About Us

Message from Mary Claire Borys
Chair of Mid-South VOAD
Partnership Manager
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis


Mid-South VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters) is an association of independent organizations that are active in all phases of disaster. Mid-South VOAD exists to increase Cooperation, Coordination, Communication, and Collaboration amongst organizations through all phases of the disaster cycle: preparedness, mitigation, relief, and recovery.

We are partners reliant on one another. We are committed to working together before, during and after a disaster to strengthen our community’s resiliency.

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters movement started naturally with the need to serve individuals and families affected by a catastrophic event. These early NGO responders learned that by banding together, they were able to provide a quicker and more efficient response. Members of VOAD enjoy the benefits of the largest network of faith-based and nonprofit organizations focused on disaster relief and recovery in the domestic United States and US Territories.

Benefits of Membership

There is no cost to join the Mid-South VOAD. Member organizations remain autonomous and continue to operate independently in response to a disaster. Benefits include:
  • access to training on disaster preparation, response and recovery;
  • connections and partnerships to other credible disaster relief organizations, private sector and community partners, and government representatives on the local, state, national and tribal levels;
  • connections and partnerships to representatives from local non-profits, communities of worship, and civic organizations;
  • increased positive exposure; 
  • representation and advocacy for their role as a critical relief provider;
  • forums for information sharing and strong networking.

Current Leadership

Chair: Mary Claire Borys, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis
Vice-Chair: Bill Carr, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Treasurer: Mark Dean, Volunteer Mid-South
Secretary: VACANT
Board Members At-Large: Betty Lee, Adventist Community Services
                                               Jeana Bailley, American Red Cross, Mid-South Chapter
                                               Lucy Cummings, Presbytery of the Mid-South