie Creek Recovery efforts a priority mission within all departments of Douglas County Government.
The County’s participation in recovery efforts have been facilitated in concert with staff and volunteers at Glide Rev.
Beam shared with the board the current status of the work still being done in support of the survivors of the September 2020 Archie Creek Fires near Glide that burned hundreds of thousands of acres and completely ravaged over 170 properties and businesses.
She reported that in total the group distributed $648,148 in 2022 and $206,582 in 2023. All of the funding dispersed has gone directly to individuals affected by the Archie Creek Fires.
Glide Rev also distributed $167,500 last year for reforestation and will be distributing close to $250,000 for reforestation projects this year. This winter they placed a total of 400,000 trees in the ground.
They plan to continue to work with wildfire survivors even after the state case support ends through community donations and unrestricted funds.
Funding and case work for the wildfire is wrapping up, so Glide Rev is looking ahead at the next chapter. The biggest need is access to reliable childcare, and the ability to communicate where to find assistance or resources with local, state or federal agencies.
Glide Rev recently acquired a building that will serve as a Community Resource Hub, a new home base, and provide a score of other activities and community events. They will have an onsite childcare and daycare facility, a small community library, a community resource hub and conference rooms that will be available for public use or to host educational events.
Additionally, they hope to have shared office spaces for non-profit and government organizations that can bring their services directly to Glide residents.
Glide Rev has started a capital campaign through Federal and State agencies and private foundations in order to acquire enough funding to complete all of the renovations for the Resource Hub.
'We are grateful for our partnership with Glide Rev and their continued efforts to serve and assist with the ongoing needs of the wildfire survivors. I know personally as a member of the Glide Recovery Team and Glide Rev’s Unmet Needs Committee how imperative it is for the survivors to get the help they need in a timely and efficient manner. We are also excited to hear about the future projects that Glide Rev has planned that will enhance and help their community prosper,' commented Board Chair Commissioner Tom Kress.
If you would like to view a recording of the presentation, you can do so on the Douglas County Government website at: video.ibm.com/recorded/132647335