In the aftermath of the devastating tornado that struck Greene County on May 16, 2025, we continue to witness both tremendous loss and incredible resilience. As our community begins to chart a path toward long-term recovery, we are reaching out to ask for your help.

We are currently forming the Greene County Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) to coordinate and support efforts across housing, health, emotional care, volunteer engagement, and more. This team will be essential to ensuring that recovery is organized, transparent, and equitable for all residents. This team (steering committee and sub-committees) works independently of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and the health department; however, EMA and health department advisement/consultation will always be available as needed.

Michelle Ellis has temporarily accepted the chairperson position for the steering committee; however, the group needs more individuals that can devote time and efforts to this critical mission by participating as a member of the Steering Committee or by serving on one of several Subcommittees (outlined below). Whether you're a professional, a person of faith, a civic leader, or simply someone who wants to help—your voice and time are deeply valued. (Members should not be individuals affected by the 5/16 tornado.)

Next Meeting Details

Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Greene County Foundation

Purpose: Establish Steering Committee and Subcommittee membership and begin collaborative planning for recovery efforts

(Please note future meetings can be held at a more convenient time for those participating on committees; steering committees time commitment should be a minimum of 3 to 6 hours per month including meeting and review; subcommittees time commitment should be a minimum of 2 to 4 hours per month depending on the workload and phase of recovery; the duration of the recovery can be 6 to 18 months, with flexibility depending on each phase and personal availability.)

If you are interested in serving, please attend the July 8 meeting. If you are interested in serving but cannot make the July 8 meeting, please email Michelle Ellis at Michelle@waglereducation.com. Feel free to indicate any subcommittees where your experience or passion would be most valuable.

Your leadership, compassion, and determination can help rebuild Greene County stronger than ever. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a lasting difference.

Steering Committee

This core group will provide high-level leadership, ensure accountability, coordinate cross-sector efforts, and represent multiple interests across Greene County. The Steering Committee will:

Meet at least twice monthly (frequency may decrease over time)
Guide and support the work of all subcommittees
Help oversee funding, resource allocation, and case coordination
Actively seeking additional members to build a well-rounded and representative team.

Subcommittees

Construction

Manage rebuilding, contractor coordination, and housing quality assessments

Volunteer

Recruit, manage, and support volunteers across all tasks

Communications

Develop public info, press releases, and outreach (Greene County General Hospital may assist)

Non-Monetary Donations

Coordinate collection and fair distribution of donated goods

Emotional/Spiritual Care

Provide trauma-informed and compassionate support services

Financial Controls/Reporting