NVCSS Camp Fire Disaster Case Managers

Talking Catholic

We’re kicking off 2025 with a special co-host and four inspiring guests who left a lasting impression on Mike in 2024. Joining us as co-host is Jennifer Dyer, past guest and Catholic Charities USA’s Director for Capacity Building in Disaster Operations. Jennifer’s expertise adds depth to our conversation with four extraordinary case managers—Katie Otterlei, Abby Mebrahtu, Roxanne Giron, and Makayla Berlier—of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service (NVCSS).

These dedicated professionals have been on the front lines, supporting victims of the 2018 Northern California Camp Fire disaster. This tragic event claimed 85 lives, displaced over 50,000 people, and destroyed more than 18,000 structures, resulting in an estimated $16.5 billion in damage.

In this episode, we discuss the long-term recovery efforts, the unique challenges of social work, and how the Holy Spirit’s guidance often shines through in the work of social workers and communications professionals.

Learn more about the impactful work of NVCSS by visiting nvcss.org. For a closer look at the Camp Fire disaster and the region’s ongoing recovery, check out the National Geographic documentary Rebuilding Paradise by Ron Howard, now streaming on Hulu: films.nationalgeographic.com/rebuilding-paradise.

Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio (https://domesticchurchmedia.org) Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM.

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