Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach proudly marked the successful completion of a two-day Disaster Case Management (DCM) Training this past week—a powerful step forward in strengthening our community's resilience in times of crisis. The training, grounded in Catholic Charities USA’s best practice curriculum, brought together case managers across diverse fields such as health, self-sufficiency, elder care, housing, and behavioral health, uniting them in a shared mission: to better serve our neighbors in the aftermath of disaster. Participating agencies included the American Red Cross, Palm Beach County, El Sol Jupiter Neighborhood Resource Center, United Way Martin County, and volunteers.
This collaborative event was made possible through the support of the Palm Beach County Long Term Recovery Coalition and was held at the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center, a fitting setting for such essential preparedness work.
Participants received expert instruction from a highly respected team of trainers:
- Melissa Hruska of Catholic Charities USA,
- Katina Hayden from Catholic Charities Diocese of Owensboro in Western Kentucky,
- and Maria Melo, representing Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach.
Each trainer brought a wealth of hands-on experience in disaster response and recovery, ensuring attendees walked away with practical tools, a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care, and a clear roadmap for navigating the complexities of disaster case management.
The training emphasized the core components of disaster case management, including assessment, planning, coordination, advocacy, and monitoring. But more than that, it emphasized the human side of recovery—compassionate listening, cultural competence, and long-term support for individuals and families who may be facing the most difficult moments of their lives.
This event was not only educational but also a testament to the power of community collaboration. Generous support came from local partners, with breakfast sponsored by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and lunch provided by the United Way of Palm Beach County—fueling both body and spirit for the important work ahead.
As disasters—natural or otherwise—continue to challenge our communities, it is imperative that we are equipped to respond not only with resources, but with care, coordination, and dignity. This training was a strong investment in that future, preparing case managers to serve with resilience, expertise, and compassion.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is deeply grateful to all who participated, supported, and made this event a success. Together, we are building stronger foundations of hope, recovery, and preparedness for all.
