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.
COAD's strength lies in its collaboration with a variety of partners, including (partial list below):
Adventist Community Services
All Faiths Food Bank
American Red Cross
Catholic Charities
Community Alliance of Sarasota County
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
Department of Children and Families
Early Learning Coalition
Goodwill Manasota
Lightshare Behavioral Wellness and Recovery
Florida Department of Health Sarasota County
Lakeside Lutheran Church and other Faith-based Organizations
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Jewish Family and Children’s Services
Sarasota County Emergency Management
Sarasota County Health and Human Services
Sarasota County Public Schools
The Salvation Army Sarasota County
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.
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.