Restoring a sense of home and pride in Oklahoma
“I am grateful for the dedication of our long-term recovery group, who ensured tornado survivors had direct access to recovery resources. This work reflects United Way’s mission to mobilize resources.” – Sandy Vanderburg, Executive Director, United Way of Eastern Frontier Country
On the evening of April 19, 2023, a powerful tornado hit Shawnee, Oklahoma, leaving more than 23,000 families without power and tearing through several neighborhoods, Shawnee High School, the regional airport, the Shawnee Family YMCA, the main commercial corridor and Oklahoma Baptist University. More than 1,800 homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed, and nearly half of the homes in the hardest– hit areas were not covered by insurance.
To support recovery, United Way of Eastern Frontier Country, formerly United Way of Pottawatomie County, received a grant from CDP’s Midwest Early Recovery Fund to help coordinate long-term recovery after the storm. The funding supported a disaster recovery coordinator who kept the long-term recovery group organized by building and maintaining relationships and resources to provide to recovering families, supported case managers, and helped families navigate insurance delays, FEMA appeals, and contractor shortages. This support helped ensure families did not fall through the cracks during a long and complicated recovery process.
The grant also strengthened the community’s recovery network. United Way built stronger partnerships with city staff, tribal partners, VOAD groups, and local nonprofits, creating a more connected system to support survivors. Outreach and preparedness efforts helped residents feel more informed and supported. CDP’s flexible funding also allowed the organization to extend the timeline for hiring a new coordinator and make adjustments during staffing changes without slowing the work.
Recovery was not only about rebuilding homes. In partnership with community groups and Keep America Beautiful’s RETREET program, United Way helped replant trees in neighborhoods damaged by the tornado. For many families, replacing lost trees was deeply meaningful and helped restore a sense of home and pride in their community.
Just as important, families felt heard and supported. Case managers and partners saw trust grow through steady follow-ups and consistent care, especially for older adults, families with children and people with limited resources who needed extra help navigating a complicated system.
CDP is proud to support the long-term recovery of the Shawnee community. This work reflects our belief in supporting community-led solutions, investing in local leadership, and helping ensure that recovery is fair, steady and centered on people. Shawnee’s journey reminds us that real recovery takes time, trust and strong local partners walking alongside families every step of the way.
Story by Juanicia Crump