Blog – Jane Cage

Thirteen Years of Joplin’s Resilience

A story of resilience has written itself in Joplin, Missouri over the last thirteen years. It began with a devastating tornado but transformed into a narrative of rebirth and strength. On May 22, 2011, Joplin was struck by an EF5 tornado that claimed lives, homes, businesses, and our tree canopy. Yet, from the rubble, our community determined not just to rebuild, but to create something stronger and more enduring.

Our reconstruction is a testament to a community united with a shared vision of recovery and improvement. Mercy Hospital stands as a modern hospital in a new location. In its place stands Mercy Park with a lake, a sculpture garden and replica of the Mercy Chapel. Nearby is the KCU Medical and Dental School – a remarkable achievement for a city of 50,000 people. Our high school was rebuilt with the future in mind. We have a new performing arts center and art gallery with the Cornell Center downtown. Our business recovery has been remarkable at every level.

The resilience of Joplin is not just in the structures but in the spirit of its people. The community's response to the disaster was immediate and powerful. Volunteers poured in, neighbors helped neighbors, and a city's heart beat stronger than the storm that tried to silence it. It would be an incomplete story if we didn’t acknowledge the difficulties of recovery and the toll that it took on the community and its leaders. However, we have taken the lessons learned from tragedy to heart and community members continue to pay it forward across the country. It’s clear that the tornado has changed our DNA. The tornado is not often top of mind but when the weather takes a turn for the worse, we take it seriously.

This week was the final Joplin Memorial Run – a tradition that served as a reminder for us to reflect on all@ that we have been through. We will NEVER forget the 161 family, neighbors and friends that passed away. Our progress is a testament to our loss. In the first years of recovery, we adopted the motto “Recover Joplin.” At the five-year mark, we replaced that with “Joplin Proud.” Thirteen years have passed - we should continue to be proud of how far we have come.

#JoplinStrong #Resilience #CommunitySpirit #HopeRenewed

For Communities Affected by Hurricane Harvey

Across America, hearts are breaking for the devastation that has resulted from Hurricane Harvey. For those of us that live in communities that have been affected by disasters, our hearts break just a little more because we’ve been there. We also know that you have what it takes to lift yourselves and your community.

You need to grieve your losses so that you can move ahead. Don’t pretend that it’s just stuff because it was your stuff. Some of it was special – photos, a wedding dress, drawings from your children and letters from your parents. You will miss the church where you were married or the restaurant that served your favorite pizza. You’ll long for everything to be the way it was but with time you’ll realize that the past won’t be your future.

Your communities can become better and stronger. You’ll have opportunities to rebuild the way you wish you would have done it the first time. Although the temptation is strong – don’t rush. Take time to plan and to dream. Listen to each other. Try something new.

It’s a long road ahead. Those of us that have been there will be standing right beside you. We’re willing to share our failures and our successes. We also know that what worked for us is not the only path to recovery.

If you are taking a role in the recovery of your community, I hope you’ll take time to read some of the lessons we learned in Joplin. 48 of us have shared what we want you to know – in government, health care, education, mental health, animal control, private industry and more. You can download “Joplin Pays It Forward” through this link. http://www.joplinmo.org/formcenter/public-information-8/joplin-pays-it-forward-73. All of us are glad to have a conversation as well.

In any case, we’re keeping you close to our hearts and in our prayers.

Commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the Greensburg, Tornado

Greensburg, KS dedicated this striking memorial, The Beacon, to commemorate 10 years of progress since the devastating tornado that destroyed almost all of their community. They chose a bible verse, Isaiah 58:12 as the inscription – “Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a re-builder of walls and restorer of homes. ”

I have so much admiration for the thoughtful way they have rebuilt to be greener and better. Rural small town survival is never easy but Greensburg has carved a niche for themselves with sustainability and have more LEED buildings per capita (population 800) than any city in the United States. They also exude a sense of family among residents. During the 10th anniversary commemoration ceremony, they paid tribute to each person that died and released a white dove-shaped balloon into the night sky as the names were read. The audience sang and prayed together. Bob Dixson, their long-time mayor, reminded them that while the losses could never be forgotten, their responsibility was to love each other in community.

I was reminded that long-term recovery really does mean long-term. I also recognized how far Greensburg has come. Congratulations on your achievements.

Disasters – An Opportunity You Can Not Afford to Waste

Communities seem to fall into two camps after a disaster.
One point of view is that everything should return to just the way it was. Businesses and homes should be built back in their original locations. A rebuilt school should look like the original. The expectation is that recovery is successful if a community can be recreated in its previous image – with the caveat that homes and businesses should be a little more resilient with storm shelters or flood protection.
With time and perspective, I am convinced of a second point of view. A disaster can also be an opportunity. In Joplin, we suddenly had a clear view across one-third of our community after the May 2011 tornado. For the first time (and we all hope the only time) we had the opportunity to reimagine the shape of our community. We could adjust for some of the helter-skelter organic growth that had happened over time. We could lobby for amenities that were new to our community. We could make a decision to take enough time to reimagine healthcare and education in the 21st century and build for the future.
There’s no question that the second path is much more difficult. It requires collaboration and the willingness to think in a new way. Viewing disasters as a long-term opportunity opens the door to striking a foul ball or hitting one out of the park and in Joplin we’ve done both. Visioning requires courage and faith.
Taking time to reimagine pays benefits. The visioning process gives citizens hope and an outlet to stop looking around and look ahead. In all the cities that I’ve seen respond this way the results have been an improved way and place to live. Whether it’s the sustainability focus of Greensburg, KS or the newly opened Gateway Innovation and Discovery Center in Tuscaloosa, AL citizens have new opportunities. Joplin’s new future focused library opening in 2017 is moving to our most devastated area and within reach of a large portion of our low to moderate income citizens.
My advice to communities caught in the whirlwind of recovery? Take time to assess, plan and dream no matter how much pressure there is to rebuild quickly. Although you never asked for the “opportunity”, it’s one you can’t afford to waste.