Our story begins in 2016. Jackson, then a 15-year old sophomore at Bloomington High School, spotted a flyer from State Farm talking about an IT internship. It piqued his interest and he planned to apply when he met the age requirement at 16.

All in the family

“All I really knew about State Farm was that it was a good place to work; I’d heard my mom say that for as long as I can remember,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s mom, Natalie, has been with State Farm for 23 years and encouraged him to apply when he was in high school.

It was a great decision. Not only did Jackson gain experience in coding and IT work while in high school, he was also in a great position to start a new internship through the Research and Development Center (RDC) when he started at the University of Illinois.

A program that works

RDC is located on campus at U of I and matches students with internship opportunities at State Farm. Not only does this program help students gain real world experience, it also helps State Farm recruit top level students, like Jackson.

“The RDC recruits exclusively to the University of Illinois which houses the #6 Computer Engineering program in the country, so we get to meet some extraordinary students,” said Intern Coordinator Heather Park.

“I got the chance to work on all kinds of cool things at the RDC,” said Jackson. “Everybody there really takes an interest in what the interns want to learn, which is great.”

By the time he’d finished his first year, he told his mom he’d decided that he wanted to work for State Farm.

Making it official

Jackson’s internship will officially come to an end on Dec. 10, but his State Farm journey is just beginning. He’ll be starting as an official member of the State Farm family, working out of the Atlanta Hub.

“I’m really grateful,” said Jackson. “I’m grateful for State Farm for giving me these great opportunities, and I’m grateful to my mom for helping me out, as well.”

Prentiss Bullard of Atlanta, Georgia, grew up knowing three things:

• Treat people with respect.
• When life gets you down, laugh.
• A college degree is a must.

"I learned it all from my dad," smiled Prentiss. "He's a people person, and that rubbed off on me. His dream, for me to pursue higher education, has too." Instead of going to college, Prentiss’s dad joined the workforce, serving as the primary breadwinner for Prentiss and his mother.

"Dad taught me the value of hardwork, and always reminded me to stay in school," said Prentiss. "He wanted me to go farther than he did."

The years passed. The Bullard family kept busy. Life was happy. Then, in 2016, everything turned upside down. “I was walking to school when I got an urgent call from my mom,” said Prentiss. "I’ll never forget her words: “Your dad’s been hit by a car.”

"We rushed to the hospital. Dad's injuries were so severe. He passed away a short time later." Prentiss Bullard senior was just 49 years old.

With grieving hearts, Prentiss and his mother were left to figure out how to move forward. But without an adequate life insurance plan, questions about how to pay for bills, make rent, or even plan for college remained unanswered. “We hardly had time to process everything,” said Prentiss. “It was so stressful. On top of it all, I was worried I might not be able to go to school.”

Prentiss got a job and started applying for scholarships, including the Life Lessons Scholarship from the nonprofit, Life Happens. With the support of State Farm, Life Happens helps educate families with insurance and financial planning. “I did everything I could to take the load off my mom, while also making sure my dad’s wish – that I go to college – came true.” In 2018 Prentiss got a phone call that left him beaming from ear to ear...

“I learned I was the grand prize winner of the Life Lessons scholarship. I was thrilled! The happiness I felt that day, I still feel now. My life is changed.”

Today, Prentiss is a student at George Washington University, pursuing a degree in fine arts. “Whenever I’m taking a test, doing homework, or studying for exams – I think of dad. I think of how much he and my mom love me. I want to make them proud, so I work hard. I’m aspiring to be a photojournalist. The opportunity to go to college is truly a gift.”

Prentiss continues to live out the lessons his father taught him. He says they’re lessons everyone should remember. And, there’s one more piece of advice he wants to share:

“Protect the ones you love, make sure they’re provided for with a life insurance plan. Everyone should make this a priority,” said Prentiss. “Life has a lot of twists and turns. Accidents happen. Knowing you’re covered means peace of mind - so you can keep enjoying your journey.”

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The beauty that comes with West Coast scenery is something extraordinary to behold – the warm breeze hits your face as you take in the expansive landscape. Trees bustling with wildlife, bees busy pollinating flowers, mountain tops looming in the distance or the tide hitting the sandy beach….

And then your stomach growls, bringing you back to reality.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with her partner, Terry (street name: Pony Boy), Onya Jensen found awe-inspiring majesty in her surroundings, even as they struggled to feed themselves.

“I really do miss waking up on a new beach every day, but eating out of trash cans was not the greatest, and having to walk to find work was hard,” Onya said.

Before leaving Arizona to hit the PCT, both Onya and Pony Boy found support and a family with the Aris Foundation – an organization devoted to helping the hungry, needy and politically under-represented homeless adults in Arizona. Onya had been on the streets since she was a teen, holding jobs while completing high school. Pony Boy found support from the organization to get sober, and the foundation helped get them both off the streets.

Every Tuesday, Aris Foundation provides meals, hygiene products and snack packs for the homeless.

“Pony Boy used to come out every Tuesday and then he brought Onya. They needed help to get off the streets, and we helped them furnish their place,” said Aris Foundation Founder and CEO Katherine Kouvelas. “You would never know she was struggling then.”

Returning from the PCT, Onya was able to get back on her feet with a job as a claim associate at State Farm^® – a similar position she had before heading to the trail – and now she dedicates her time to volunteering with the Aris Foundation.

“I love seeing the faces. I call them my family. I want them to succeed and get sober and see them happy,” said Onya. “The Aris Foundation means community to me. It’s the community that shows up to that park on Tuesday, rain or shine, with no class separation. A full belly and a warm blanket is all any of them want.”

“Onya is very customer focus oriented and takes pride in assisting her customers to the furthest point. She recognizes the importance of remarkable recovery opportunities and takes ownership of the customer experience,” said Franklin Banaszewski, Onya’s claim team manager. “Onya is a great resource to new associates. She is always willing to assist a peer in need!”

Because of her volunteer efforts, Onya was able to provide a $500 State Farm Good Neighbor Grant^® to the foundation. She used that money to provide a burrito dinner to about 150 Arizona homeless.

“When people like Onya and Pony Boy come back out and show everyone still out there that they did it, they’re showing them it’s possible. It’s not easy, but they can do it, too,” Katherine said. “Onya is articulate, beautiful, intelligent. You couldn’t get a better spokesperson. She has had to fight for everything and she still stays positive and happy.”

And then your stomach growls, bringing you back to reality.

Onya Jensen hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with her partner, Terry, whose street name was Pony Boy. They found awe-inspiring majesty in the surroundings, even as they struggled to feed themselves.

“I really do miss waking up on a new beach every day. But eating out of trash cans was not the greatest, and having to walk to find work was hard,” Onya said.

Before leaving Arizona to hit the PCT, both Onya and Pony Boy found support and a family with the Aris Foundation. It's an organization devoted to helping hungry, needy and politically under-represented homeless adults in Arizona. Onya had been on the streets since she was a teen, holding jobs while completing high school. Pony Boy found support from the organization to get sober. The foundation helped get them both off the streets.

Every Tuesday, Aris Foundation provides meals, hygiene products and snack packs for the homeless.

“Pony Boy used to come out every Tuesday and then he brought Onya. They needed help to get off the streets, and we helped them furnish their place,” said Aris Foundation Founder and CEO Katherine Kouvelas. “You would never know she was struggling then.”

Returning from the PCT, Onya was able to get back on her feet with a job as a claim associate at State Farm®. She held a similar position before heading to the trail. And now, she also dedicates her time to volunteering with the Aris Foundation.

“I love seeing the faces. I call them my family. I want them to succeed and get sober and see them happy,” said Onya. “The Aris Foundation means community to me. It’s the community that shows up to that park on Tuesday, rain or shine, with no class separation. A full belly and a warm blanket is all any of them want.”

Now the tables are turned. Because of her volunteer efforts, Onya was able to provide a $500 State Farm Good Neighbor Grant® to the foundation. She used that money to provide a burrito dinner to about 150 Arizona homeless.

“When people like Onya and Pony Boy come back out it shows everyone still out there that they did it. They’re showing them it’s possible. It’s not easy, but they can do it, too,” Katherine said. “Onya is articulate, beautiful, intelligent. You couldn’t get a better spokesperson. She has had to fight for everything and she still stays positive and happy.”

2,700 miles from home. A highway slathered in snow and ice. The temperature far below freezing.

As 81-year-old Bill Briggs braced the steering wheel, he knew this Alaskan drive would be difficult. But he was determined to get his granddaughter Ellen and her trusty pooch Annie home for the holidays.

“My granddaughter finished a medical internship in Alaska this past December,” said Bill. “I didn’t want her traveling alone in these conditions.  I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I’m used to slicker than slick.”

But as the trio began their trek on the Alcan Highway, Bill and his crew found themselves in a terrifying situation.

“I was about 70 miles out, with poor visibility,” Bill explained. “Before I knew it, the road curved – and my back tire caught the shoulder of the highway.”

In a matter of seconds, Bill’s SUV turned into an erratic Tilt-A-Whirl, spinning out of control, eight feet down an embankment and into the path of an unforgiving tree.

The family closed their eyes. Ellen clutched Annie--bracing for the impact.

And then there was silence.

“I saw it happen”

On that Saturday morning State Farm agent Glenn Marlin found himself driving behind a mid-sized SUV. “It was snowing so hard I could not see the license plate," said Glenn. But I remember thinking, ‘I bet this driver isn’t from around here...’”

Minutes later, the State Farm agent watched in horror as the SUV spiraled off the road and out of sight. “I thought they rolled it,” said Glenn. “I immediately pulled over and ran to the scene.”

A Close Call

Peering over the embankment, Glenn saw the vehicle had skidded to a halt. “I ran down and helped the family out of their SUV,” he said. “Thankfully everyone was okay - but the vehicle wasn’t. It had two flat tires, and there was no way to get it out of that hole.”

Glenn dialed roadside assistance, and helped the family with their claim. "The hardest part was explaining where we were,” he said. “We were on the outskirts of town and not many cars pass this way. It took about three hours for the wrecker to arrive."

"I'm so glad Glenn was there," said Ellen. "It was freezing, and Grandpa and I would have been all by ourselves. Not to mention my dog Annie was scared to death.”

As the sun began to set – Glenn waited with the family, inviting them to hunker down in his truck until help arrived. Over hot coffee and conversation, the group talked, reminisced and even shared a few laughs.

“It’s a real nice thing he did,” said Bill. “When you’re facing a frigid situation alone – it means so much when someone stops to lend a hand.”

“Bill was great,” added Glenn. “After 80 plus years, he has terrific stories.  I wish we lived closer.”

Later that afternoon the tow-truck arrived. Glenn and the family exchanged information, wished each other well and parted ways.

“I never expected my Saturday to go like that,” said Glenn. “And you know what? It was 100 percent worth it to help this family.”

A Time to Reflect

In hindsight, Bill says there’s much to be thankful for on that fateful day. He and his family were not hurt, their SUV would get repaired, and he was also reminded of this age-old lesson:

A random act of kindness goes a long way.

“What are the chances it would be Glenn who stopped?” Bill smiled. “He was knowledgeable, accommodating and above all else, this stranger – is now a friend.”

“I’m here to help,” added Glenn. “And I’m happy to do it. Pay it forward for others – and let the cycle of kindness continue.”

Click on the + in the interactive image below for more on the impact of "random acts of kindness."

Saying yes to a family match through their local Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Al and Melanie turned caring into doing and changed many lives. In big ways.

And even half a decade later the relationship is going strong. Jacob comes over to their house on a Saturday or Sunday nearly every weekend. Now 12, Jacob “is a pretty awesome young man — polite, thankful, and never asking for anything. He blends in well with our family,” according to Al.

During Jacob’s visits, they do a variety of activities. Now that he’s in seventh grade, helping him with schoolwork is a focus area.

Al and Melanie have been helping Jacob develop more comprehensive thinking skills. “In the beginning,” Melanie says, “I sat down and read each question with him. It wasn’t that Jacob didn’t know the answer, but more that he didn’t know how to structure the answer.”

And homework time has become a family affair. Al and Melanie’s two older daughters, Izzy and Allie, help Jacob with homework too. “It’s good for the girls to teach someone,” says Al. “Which is when you learn how well you know something.” Aside from homework, they all spend time reading each weekend.

The Schellings aren’t only in this for the near term. They expect to see Jacob graduate from high school and are in it for the long haul. As contacts for Jacob’s teachers, Al and Melanie are able to track his academic and social progress.

But it’s not all about homework. Al and Melanie encouraged Jacob to get involved in a youth basketball program, which adds balance. Jacob is included in family vacations and even family pictures. Al and Melanie’s three daughters love him like a brother.

Recently, the Schellings were planning a movie outing. Their 11-year-old daughter’s first question was, “Is Jacob coming too?”. She didn’t want to go with her parents, but if her ‘brother’ was going, she would too.

Mentoring relationships take on many forms, and this relationship benefits everyone involved. In addition to Jacob’s adoptive mom, the family match program introduced Jacob to other adult role models who care about him and are committed to his success. And Al and Melanie indicate an unbelievable change in their lives.

Melanie says, “Our relationship with Jacob has helped us open up more to what kids want and need.” Al adds, “Jacob has never asked us for anything; he just wants to hang out.

“Helping kids has become quite normal for us. We are quite blessed to be able to effectively operate our agencies while taking time out to make a difference.”

“It’s amazing that we can have a successful business while following our passion,” Melanie comments. “We want others to get involved like we are. The commitment can be as little as 10 hours per month, but can have a monumental impact on a kid’s life.”

To find mentoring opportunities in your area, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com^® and search under local ‘Children & Youth Education’.

Other ways to get involved mentoring youth:

• Tutor a student
• Participate in class/group programs (e.g. Junior Achievement, coach an after school activity)
• Serve as a foster parent
• Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to advocate in court for underserved children

“I couldn’t believe he dialed 911 and then reached a neighbor,” says Vicky. “He knew what to do because he recalled the training. He asked me two simple questions. When I couldn’t answer them, he knew I needed help. It could have been much more serious if he didn’t know what to do in that situation.”

As a retiree, Paul, who lives in Bayside, Calif., still reaches about 3,000 children a year with the 911 simulator. He has also helped schools purchase Fatal Vision goggles to teach students about impaired driving and a Seat Belt Convincer to stress the importance of wearing seatbelts.

Several years later, the family – which included Vicky, her husband, Lee, and their son, Isaac – moved from California to Wyoming.

At 16, Isaac was an adventurous teen who loved the outdoors. He and a friend were in a remote mountainous area of with family. The teens wanted to stay a little longer. When they didn’t return at dusk, Vicky and Lee became worried. They reported the boys missing and a search began.

Tom Newman, a member of the search and rescue crew, assured the families they would not stop looking until the boys were found. Tom and another member of the rescue squad found the boys, unharmed, on the third day.

Tom is also a State Farm agent in Lovell, Wy.

Nine months later, in July 2017, tragedy struck the family. Isaac, then 17, was killed in a crash. He was driving his car too fast on a dirt road and failed to navigate a sharp turn. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

“As parents you never want to think about losing your child,” Vicky says. “We were grieving and we were scared. We had to make plans to return to California for the funeral services, and the expenses from medical bills and the funeral arrangements were adding up.”

Paul, their former California agent, called as soon as he heard the news. He reminded Vicky they’d purchased life insurance on Isaac before they moved. That policy was now with the local agent, Tom. They wouldn’t realize until later it was the same person who helped find Isaac when he was lost in the mountains.

“Paul called Tom and the two worked together to get us a check for life insurance proceeds in a little over a week, which was about $34,000,” Vicky says. “I honestly don’t know what we would have done without it.”

Today, Vicky is looking for ways to get involved and reach students about seatbelt safety.

“Vicky and I have talked about how we can visit schools and educate teens about the importance of wearing a seatbelt,” Tom says.

Vicky also doesn’t miss a chance to tell friends and family about the value of life insurance.

Looking back, she reflects on how State Farm has been there for her family over the years.

“Paul’s involvement saved my life because Isaac knew how to call 911,” she adds. “Tom’s participation in search and rescue saved Isaac’s life and gave us nine more months with him. After the accident, life insurance helped ease our financial worries during an incredibly painful time. Even if relieving some worries only makes it a small percentage better – it is better than 100 percent awful.

“I tell my friends, ‘Call State Farm and someone will help you.’ I am grateful for the role State Farm has played in our lives.”

Remember these tips to help you safely experience the upcoming solar eclipse.

1. Do your research in advance. If you must be on the road during the eclipse, plan to be at a rest area well before it reaches its maximum impact in your area. If you are planning to travel to an area in the path of totality, please arrive 1-2 days in advance, especially in more populated areas.
2. Please don’t attempt to photograph the eclipse with your phone while driving, or engage with your phone in any way.
3. Make sure you have plenty of fuel in your car.
4. Purchase NASA-approved eclipse glasses, and use them.

Path of Totality Viewing Times and Locations

These are the cities that are in the path of totality of the eclipse. The eclipse will begin about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours before areas experience complete darkness for approximately two minutes at the times listed below. Cities nearby will also experience the eclipse but the sun will not be fully obscured.

These results come from an analysis of data collected by students as part of a “Teen Road Safety Assessment” initiative (Teen RSA), led by FCCLA and funded by State Farm to empower youth to take an active role in advocating for traffic safety in and around their schools.

More than 1,000 students in 71 schools in 22 states across the country conducted Teen RSAs last school year to examine potential roadway and intersection dangers near their schools and reported their results to FCCLA. The results show that youth feel roadway safety measures need to be taken in communities across the nation now.

Highlights of the report findings include:

• 40% of schools reported that their school pedestrian crosswalks were not painted properly (29 out of 71)
• 47% of schools reported that their crosswalk signals did not allow an adequate amount of time to safely cross the street (34 out of 71)
• Only 9% of schools reported having crossing guards at intersections (7 out of 71)
• Only 19% of areas near schools were properly marked as school zone areas (14 out of 71)

“Engaging with youth about road safety is imperative to ensuring that students feel safe as they prepare for the start of the 2017-2018 school year,” said Sandra Spavone, executive director of FCCLA. “Now that these students have observed first-hand the potential dangers at these intersections, they are asking their communities to protect them by making the intersections safer.”

One such example comes from Union High School in the small town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia. After conducting an RSA, the local FCCLA chapter used the information they collected to advocate for infrastructure change. As a direct result of these student-led efforts, installation of a roundabout near their school was completed last week, just in time for the new school year.

“Conducting the Teen RSA reinforced what we thought to be a safety issue impacting our community,” said Madison Collins (17), high school student and president of the Union High School FCCLA chapter. “We had several traffic challenges that needed to be addressed near our school that resulted in a very dangerous, high-risk area for students, parents, and buses full of children.”

After months of additional research and outreach, students at Union High School felt that they were able to demonstrate that their community met federal guidelines for a new traffic solution near their school. Virginia Department of Transportation representatives, who were helping the students with their project, were able to find funding for, design, and construct an affordable traffic infrastructure solution: a roundabout.

“I’m proud to say that students in Big Stone Gap, VA, are heading back to school this year with new traffic safety infrastructure in place to help keep our community safe,” said Collins. “We have already been working to educate the students and the public about how to safely navigate the new roundabout.”

As part of the Teen RSAs, students worked with their local State Farm agents, law enforcement, and members of their community to observe and track details such as the number of lanes on the roadways near their schools; adherence of the speed limit; crosswalk safety, including lighting and pavement conditions; pedestrian countdown signals; seat belt use of passing motorists and passengers; and hand-held cell phone use and other distractions of drivers.

“We are always seeking ways to ensure the safety of families sharing the roads, especially traveling to school,” said Lisa Joyce, Public Affairs Specialist with State Farm. “The teen road safety assessments have encouraged connections between local youth and State Farm agents at the grassroots level to help make teens and their family members safer drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.”

To follow the Teen RSA initiative on social media, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter using the handle @nationalfccla and search for #TeenRSA.

An electronic version of this press release as well as additional information on the Teen RSA program can be found at http://fcclainc.org/programs/teenRSA/.

“I have so many things in my head. I’ve never been able to explain them before.”

Meet *Silvia, of Houston, Texas. Unable to attend school growing up, she couldn’t read or write. But as the author of her life story, she knew she could master the skills needed to create a brighter chapter for herself and her loved ones.

Silvia visited Literacy Advance of Houston and enrolled in classes. Since the 1960’s, the not-for-profit organization has been helping adults improve their literacy through trained volunteer tutors and programs like basic reading, writing and English.

Silvia was determined to:

• Learn to read and write.
• Get her GED.
• Do more for her children, herself, and her community.

“I wanted my son to know I am the boss. One day he will be the boss. I want him to go further and do more than I am but for now, I am still the boss,” she smiled. Literacy Advance made the learning process easy for Silvia. It offered flexible hours, programs to meet her needs, and the technology necessary to achieve. “If I have a problem, I know I can go to Diana, the Literacy Advance Transition Coach,” Silvia explained. “She helps me and even loaned me a computer so I can learn at home.”

Since beginning her literacy journey, Silvia’s skills have improved. She also started her own hair braiding business. Her newly-acquired ability to read and write allows her to reply to client text messages and answer their questions. Silvia also says she’s a more confident parent.

So what’s next for Silvia?

“I want to get my GED and write a book,” she grinned. “I have so many things in my head and I’ve never been able to explain them before. But now that I’m learning to read and write – I want to create my own novel, filled with my own thoughts.”

"Through the support of companies like State Farm, Literacy Advance is making a difference," said Program Director Kathryn Bauchelle. "With its assistance, we are able to reach out, help students in need and change lives."

My voice is strong

Knowing what I know now I would never have gone

Into the arms of a man who had never grown

As Dawn read aloud her poem, her words were punctuated by painful sounds only she could hear: a car door slamming, tires screeching. She offered to share her story, “Because by doing so I can help to break the cycle of abuse.”

Violence comes home

Not long after her marriage, Dawn began to notice frightening changes in her husband’s behavior. “He would come home from work and you could just feel the tension,” she says. “Suddenly you had a drill sergeant in the house.”

“All of us, but especially the children, experienced a lot of verbal and physical abuse,” Dawn continued. “My older kids (from a previous marriage) were only seven and eight then, but he whipped them and made them do push-ups to punish them. He tied my son to the bed with plastic handcuffs. It was like a nightmare.”

This part of Dawn’s story reached its end on a quiet Saturday morning in San Antonio, Texas. Dawn’s husband was already in a rage.

“I don’t like to argue, so I just let him talk,” she says. “Then I walked outside to get something out of the car and he followed and jumped into the driver’s seat. I was reaching into the passenger’s side of the car, with our two-year-old son on my hip, when he slammed the car in reverse. I thought he was going to run us over so I took off for the house and locked the door.”

As Dawn’s husband pounded on their patio door, she waited for the police. “That was the last straw,” she says. “I packed a duffel bag of things and we never looked back.”

No more bullying or fights before my sight . . .

Finding hope and the right help

After moving to St. Louis, Mo., Dawn found family support and the strength to begin a new life. She connected with Family Resource Center’s Redevelopment Opportunities for Women (ROW) programs.

ROW is a comprehensive set of programs providing the tools domestic violence survivors need to regain control of their lives and break the cycle of abuse and financial hardship. ROW's Economic Action program, supported by State Farm, includes financial literacy, budgeting, saving, credit counseling, as well as a variety of family and emotional counseling support services.

“Dawn is definitely a survivor,” says Suvekshya Joshi, a former ROW Family and Economic Advocate. “She took our parenting and finance classes and qualified for our Individual Development Account (IDA) program. She put her job earnings into a special account where we matched her savings two-for-one so she could purchase a car. Now we meet regularly to work on budgeting, and then we talk about her children.”

The toll of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse has a profoundly widespread, damaging effect. In the U.S. alone, more than 38 million women have experienced physical violence from partners. (CDC). Men who were exposed to domestic violence as children are three to four times more likely to commit it themselves as adults. (Source: World Health Organization).

Financial hardship plays a large role in perpetuating the cycle of abuse. Eighty-five percent of women who leave an abusive relationship return (Forbes), with financial issues being a leading factor in those decisions. Studies have shown women who connect to programs such as ROW are better able to leave their abusive relationships and feel safer, more independent, and more in control of their own lives. (Huffington Post)

Strength finds a new home

My bruises are gone

My thoughts are clear

My inspiration is always near . . .

Looking into those little eyes gave me hope

Dawn’s children have been in counseling for depression, but they are doing well, she says. “My kids keep me motivated. They see how I struggle with finances and keeping our family together, but I tell them, ‘As long as I have air in my lungs, I am going to keep on fighting.’”

And fight she will – not just for herself, but for all women. “My dream,” she says proudly, “is to open a non-profit to help women return to independence after living with an abuser.”

My name is Strength.

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, please seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

DCH offers support through a healing services organization called Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK). ITK helps address the trauma and stress related to hospital stays through healing therapies like massage, meditation, play and music.

And it’s all done free of charge.

These therapies are possible because of ITK’s volunteer program, Hospital Heroes. In this program, Adult Hero volunteers skilled in comfort therapies, support families in crisis. Hero services range from gentle massage, to counseling and moral support. The hospital also welcomes Young Hero volunteers through its doors. The Young Heroes, ages 14-21 are trained in caregiving. They spend time with patients - chatting, playing games and participating in activities.

"Children can feel isolated while in the hospital," said ITK Executive Director, Shay Beider. "Our goal with both Hero programs is to help break down those barriers while helping kids and their families feel comfortable, accepted and safe. This allows patients to experience an emotional escape from the hospital atmosphere."

Play therapy happens weekly in patient rooms or a community space at the hospital. Patient family members can also receive healing therapy in the form of meditation or counseling from ITK Hero therapists.

“All Hero volunteers must complete an orientation to learn techniques for interacting with young patients,” Shay explained. “They also learn person-first language. This is a respectful way to communicate with children who have special needs."

The Heroes program also enhances patient care by promoting emotional well-being, reducing stress, and providing support for families. The DCH staff says it’s an incredible opportunity for volunteers to engage in meaningful service. "I’m so proud of our Hero volunteers,” said Shay. “It's amazing to see their dedication to lifting the spirits of kids. Truly powerful!"

To learn more about ITK, check out the video, A Healing Touch.

“We are so incredibly grateful for the gifts of ITK. Thank you for everything you have given our family. We will never be the same and life looks more beautiful because of you.” – Mother of a teenage patient.

About:

Integrative Touch for Kids (ITK) is dedicated to providing healing touch services to patients and families at DCH. The non-profit organization is funded through grants and donations. The State Farm Youth Advisory Board has provided two consecutive grants in support of the Hospital Heroes and the annual Healing Retreat programs.

On top of it all, Jeni manages to volunteer weekly at a local food bank. “I love being here,” she smiled. “It gives me purpose.”

From its sky-high shelves stocked with breads, grains and beans, to coolers of milk, cheese and juice, some might say this place, called Midwest Food Bank looks like a mega supermarket.

But the food here is donated. There are no cashiers and checkout aisles. Instead, you’ll find volunteers. Lots of them.

Each week they give their time and talent to help people in need. They sort and distribute donations. They laugh and form friendships.

“I love organizing the shipments of food we receive,” Jeni smiled. “Semi-trucks deliver the items and each box is a mystery. Opening them is like unwrapping a gift!”

While these boxes don’t come in pretty paper or fancy bows, it’s the items inside that make eyes light up and lift spirits.

“This food does more than prevent hunger. It lets people know they’ll be okay,” said Jeni. “It lets them know others care and are there to help.”

Sometimes the boxes contain rice, or grapes, or lettuce. Sometimes they’re filled with medicine or shoes. And once in while…they contain something a little sweeter.

“Once, we received bags of mini-marshmallows…like the kind you find in kids’ cereal,” Jeni explained. “And while we can’t just give mini-marshmallows to those in need, we can combine them with other items – like veggies, fruit, and yogurt for more balanced meals. We’re grateful for what we get.”

Bill Curtis, a longtime Midwest Food Bank volunteer agrees. “It amazes me how many hungry people are out there. When you work here…you know you’re making a difference. We even started a food bank in Kenya to help communities near and far.”

But beyond the food and fellowship found within these walls, Jeni says you’ll find something else too.

HOPE.

Most feel it the moment they walk through the doors.

“You see hope in the faces of children and families who come here for assistance,” Jeni explained. “You see it radiate from our volunteers – in their energy and enthusiasm.”

Jeni herself understands the impact of hope and a helping hand. Six years ago she fell on hard times, in need of both food and shelter for her family.

With the assistance of not-for-profit organizations and charities (many of which receive supplies from Midwest Food Bank), Jeni managed to rebuild her life. She regained independence and started a new chapter for herself and her sons.

“Those were incredibly tough times,” she said softly. “But we didn’t give up. We survived because help was there, and I am so grateful.”

Today, Jeni continues to pay it forward at Midwest Food Bank because she knows, through help and hope…comes healing. “Now that my boys are old enough, I bring them to volunteer and they love it,” she smiled. “It’s our turn to give back.”

And, through the support of businesses like State Farm – Midwest Food Bank will continue to nourish neighbors near and far.

STORY UPDATE: Effective January 2018, Jeni is now the Operations Manager at Midwest Food Bank. She says hope comes in many forms. Sometimes it's a smile. Or a box of mini-marshmallows. Or a new pair of shoes. But no matter the way in which it's received, care and love are the end result. 

"Creating good in this world...is priceless," said Jeni. 

To find volunteer opportunities in your community, visit NeighborhoodofGood.com®.

(This story was first published November 2016)

Life for baby Mariam, is about to take a drastic turn.

The boy with the cape:

As a child, Jared Shoemaker of Tulsa, Oklahoma was known for helping others. Dubbed the “protector,” it was common to see the brown-eyed boy dressed as a superhero swooping in to save the day.

“Jared was strong, always lending a hand,” smiled his mother Linda. “In fact, when he learned a bully had been taking his younger brother’s lunch money, Jared chose to confront the culprit face to face."

All it took was one intense stare down from Jared, eye to eye with the bully...

The lunch money never wound up in the wrong pocket again.

A decision to serve

“As Jared got older, serving and protecting remained a top priority,” said his father Ken. A State Farm agent with a knack for helping others, Ken thought his son might follow in his footsteps.

“I wanted him to go into business, but Jared always wanted to be a Marine,” he smiled.

Jared joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002, and in 2006 left for his first tour to Fallujah, Iraq.

“Our phone calls were scarce and when we did talk, Jared would tell us he was okay and things were fine,” Ken explained. “To be honest, he made it seem like an uneventful tour.”

Even his letters were basic. But between these lines of ink…a different story was unfolding.

Meeting Mariam:

While serving in Iraq, Jared and fellow service members encountered a frantic woman clutching a baby to her chest. It was clear, the child needed help.

Jared learned the baby named Mariam, had a rare medical condition where her bladder was growing on the outside of her body. Without medical care, she wouldn’t survive, but the decision to help was dangerous. With tensions high in Iraq, Jared and his platoon were frequently under enemy fire. So they created a plan to protect Mariam, her family and themselves.

Hope in the Night:

When the sun set, and the streets were clear, Jared and fellow Marines would visit the baby’s home in secret. But the troops knew these trips in the night were a temporary fix. Mariam needed more care.

Through a series of carefully coordinated efforts - plans were made to fly the baby girl to the United States for surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

A Precious Sacrifice:

That fall, Mariam’s life was saved. But Jared Shoemaker never knew that. Neither did his fellow Marines.

About a month prior to Mariam’s surgery, the men were on a routine patrol when they came in contact with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The bomb went off with a blast so forceful, everything changed in an instant.

On September 4, 2006, Jared Shoemaker lost his life.

He was 29 years old. Two other Marines passed away that day. Only one survived. 

The Protector’s Story: Revealed

Ken and Linda never knew their son had been working behind the scenes to save Mariam’s life, until one of Jared’s commanding officers visited their home.

“After Jared’s passing, he told us what had really been going on,” Linda explained. “It meant so much to hear this…it was very healing for me.”

“It shows our troops are there to make peace,” added her husband Ken. “You truly see the best of the best in these young men. They volunteer to serve and sacrifice. We owe them a lot.”

To this day, the Shoemakers have not met Mariam. A few weeks after her surgery, she and her family returned to Iraq. And yet, Mariam continues to hold a special place in the Shoemakers’ hearts.

Recently the Shoemakers attended a reunion with about 300 Marines, many of whom served with Jared. There, they learned one of the Marines would be heading back to the Middle East.

“He plans to put out some feelers - and see if he might be able to locate her,” smiled Ken.

The Shoemakers continue to pray for the child they never met. They pray for her safety, for her health and happiness.

And they hope one day, their paths will cross. “We would love it if we were able to meet her,” said Ken.

A Lasting Legacy:

In his short life, the boy with the cape, the ‘protector’ who loved superheroes…grew up to do more than save the day. Jared Shoemaker helped save lives.

Photo Credit Stephen Pingry/Tulsa World

“These men and women have a special call to duty, and should be honored,” said Ken. “Jared was there to help, and to protect the citizens of Iraq.”

And through his selfless acts of courage and kindness, Jared’s legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew...

This protector, turned hero.

What do you do when you are feeling blessed by the career you chose? Seven State Farm agents in Nashville, Tennessee, chose to give back to the community where they live and work. They created their own 501©(3) non-profit called “Nashville Community Partners”.

“Our purpose is to promote and solicit donations to support the exceptional work of people and organizations which impact our community in profound ways,” says group leader Valinda Burks. “As independent business owners, we recognize the importance and the power of involvement.”

One of their most rewarding events is the annual Santa Store. During a two-hour party each December, they provide toys and other gifts to children ages 0-12 from 100 families.

The group publicizes the Santa Store via television spots asking for nominations of worthy recipients.

Darnell Clay explains, “As agents, we hear of families that are in need. The Santa Store is our way to try to help them and others that are dear to them.”

“Parents and children watch Christmas movies, have treats, take photos with Santa, and select free gifts in the Santa Store,” says participating agent Terry W. Jones.

According to agent Dejuan Buford, “The best part of the day for me is I get to play Santa. It’s such an awesome feeling to see the kids’ faces when they get to see Santa and take a picture. It makes me feel good and takes me back to my own childhood. Some of the parents are really happy to see Santa too!”

“This non-profit group has made a positive impact in the Nashville community since 2010. I’m excited to be a part of it and hope to bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we move forward into the new year,” said Darian Horne, the newest member of the group.

Current members of the group are State Farm agents Valinda Burks, Dejuan Buford, Darnell Clay, Darian Horne, Terry W. Jones, Leonard E. Jordan, and Bryson McCarley.

Want to ensure a family life filled with all the good stuff - adventure, security and love? Gather your loved ones together and pick up a pen.

Here’s a time-honored way to get things done: sit down, write down everything you need to accomplish, then cross items off as you go. A list is a great way to manage the little stuff. But what about the big stuff? Forget about making your dentist appointment or getting the car serviced - what about traveling to Europe, adopting a child, buying a second home? After all, someday when you look back on your life, you won’t be thinking about your forgotten hair appointment. You’ll want to be sure that you accomplished the things that help shape who you are - not just as a person but as a family.

Enter the family bucket list - a list of things you want to make sure get done before it’s too late. It’s like your life’s to-do list, but it’s not just yours, it’s your family’s. And it’s not about getting through the day; it’s about prioritizing your life for years to come. The benefits go beyond planning for tomorrow though; when a family comes together as a unit to pinpoint what’s important, dreams converge, and intimacy builds. We talked to three families who used bucket lists to map out their family’s shared future - and to foster closeness in the here and now.

The Krupickas: Kayak at the Dunes

A couple years ago, Lara Krupicka of Chicago discovered that her then 12-year-old daughter had a natural talent. “She’d had a good first season in track, and people were like, “Wait, she did that well in her basketball shoes?” Lara laughs. “So we bought her track spikes as a Christmas gift.” A few months later, Lara’s daughter announced a goal - she wanted to break the high school track record. Then, lo and behold, she did it - while still in junior high.

Lara is understandably proud of her daughter’s achievements, but she doesn’t see them happening by accident, or in a vacuum. “To see her achieve her goal wasn’t just meaningful to her; it was meaningful to us,” she explains. “It struck me that in our family there was an amazing dynamic happening when one of us went after something particularly important, I saw how some of our goals would stretch across our family and realized we need to embrace that."

So Lara and her family sat down and began brainstorming - what did they want as individuals? What did they want as a family? And where did these hopes and dreams overlap? Lara says articulating hopes and dreams wasn’t new for her family, but the exercise of writing them down was.

“Last fall was the first time we got this in writing, but using that language and seizing those opportunities - I can’t even pinpoint where that started,” she says. The magic was in the intention - the sense of pride that came with identifying a goal and accomplishing it rather than simply hoping that something would happen.

Thus inspired, Lara didn’t stop there. From her family bucket lists she developed a family bucket list manifesto, with calls for the reader to “Savor the anticipation of a goal,” “Plan to amaze yourself,” and crucially, “Be spontaneous, but plan often.” Out of this grew her book Family Bucket Lists: Bring More Fun, Adventure & Camaraderie into Every Day.

Despite the emphasis on family, Lara advises people to write their own individual lists prior to coming together as a group. “Start your own list first, and have your kids get their bucket list going. There’s a synergy that happens,” she explains. “The family list grows out of that.”

Lara points out that as they cross things off their list, the kids naturally become more engaged. “It’s a push-pull. Writing down our goals allows my husband and I to focus on some deficits with our kids-and our kids learn that we’re serious about it!” One of the items on their list was to go kayaking at Sleeping Bear Dunes-which they made happen last summer. “The more adventures we do, the more we expose them to, the more they’ve grown to embrace it.”

The Thomsens: Travel to Europe

When Kathy Thomsen first married her husband, Jim, they lived in a tiny apartment with no furniture. They’d pull out their jar of loose change, count in the middle of their floor, and that would tell them what they could afford to do that weekend. To say they were cash poor may be an understatement. But they were rich in dreams, which is why they began their own bucket list very early on - on and old-school yellow notepad.

“We wrote it while were expecting our first child,” Kathy recalls. “Jim has heard about this idea of writing down 101 lifetime goals. We both liked the concept of making a list. Where are we going from here? What do we want our family, our life, to look like? The idea was that if you’re intentional about writing things down, you’re more likely to see where it will take you.”

Now Kathy and Jim have been married more than a quarter century, and on their 25th wedding anniversary they decided it would be fun to pull out that old list. “It’s funny. Some entries were big like travel to Europe. But some of them were ‘Buy a crib’!” The list was almost like a time capsule, giving a rare window into the concerns that held sway so long ago.

“What was cool was that while we wrote things like, ‘I want to learn how to sail’ or ‘I want to go to these countries someday,’ we also came up with things like ‘I want to paint the nursery.’ Those might seem silly, but they were important - we needed to prepare for the family.”

Some of their entries felt pie-in-the-sky at the time. “We wrote things like, have a four-bedroom home, travel to several countries, spend time in the mountains, have a second home,” Kathy recalls. “We even put down, ‘Have a grand piano,’ well, we have one now!” But they also donate money to their college and church and give generously to benefit others. “Each year we decide ahead of time which organizations we want to give to so we can plan for it.”

They also managed to make it to their travel destination, purchase a second home in the mountains, and live in a large home they built themselves. This was all possible, Kathy says, because peppered among the fantasies on that first list were some nitty-gritty financial goals too.

“Jim made sure to include, ‘Have x amount of money in the bank,”’ she points out. “When we think back to those first few years, when we had so little-just the two of us in this tiny apartment - compared with these last few years, we live a very nice lifestyle now that we never imagined back then.” But because they sat down to write their bucket list, they did imagine it. Now that they’ve achieved it they find themselves looking ahead to the next 25 years. “We still want to be intentional about challenging ourselves and doing stimulating things, but accumulating things is not as important anymore,” Kathy reflects. “Being financially stable is always important, of course, but now, as our kids get ready for college, we’re talking about downsizing. We built this house six years ago, and it’s enormous. Now we’re thinking maybe we can sell this and live somewhere else! We’re more interested in freedom.

What is on your family bucket list? Sending kids to college? Traveling somewhere new each year? Saving for retirement? Make the most of every life experience and those memories that last a lifetime and build a lasting legacy.

Related: The Family Bucket List Infographic

Financial Wellness Tips for a Positive Financial Future - State Farm®

When nature takes a walk on the wild side, we realize how prepared we really are – or aren’t. Three families share their stories as well as what they’ve learned as they’ve recovered from their disastrous weather encounters.

Jack McDonald had been settled in his little corner of Ellensburg, Washington, for 17 years with his wife, their horses, their dogs and “the coolest gang of cats you ever saw,” he says. You might not think of the rain-soaked Pacific Northwest as at risk for wildfires, but they were on the edge of open range and had come close in the past. 

On August 13, 2012, his wife called. She could see the smoke and said, "We gotta get out of here.” Twenty minutes later the horses were loaded in a trailer and their dogs were in her car. He could see the fire in the distance. “The winds were horrendous – 60 miles per hour across the ridge – but it looked like it might miss us,” he recalled.

McDonald put the cats in their double-wide mobile home and was giving his wife a hand with the horses when he heard that the fire was spreading – and had changed course. “I came back up to my ranch, and it was clear that my house was in danger. I was going to go get the cats, but the fire chief stopped me. The fire had already swept in.” 

The McDonalds’ home burned down to the crawlspace, leaving nothing but ash. “Glassware and cookware had melted into puddles,” Jack recalls. “We recovered nothing”

They began replacing their belongings as soon as they could. That’s when insult added to injury. “I bought the minimum amount [of insurance] I could get, trying to save money,” McDonald admits. They’re living in a smaller rental now. “We had to cut back on a lot of things, like buying used furniture. I don’t mind used furniture, that’s not the point. What makes me sick is thinking of what’s irreplaceable.”

What To Do:

Wildfires can’t be predicted the way hurricanes or blizzards can. David Miskus, a drought-monitoring meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says overall, we’re expecting more intense dry spells, more warm spells. The closer your home is to the range or the brush, the more at risk you are.

• Clear away brush. It's a fire hazard. Instead of watering to maintain lush green areas, make sure to remove brush.
• Gravel is your friend. Create a buffer zone between your home and potential fires with strategically placed gravel and other rock.
• Don’t light fires during a burning ban. Sounds obvious – and yet again and again, wildfires begin when someone does this.

Don Frank was sitting in his law office on the ninth floor of a building in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. This particular day several years ago started out hot and sunny. But it was turning peculiar. The view out his window was Frank’s first clue.

“Way out over the Berkshires I saw this cloud,” Frank remembers. “It was moving quickly. My office mates turned on the radio. We heard there was a crazy tornado situation coming through Massachusetts, but somehow the idea of being affected by a tornado seemed implausible.”

After all, tornadoes happen in big-sky and prairie country, and in the South - not in New England!

“I could see what was now clearly a tornado forming. It was coming right over the river, which is a block and a half from my office,” Frank recalls. “I still wasn’t worried, because we all know tornadoes never affect people in Springfield. I thought it might knock down power lines, and if I end up stuck someplace, I’d rather it be home.’”

What Frank did next was the opposite of what you should do during a tornado warning. He got into his car. He even offered his office mate a ride. “As we drove out of the parking lot, we came into very, very high winds – but I was still pretty sure nothing bad would happen to me!”

But bad things happen to everyone, no matter where they live, right when they least expect it.

“The tornado went up and over my car,” Frank says. “In a second my car was completely engulfed in debris. My office mate sort of slid down in her seat. I shut my eyes, and at that moment I heard a giant kaboom! My back window pulled out with the pressure differential. Stuff was blowing into my car. As fast as the tornado hit – literally three seconds – it left.”

Frank saw a steel girder from a building lying across the street about 20 feet from his car. He counts himself incredibly fortunate – he was unhurt and was even able to repair his car. But something shifted for him that day. After he got home he tried to shrug off the events of the afternoon and met some friends for a bike ride.

“We were just rolling out on our bikes when that same freaky tornado-like wind blew,” he says. “I was obviously reliving the trauma. Suddenly, I had barely enough strength to bike home.” He no longer operates under the assumption that bad things couldn’t happen to him.

What To Do:

Tornadoes can happen almost anywhere – even in New England. Tornadoes are hard to predict, and there is often too little time to get out of their way. Here are some wise precautions you can take.

• Get a good storm door. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified certain storm doors that can withstand 250-mile-per-hour winds. If you live in Tornado Alley - from the Rockies to Appalachians -  install one of those.
• Strengthen your garage. A garage door can be especially vulnerable during high winds. If your garage is attached, that spells trouble for your whole house. A reinforced, windowless door is your best bet. You also can install vertical bracing that helps to reinforce the door.
• Secure your windows. If you’ve heard you should open windows during a tornado, you’ve heard wrong. Instead, investigate DIY systems that clip plywood to your windows – no nailing necessary.
• Consider installing a safe room. If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, this might be the best move you can make. It won’t protect your home but will protect you and your family – and that’s what’s truly irreplaceable.

Patrick and Tammy Stewart's cross country move was wrenching. "We were leaving our first home. We had bought as a fixer-upper and I literally painted every single inch of every single wall,” Tammy says. “It was our first house, and we loved it.” But career opportunities beckoned, so in January 2010 the Stewarts rented out their beloved east coast home and drove across country to California.

Almost two years later, when they were between tenants, Tammy noticed news reports predicting a particularly bad East Coast storm. The Stewarts had several 70 year old trees on their property and feared something could go awry.

Sure enough, the morning the storm made landfall, Tammy got an email from her old neighbor. Tammy recalls the subject line said, "It’s not too bad!” Attached was a photo of a tree that had fallen. The neig

hbor described it tipping in slow-motion, right into the house.

The Stewarts panicked. “We were 3,000 miles away, and this was an emergency," Tammy recalls. "What were we going to do? We had to get the tree off the house to prevent further damage..and new tenants were arriving in just two days! The first thing we did was call State Farm, then the tree guy.”

Acting quickly, the Stewarts’ agent assessed the damage. The tree was chopped up and hauled away. A contractor came out to make sure the house was structurally sound. Thankfully, it was. The Stewarts were lucky. Really lucky because, as Tammy admits, they didn’t really know what was insured.

“We got the insurance we were supposed to have as property owners. We didn’t know what was actually in our policy,” she says, “What was covered, what wasn’t. I didn’t even know what our deductible was!”

Tammy is glad the event forced her and Patrick to become more informed. That tends to be the case for a lot of people. “You get what you’re supposed to get with the thought that nothing will really happen," Tammy said. "It was eye-opening. We were so lucky we had no flooding, because I know now we weren’t covered for that.”

In the midst of the hassle, the Stewarts haven’t lost sight of the silver linings. “We had never exercised our policy,” she says. “With State Farm it went really smoothly - even with us in California. We were surprised too, given the damage back [on the East Coast], that our relatively small claim was handled so quickly.”

What To Do:

Hurricanes and strong storms pack a major punch. It’s important to be prepared. As with any dangerous storm or peril, listen to and react appropriately to evacuation and/or safety messages delivered by local weather and law enforcement authorities.

• Prepare for high winds. Add window protection and reinforce entry and garage doors. Pull all lawn furniture, planters and garbage cans inside. Anything not tied down is a potential projectile.
• Stock up. Make sure you’ve got batteries, flashlights, and enough water and nonperishable food to last a few days. Fill large containers with water for washing and flushing, and gas up your vehicles.
• Look into flood insurance. If you don’t live in a floodplain, chances are you’re not covered for flooding. Most flood insurance is provided by the National Flood Insurance Program, not covered under standard homeowners policies.

It’s that time of year…the sizzle of the grill, the smell of fresh cut grass, flowers in bloom, family vacations, baseball, and of course cooling off while enjoying the water. Unfortunately, along with the fun being in and around water can bring, it is also the time of year when we hear and read about the tragedy of water related accidents and deaths.

An alarming fact to consider is how fast it happens.

This summer, you can be a good neighbor by making your pool safer for kids. Call a specialist in your area for an inspection and remember these tips:

1. If it’s not a designated time for enjoying the pool, make it impossible for the kids to sneak out alone.

2. Restrict access to above ground pools.

3. Make sure your pool is surrounded by a fence.

And whether you are at the pool or the beach, here are a few things to do when you’re with kids around water:

4. Be part of the action

5. Keep your eyes on the kids at all times. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and put down the phones.

6. Remember, friends make everything more fun!

Enjoy your summer and keep your family safe. Visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/water-safety for more safety tips.

Sadly, his small town community has faced tornadoes of historic proportions – two of those storms among the strongest ever recorded. His city, home to beautiful neighborhoods and thriving economic development, has earned the unfortunate distinction as the frequent target of killer tornadoes.

“By 2013 we were beginning to ask some questions of each other,” said Terry Cavnar, State Farm Agent and Moore City Council Member. “We can no longer ignore this. We can’t say this isn’t going to happen again because it continues to happen. So, we began to look at the options.”

In the past 15 years, the city of Moore has fallen victim to tornadoes on three separate occasions. In 1999, an EF-5 tornado swept through the community causing $1.2 billion in damage, and taking 40 lives. In 2003, an EF-4 devastated the town. Most recently in 2013, Moore faced a second EF-5, killing 24 and causing $2 billion in damage.

After each storm, Drake and other city officials were left to wonder what – if anything – they could do to better prepare their community for these catastrophic storms. After the 2013 storm, they decided to take action.

A Time To Act

The search for answers led to the formation of a special committee made up of council members, builders and citizens to re-examine building codes and ensure all new construction was best equipped to deal with extreme weather.

The committee called on Chris Ramseyer, Associate Professor-Civil Engineering at the University of Oklahoma to help in the planning effort. Even before the 2013 storm, Ramseyer had been studying the performances of residential structures in high-wind events and was very familiar with the city’s plight.

“I was here the next morning,” Ramseyer said of his hours following the 2013 tornado. Amongst the utter devastation, Ramseyer found what he was looking for. “We had a house with a slab essentially wiped clean. It was EF5 damage,” he said. But just seventy feet away, a home stood largely intact. The two homes were too close to have provided for much difference in wind speed, Ramseyer concluded that the structure must have saved the second home.

The committee developed their plan of attack and agreed all future homes needed to be practical, affordable and repeatable on a large scale.

“Chris looked at it from both structural integrity and also cost. The impact it would have on the cost of residential construction,” said Drake. “And I think the homebuilders bought into that, and they had confidence in him.”

Building Better AND Stronger

The result was to refine the building technique, rather than adding new materials. The new approach called for a change in the basic house framing, pushing builders and contractors to expand upon their normal approach. Longtime Moore builder, Tom Pollard notes,“ it’s not even a big cost issue, it’s just an educational process.”

“The biggest difference is in the framing,” said Cavnar. “With some more tie-ins, especially between the walls and the roofing, strengthening in your openings, framed openings, windows and doors.”

In addition to the added protection, there was more good news: The cost.

“Our research shows that you can do it for a cost of roughly a dollar a square foot,” said Ramseyer.

Drake and the committee are enthusiastic about this new approach as a means to protect, preserve and prepare the homes of Moore.

“We were ecstatic,” said Terry Cavnar. “We could do something that would withstand an F3 tornado, 135 miles an hour, for a minimal amount of cost. We were thrilled.”

And while the success of these measures will ultimately be born out in the coming tornado seasons, for now this process stands out as a great example of what can be accomplished when a community works together.

“This has been one of the easiest code changes I’ve been involved in,” said Drake. “I didn’t think that would be the case when we started this process, but it was.”