Dear Editor: The Emergency Response Office of Church World Service is seeking representatives in organizations ranging from the Red Cross to AARP to the Humane Society to help start organizing each NJ county to be prepared for a disaster. Religious organizations and voluntary agencies are the nation’s front line in the history of disaster response. Federal agencies like FEMA are the new kids on the block. With the recent hurricane disaster in New Jersey, it is clear that each county in New Jersey must be prepared to have its voluntary agencies and religious groups organized and ready to respond to a disaster. New Jersey Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster NJVOAD is seeking to organize a state recognized, functioning county-level VOAD in every county. The Emergency Response Office of Church World Service is a vital partner in the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. Already five counties have responded to a minor disaster by forming county-level VOADS. All other parts of New Jersey need to be prepared to have its voluntary and religious organizations organized and ready to respond to disaster. The immediate response to disaster lasts not only the first days but weeks. Recovery takes much longer, often several years. In order to sustain this effort, the work of voluntary organizations must be coordinated. This is the purpose of VOAD. FEMA offers legal governmental power to respond to disaster emergencies such as activating the national guard, local police and other governmental forces. Out of historical and practical necessity, FEMA works closely with VOAD groups when disaster strikes at the local, state and regional levels. It is vital that the remaining 15 counties of New Jersey form VOAD groups before they are needed. Laura Porter and Deborah McCauley represent the Emergency Response Office of Church World Service. You may contact them at 973-676-5529 if you can help. Kathleen Kusterbeck, Asst. Director Church World Service