On May 16, 2025 Kentucky was hit by an EF4 tornado. This tornado impacted areas where field personnel Scarlette Jasper serves. Scarlette’s immediate response was to help with basic needs such as hygiene items, clothing, food and other basic necessities.
Scarlette continued to respond with assisting local partners and those directly impacted by the tornado. This included construction materials, storage sheds, emergency shelter, transportation and mental health services. Scarlette was able to access a camper to provide group and one on one mental health services at Levi Jackson State Park where displaced tornado survivors were being housed. Through this process, Scarlette was able to connect with various families and individuals who survived the tornado. One family in particular embraced case management and mental health services. Henry*, Joanne*, Shelly* and Joe*
Came faithfully for services. Their family had been living into rental house that was hit and destroyed completely by the tornado. The family was home at the time. Thankfully, they survived the impact and only had minor physical injuries. They were able to shelter in their bathroom. They lost everything.
Everyone in the family was strug
gling in various ways emotionally. The mother, Joanne, was struggling with anxiety and depression. She was very concerned about locating new stable housing. She was very appreciative of the FEMA camper, but it was difficult for a family of four to be in such a small space. Shelly, the 10-year-old, was exhibiting anxiety and crying often. Joe, the 16-year-old, had become very withdrawn and angry. Henry, the father, was in denial and refused to talk about the incident at all.
Scarlette ministered to the family holistically. She offered spiritual and mental health support. She was able to offer a space of listening and respite from the fears and concerns surrounding them. She was also able to offer tangible support. Once the family located alternate housing, Scarlette was able to assist them with furniture, household items and first months rental deposit. She was also able to provide back to school supplies for the children.
Scarlette continues to support survivors of the tornado as well as those still impacted by the devastating floods that happened in eastern Kentucky in February 2025.