Month: October 2016

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, large construction vehicles clearing away the wreckage was not an uncommon sight. But what might have stuck out to the average onlooker was a giant, pink excavator tractor with “Demo Diva” emblazoned on its long neck as it scooped away debris. That impressive machine belongs to Simone Bruni, who found healing by helping her New Orleans neighbors recover. Connecting to her community and making a difference helped pull her out of the loneliness she felt after the storm.

Bishop Jalen Whittleton and his wife were newlyweds when they nearly lost everything by a flash flood in Columbia, South Carolina in the fall of 2015. As a religious leader, Jalen finds deep inspiration and comfort from the people around him. In particular, he focuses on helping men talk about and process their feelings after the disaster.