NCIL Mobilizes Resources for Independent Living After Hurricane Katrina

February 18, 2006

NEW ORLEANS: The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) honored Resources for Independent Living, Inc. for the heroic services and support they extended to disability community despite being affected by Hurricane Katrina.

NCIL Executive Director John Lancaster presented RIL Executive Director Yavonka Archaga a check for $20,000 from the NCIL Disaster Relief Fund.

“Words cannot express the gratitude and respect I have for NCIL who has been there from the beginning when our office and equipment was under approximately 2 to 3 feet of water,” said Yavonka Archaga, CPA executive director of RIL. “Through the support and cooperation of John Lancaster, the executive director of NCIL, we have been able to work together and expand our services and abilities to help people who are in dire need.”

Resources for Indpendent Living, Inc. RIL will be forging their efforts to recover normal business operations and functions of the center in the greater New Orleans area and taking a national stand to advocate proper emergency preparation plans for the disability population for the upcoming hurricane season.