news article

Upper New York Disaster Response strengthens leadership and prepares for the year ahead

February 11, 2026 / By Kristina Clark, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The Upper New York Conference Disaster Response Ministry continues to grow in strength and readiness as it reflects on last year’s response efforts, prepares for upcoming trainings, and enhances leadership.

In 2025, Upper New York Disaster Response trained 22 new Early Response Team (ERT) members and dedicated more than 2,000 volunteer hours supporting disaster response efforts in seven communities. Teams responded to disasters across the Conference, including the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Newark Valley, Canastota, Rome, and Rochester, and deployed ERTs to Georgia and Wisconsin to assist other Annual Conferences.

As disaster response efforts expand, leadership continues to strengthen. Kristina Clark, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, was recognized for her leadership and named to the New York VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Board. In this role Kristina will have expanded opportunities to connect, collaborate, and strategize with non-profit organizations across the state.  Additionally, the Upper New York Global Ministries team has named Robin Searles as Co-Conference Disaster Response Coordinator. Robin will focus on field support, disaster assessment, and ensuring communities have the tools needed to respond effectively.

Robin’s journey into disaster response began after a devastating tornado struck Rome in 2024. Responding to a call for volunteers, Robin and her wife, Jill, joined cleanup efforts, offering practical help and hope to homeowners still recovering. That experience led them to ERT training and deeper involvement in disaster response ministry.  Robin has responded to every disaster since then, including deployments outside of the Conference. “What I appreciate most about Disaster Response Ministry is the profound sense of community and the tangible impact we can have. It's about more than just physical cleanup; it’s about restoring dignity, offering practical help, and providing emotional and spiritual support when people feel their most vulnerable,” Robin shared.

As federal disaster resources continue to be reduced, investing in local training and preparedness is more important than ever. To help equip communities to respond, Upper New York Disaster Response will host two ERT Basic Trainings this year:

• May 9, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Christ UMC in Olean
  Register here
• October 17, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Clinton UMC
  Registration opens June 1

Looking ahead, Disaster Response Ministry remains committed to training, collaboration, and readiness—ensuring communities in Upper New York can continue to be a source of hope, healing, and faithful presence when disaster strikes.

For more information, contact Kristina Clark, Associate Director of Missional Excellence, at kristinaclark@unyumc.org.