DCCC welcomes evacuees
By Amanda K. Witt
Editor
North Lake enrolls 18 students affected
by Katrina North Lake College has enrolled
18 evacuees, said Mary Ciminelli, vice president
of student services and enrollment management.
According to an e-mail Sept. 15 to employees
of the college district from Chancellor Jesus
“Jess” Carreon, a total of 281 student
evacuees have been identified in the DCCC system.
“Of that number, 248 have been waived to
receive in-district tuition, and slightly more
than half of that group has received tuition and
book assistance (134 and 133, respectively),”
said Carreon.
He added that new students affected by the storm
can enroll in 945 open DCCC fl ex courses starting
Sept. 15, with more than 1,630 seats available
in distance learning, self-paced, weekend and
off-campus classes.
El Centro has the largest enrollment of student
evacuees with 58. Richland has enrolled 46; Brookhaven
31; Eastfield, 22; and Mountain View, 4.
To identify the needs of the displaced residents
of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who have
evacuated to our area. Carreon has implemented
a disaster response plan for the DCCC. Each campus
has a Katrina Disaster Relief Task Force.
“I have been gratified to see the willingness
of the North Lake College family to find ways
to help our neighbors,” said Linda Glasscock,
president.
Under the direction of George Marquez, North
Lake’s team has identified many resources
for the evacuees. Donations have been collected
and delivered to Irving Cares, located in the
City of Irving‘s Human Services building.
Many of the evacuees who have not been able to
find permanent housing are staying in motel rooms,
and Irving Cares’ food panty is in need
of convenience foods like cereal bars, pop-top
canned fruit, crackers, peanut butter, raisins,
microwaveable items, etc.
Every Friday a member of the task force makes
a delivery of donated items to Irving Cares, which
have been collected from students, staff and faculty
members.
The City of Irving has opened a temporary facility
to help New Orleans evacuees in Irving. Located
in the same building as Irving Cares, 440 S. Nursery
Road, New Orleans West (NOW) will coordinate assistance
for Louisiana evacuees in Irving. For more information,
call NOW at 972-721-4802.
Meanwhile, the Santa Bucks closet on campus has
opened up to all those in the North Lake family
who have taken in friends and relatives displaced
by the storm. The closet has food, clothing, shoes,
toys and some household items.
“At North Lake College, we value a strong
sense of family and community,” said Glasscock.
“This means supporting and helping each
other, and treating colleagues like family.”
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