On these pages you will find the stories of people that have taken the IAAY Classes. These are true stories about real people.

Elizabeth

My story begins in a little town called Irvington Al. Just out side the city limits of Bayou La Batre, where I live in a wood frame house with vinyl siding on it.

When Katrina hit it peeled my house like a banana, it took part of the roof, and there was structure and pipe damage. FEMA helped me repair the roof, but my problems had just begun. Everything else that was repaired I had to pay for, and believe me it was not cheep, so I had to leave some things undone which caused other problems, some of the things I could have done myself if I had known how.

When I heard  IAAY  had a self help training class that would teach me how to repair things for myself that was a happy day for me. I immediately wanted to know more. The what, when and where. My prayers had been answered finally help had come in a " lasting form", although we were very grateful for those who volunteered, and worked very hard to help us, when they left we did not know how to help ourselves if something like that happened again. IAAY program taught us how to fix plumbing, install electro outlets, square a floor, and lay a floor, tile, put up dry wall, mix and pour concrete for foundation and much much more. Thank you IAAY, Carolyn Thompson Executive Director, my instructors Phillip and Lester, thanks to them I can help myself with repairs around the house, and am better equipped for the next storm.

Elizabeth Sigler

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Robin     

I am here due to Hurricane Katrina. The storm caused the house to flood; therefore, I had to gut the entire house. The process included the following; repairing the roof, ripping off siding, tearing out sheet rock. The foundation and studs were all that remained. I received some funding from FEMA and a home owners grant, yet it still wasn't enough due to how bad the economy has fallen and due to new building codes. I had to replace all the electrical wiring and redo plumbing. Cabinets were also replaced due to the flooding. My former FEMA case manager Danny Young referred me to Tri-Coastal Community Outreach, because he knew I was trying to help myself and that they would help me in anyway possible.

Robin Thompson

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Bill ( 75 year old Veteran)

I'm here because of Katrina. We received multiple damages, from Katrina such as siding, roofing and the shed was hit by a tree. I heard of Tri-Coastal Community Outreach through my friend Robin, she brings me over here each week. I have really enjoyed the knowledge and company of everyone I have met.

"Ole Man" Bill Hedrick

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Kathleen ( Tracy, Connie and Kathleen)

My name is Kathleen Benson, I am here because this was my last hope for help. After the hurricane I applied for help but because I had done some patch up work they put me at the bottom of the list for help.

Every time I tried to get help there was always someone that needed more help then I did.

When the patch work started to break down, everyone had already left town. The someone told me about Tri-Coastal Community Outreach. I came to Ms Carolyn to see if she knew anyone that could help. She said why do you need help, when you can learn to do this yourself ? I will always thank God for Ms. Carolyn and Mr. Lester and IAAY.

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Tracy

My name is Tracy. During Hurricane Katrina we suffered little damage, we were blessed, unlike others, there houses were completely gone, lives were spared but nothing of their lives were left.

Our house had damage to carpet and some sheet rock due to water. It was cleared and dried but not replaced. Our house was built 12 years ago, the contractor used materials and fixtures that were not up to grade and made to last through the years. This is where my dilemma begins. My husband works out of town a lot and I am left with fixing leaky faucets, door knobs, that get stuck, replacing torn screens ect... or having to call a repairman and in this struggling economy their fees go up and our income goes down. That is why I am so thankful for Tri-Coastal and the family there. The classes they provide have enabled me to have the knowledge and hands on experience to fix things myself when my husband is gone.

I would like to thank the instructors for giving their time and knowledge and patience to teach the classes and also to Ms Brenda for the lunches she prepared for us each week. But mostly I want to thank the donors that supply us with materials and things we need to learn. The empowerment that comes with this experience is unmeasurable.

Thank You Tracy

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Connie

My name is Connie Stringfellow and I live in Grand Bay Alabama. I am taking these IAAY classes because I believe it will allow me to be more self sufficient and able to do things for myself since my husband passed away

9-15-2007.

When hurricane Katrina came through my husband and I stayed at home. My house is a concrete block house. The storm took part of the northeast roof off with water damage done to a bedroom and bath room. The carpet had to be removed and has not been replaced. The roof had to be repaired , the roof shifted cracking the sheetrock ceiling inside and cracking lines in all four corners of the whole house. The ply board on the outside of the house is rotting and needs to be replaced and painted. My glass door on the south of the house needs repair or replaced.

My sons replaced the roof to keep water and sun light from coming inside but the other damages have not been repaired. I have and am enjoying the classes and am really learning how to do things for myself and I know that I can do things.

Connie Stringfellow

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Lisa

My name is Felica ( Lisa ) Willis. I am 44 and disabled. I live with my disabled mother, I am the only girl my mother has. I am taking this class because it is hard to get someone to do things for you and I cannot afford to pay for the things to get done at the rates that they charge. So if I am able to do these things on my own, it would take a great burden off my shoulders. Plus I love to learn new things. Just knowing I know how to do these things is a great confidence boost.

Now I know I can fix the wheel chair ramp, paint the walls, fix the plumbing and other things. Thanks to Tri-Coastal Community Outreach , I now have the knowledge and will have the supplies to do these jobs!

Lisa Willis

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My name is Darlene Ong-Williams

I am the webmaster that sat and typed up these letters, took the photos of the classes and watched as these people worked their hearts out to make sure that they learned everything from how to hold a hammer, to how to use power tools. I watched as young and old, men and women learned how to do things for the first time with smiles on their faces and a real appreciation for the classes. No words can describe what it is like to see someone grasp a power saw for the first time and make that first cut and look up at the instructor with that " I got it" look.  Because of donations to IAAY from people like The Community Foundation of South Alabama and many other donors people are learning to take care of themselves.