COAD

What is COAD?

COAD stands for Community Organizations Active in Disaster. It is a network of local churches, nonprofits, community groups, and small business who work together to prepare, respond, and recover. This way no one is left behind when disaster strikes.

Why it Matters:

our church could offer shelter, meals, or prayer
Your nonprofit might provide supplies, transportation, or volunteers
Together, we can act quickly and in coordination, before chaos hits

How to Join Sarasota County COAD

• Nominate a representative from your organization
• Attend an info session or planning meeting
• Sign up to be part of Sarasota County’s coordinated disaster response network
• Email us at info@uwssc.org

What Does COAD Do?

The Sarasota Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) is a coalition of humanitarian organizations, government agencies, faith-based groups, and businesses dedicated to disaster planning, and crisis response, immediately following a disaster. United Way of South Sarasota County is the lead agency for the COAD. Here's how COAD strengthens the Sarasota County community in the face of disaster:

Brings Together Leaders: COAD unites government officials, Emergency Management staff and community leaders to enhance emergency preparedness and community resilience.

Recruits Organizations: We actively engage the nonprofit, faith-based and business sectors, as well as community organizations to participate in disaster planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.

Coordinates Assistance: COAD serves as a key resource to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate requests for help with unmet needs in the aftermath of a disaster.

Educational Workshops: We hold workshops, trainings, and drills to educate the community about disaster preparation.

Public Awareness: COAD provides displays, literature, and expert speakers to inform organizations and the public about effective disaster preparedness strategies.

Supports Recovery: Our network assists families and individuals with immediate needs following a disaster.

Sarasota COAD Partners:

COAD's strength lies in its collaboration with a variety of partners, including (partial list below):

United Way South Sarasota County Blue Sky Collaboration for Gray Sky Implementation

COAD operates with a focus on Blue Sky Collaboration for Gray Sky Implementation, meaning we work together during non-crisis times to prepare for efficient disaster recovery when a crisis occurs. This collaboration ensures effective response, recovery, mitigation, and preparation for any disaster that impacts our community.

Mission of Sarasota COAD

The mission of Sarasota COAD is to promote cooperation among community organizations to deliver streamlined, effective services to disaster survivors. This approach reduces duplication of efforts and maximizes support during the four critical phases of a disaster: preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. Join COAD COAD welcomes the participation of nonprofit agencies, government bodies, private sector entities, and faith-based organizations in building a safer and more resilient Sarasota County.

Do You Belong To A Church, Temple, Nonprofit, Or A Small Business That Helps People In Need?

United Way of South Sarasota County is leading Sarasota County’s COAD, Community Organizations Active in Disaster. It is our united effort to help our community prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. But we can’t do it alone. We need trusted local groups like yours to join the movement and it starts with you! Share this flyer with your pastor, church council, nonprofit, or small business leader to get the word out.

What You Can Do Right Now:

• Share website link to someone at your church, community group, nonprofit, or small business in your community.
• Ask: “Can we be part of Sarasota County COAD?”
• Help us build a safety net that starts right here in our own community/ neighborhood

“OUR COMMUNITY IS ONLY AS STRONG AS THE PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR IT. LET’S BE READY — TOGETHER.”

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