Return to Home PageTO: All Employees
FROM: Cari M. Dominguez
DATE: August 31, 2005
SUBJ: Hurricane Katrina
Dear Colleagues:
All of us have seen the heart wrenching pictures of the devastating destruction and suffering wrought by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf States, and the subsequent flooding in New Orleans. Our offices in New Orleans and Jackson, Mississippi have also been impacted by this natural disaster. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster, and most especially to members of our EEOC family.
I am pleased to announce that our Jackson Office reopened today but, sadly, the situation is far more serious in New Orleans. We are still trying to determine the status of all of our EEOC New Orleans employees. Communications are very sporadic. Earlier today, I spoke with Keith Hill, our Acting District Director in New Orleans, and with a lot of help and support we are attempting to personally contact all of the NODO employees, by cell phone, text message, through the Contact Center, or any other means possible. In addition we will be using EEOC's public web site, not only to post this message, but also to post other information specific to those in the disaster area, in the hope that some employees may have internet access and may be in touch with fellow employees. It is our fervent hope that all of our employees are safe. I also ask affected employees who may be able to reach us before we can reach them, to please let us know of their circumstances and their needs. Phone numbers and an e-mail address are listed below.
The physical wellbeing and emotional health of our employees is our primary concern, and we will do whatever we can to reduce their anxiety. All New Orleans EEOC employees will be placed on paid administrative leave until we can return to operational status. Salary, health insurance and other benefits will continue. We will be posting information on how to contact us through the National Contact Center, receive salary, advances of salary and EAP services, as necessary and appropriate. We are also taking measures to ensure that the Commission's operations continue.
If you are in touch with or contacted by any of our NODO employees, please try to obtain as much information as possible about their location, their condition and any assistance they require. Call 202-663-4935 or 202-306-3904 with any information that you receive. In addition, we have set up a GroupWise mailbox to receive information, katrina.recovery@eeoc.gov. We won't rest until we have everyone accounted for.
I have also received a number of inquiries as to how our employees can help. While in the days ahead we will determine ways to meet specific needs, for now cash donations to relief agencies is the best means of providing assistance. President Bush has identified the America Red Cross, 1-800-HELPNOW, http://www.redcross.org, and the Salvation Army, http://www.salvationarmyusa.org, as organizations that have mobilized to assist those in need. In addition, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a list of organizations providing aid and accepting donations at http://www.fema.gov.
Four years ago we were faced with the destruction of the New York District Office on 9-11. We learned much from 9-11 that enabled us to improve our operational systems to help us get back up and running as soon as possible in a disaster. I am sure that those lessons learned will be of great assistance in getting the New Orleans office functioning. But far more important is looking after our employees. No doubt we have employees who have lost all of their material possessions this week, and we pray that there has been no loss of life or serious injury among our employees and their loved ones. EEOC employees are dedicated and committed to our mission, and 9-11 showed that you also possess great inner strength and resiliency. I know that all of you join me in letting our employees affected by this disaster know that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
This page was last modified on September 1, 2005.