Loretta Wolf and Glenna Thompson on Dec. 30, 2025, concluded their work with the Church of the Brethren Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. These layoffs were due to the closing of the Material Resources program at the end of 2025.
disaster relief
Kentucky partner for Brethren Disaster Ministries offers more than disaster recovery
The Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding Program local partner in eastern Kentucky’s Letcher County to support the recovery from July 2022 flooding is HOMES, Inc. Originally a project of Mennonite Central Committee, HOMES began in the 1980s and has always focused on more than just initial disaster recovery by working to repair homes in the area and to provide affordable rental properties.
Brenda Giles concludes her work with Material Resources
Brenda Giles on Dec. 8 concluded her work with the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Scott Senseney concludes his work with Material Resources
Scott Senseney on Dec. 8 concluded his work with the Church of the Brethren’s Material Resources program based at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md.
Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers support Helene recovery in Tennessee
From Sept. 21 to Nov. 15, 2025, more than 95 Brethren Disaster Ministries Rebuilding volunteers traveled to Johnson County, Tenn., to support 11 households impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Update on Church World Service kit program and collections
Church World Service (CWS) has announced changes related to its kit program and collections, as the Material Resources program at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor closes by year’s end. Material Resources, the longterm Church of the Brethren program to collect, warehouse, and ship disaster relief and other material goods for CWS and other
Join a Children’s Disaster Services volunteer training in Spring 2026
Learn how to bring comfort and care to children following human-caused and natural disasters. Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is preparing to hold four volunteer training events in February and March next year.
Melissa Fritz concludes her work with Material Resources
Melissa Fritz on July 8 concluded her work as a packer with the Material Resources program of the Church of the Brethren. The program is located at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. This layoff is due to the upcoming closure of the Material Resources program at the end of 2025.
‘Brethren Disaster Ministries has really opened my mind’
“Growing up in a small country I always wanted to try new things,” said Lieketseng “Keke” Phooko, who hails from Lesotho, a country entirely surrounded by South Africa. “I always wanted to be outside of my home country to practice English.” Phooko has been able to do these things, and so much more, working for Brethren Disaster Ministries.
Children’s Disaster Services sends second team to serve in St. Louis
Responding to the May 16 tornado in St. Louis, Mo., Children’s Disaster Services (CDS) is sending a second team of volunteers to assist affected families.
