What would you do if in the middle of the night you were awakened to your spouse having a heart attack, or the devastation of a tornado with a tree through your roof with bodily harm?  What about the loss of power that includes lights, telephone and water?  Fire raging through a neighborhood due to ruptured gas lines.  Any scenario that can be imagined has a logical and methodical and efficient path to resolution.   
   For the first time in Mississippi history, a Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps will be offering many services to include CERT training and certification.  CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team program which educates people about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact the area and trains the people in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. CERT is a nationally recognized program that is locally implemented to streamline efforts by the community in times of personal peril.
   Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps is the new nonprofit launched in April 2021 to cover areas that the young, energized volunteer, Jourdan R. Hartshorn, has recognized as areas in need of direction and volunteers.  Jourdan developed his heart for volunteerism when he was in 6^th grade.  His family returned to their trailer after Hurricane Katrina had ravaged the area.  His home was ok but the neighbors’ were gone. At a very young age, Jourdan saw first-hand disaster and the hard work it took to recover. 

   “In the past, when Mississippi had a disaster, we looked for outside help for solutions. With this new endeavor the mindset is going to change.”

Jourdan Hartshorn, Board President/Founder, Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps

   Jourdan has been a resident of Coastal Mississippi for over 22 years. He has served as Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Pappa John’s Pizza, Community Outreach Manager of Allen Hyundai, Disaster Response Volunteer Coordinator/Public Information Officer for Harrison County Long Term Recovery.  He has been very involved as a volunteer in numerous positions evolving into leadership positions.  For two years he served on the Board of Directors for the Harrison County Fair Association.  He served as Vice President and President of the Open Doors Homeless Coalition’s Youth Action Board and currently serves as Vice President of Buddy Bags. He is also serving as a Board Member of Let’s Go Gulf Coast.   
   Mixing professional responsibilities with nonprofit endeavors has earned Jourdan admiration from the nonprofit community.  Bridget Turan, Volunteer HUB Director for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation says of Jourdan, “He helps so many nonprofits.  He has responded to several posts during Covid. He helped with social media and did a great job with the Virtual Volunteer Newsletter.”
   Jourdan was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement awarded for 2020, logging over 4,000 Community Service hours helping non-profits.   
   In April of 2021, with his volunteer heart and following his true passion in disaster work, Jourdan founded and acts as Board President of the new nonprofit, Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps.  Danial Allen-Vice President, Stephanie Mathes-Treasurer, Vickie Stanley-Secretary, LaWanda Jones-Board Member, and Jeannie Herrin-Board Member will all work diligently with Jourdan. 

      Mississippi has never had individuals working just for Mississippi in disaster and conservation efforts.  According to Jourdan, the new nonprofit organization will help build community resilience as well as emergency response relationships and teams throughout communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast so that “neighbors can help neighbors” in times of disaster.
   “A neighbor helping another neighbor is 10 times better than an out of state person helping your neighbor when you’re right there and you can make an impact and build a relationship that can last forever,” Jourdan said. “The local emergency management authorities have small staffs but a big mission, and it is my dream to stay alongside them and help them.”
   Jourdan said the organization will also help families develop emergency plans and boost preparation locally. It will also stay focused on beautification efforts including litter reduction “to make sure our local communities look presentable and our counties and state remain beautiful.”
   In September, Jourdan and other members of the new Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps assisted Just Crumbs Ministry of Sumrall, Miss., at the Eighth Ward Volunteer Fire Department in Ponchatoula, La., to help serve over 2,000 meals to those families devastated by Hurricane Ida.
   The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is pleased with the development of the organization. With MEMA’s culture of emergency preparedness and Jourdan’s passion for disaster relief, it promises to be a very successful relationship.  One of the first things planned for the new nonprofit is a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification class to be held in January.
   The intent of CERT training is to prepare the community for “YOU ARE THE HELP, TILL HELP ARRIVES.”
“The CERT training is to help get people on the local level better prepared and able to respond in ways that the emergency management offices request,” Jourdan said.
   Signing up for the CERT certification class now will assure your spot in the class.  The class is a three -part, 22-hour program that will prepare you for emergencies in your community.  The classes will be held on January 3, 4 and 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scarlet Pearl Casino, 9380 Central Ave., Biloxi. Youth classes will also be offered that will have a community outreach and training for students.   
   For more information and/or to sign up for the CERT classes, contact Jourdan Hartshorn, Board President/Founder, Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps, at Hartshornjourdan@gmail.com. Visit their Facebook page, Mississippi Disaster & Conservation Corps

On the Cover: Mississippi Gulf Coast resident and community volunteer Jourdan Hartshorn followed his passion in disaster work to launch one of the area’s newest nonprofit organization’s, the Mississippi Disaster and Conservation Corps.

Susan Weller

Years of living along the Gulf Coast with a penchant for capturing photographs of smiling faces and beautiful places has brought Susan Weller to Seaside Social News. “This tenure will enhance my opportunities to capture and promote the exciting venues and activities generated by our lovely Gulf Coast and the people who live and celebrate life’s joys.”