Headwaters Background and Mission

Headwaters' Background

Headwaters began as a project called the "River of Hope" in response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster and the devastation in the city of New Orleans. The "River of Hope" project was first envisioned by Dr. Rebecca Thomley, the Chief Executive Officer of Orion Associates, Meridian Services and Zenith Services. This organization of human services companies was founded over twenty-five years ago and is dedicated to serving people with disabilities. While the organization has a long history of volunteerism and support for worthy causes, the "River of Hope" project is the most extensive and the most significant that we have ever undertaken. The organization has supported these efforts financially and provided opportunities for its employees, as well as members of the public, to participate. While there has been strong participation of the organization's employees, volunteers have come from across the Country and beyond bringing a wide variety of skills.

Headwaters' Mission

Although based in the upper Midwest Headwaters provides relief assistance anywhere that communities request our assistance. We are distinct in our grassroots and holistic approach to disasters. We help and support families as the first responders are leaving and work with community leaders to help identify those who most need our assistance. We assist clearing debris and damage, rebuilding homes and helping victims work through their emotional trauma to get their lives back on track. Headwaters works with the American Psychological Association Disaster Relief Network, the Red Cross and the Associated Builders and Contractors Organization in identifying and assessing community needs.