The United Way of Southwest Alabama, in partnership with Verizon, will host the third in the series of community-wide Disaster Resilience Workshops on August 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bayou La Batre Community Center.

This free, public event will provide residents with practical tips for protecting their families, homes, and finances before a disaster strikes. The workshop is part of the Disaster Response, Recovery, and Resilience Initiative made possible by a grant from Verizon to strengthen community preparedness in high-risk areas.

Featured speakers include:

• Mary Spivey, Communications and Public Relations, Home Builders Licensure Board
• Darlene Burt, Director of Compliance and Continuing Education, Home Builders Licensure Board
• Heather Sands, Esq., Pro Bono, South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
• Mike Dillaber, Plans and Operations Manager, Mobile County Emergency Management Agency
• Fr. Dan Good, St. Philip Neri & St. Michael Parishes

 Exhibitors include:

• United Way 211
• AARP
• Alabama Power
• American Red Cross Serving South Alabama
• Bayou La Batre Utilities Board
• Better Business Bureau of Central and South Alabama
• Mobile County EMA
• South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program
• Spire

The final workshop in the series will take place on October 14, 2025 at the Semmes Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Registration is required. The first 75 individuals to register for each workshop will receive a free disaster kit and be entered to win valuable door prizes, including a generator. To register, visit: https://UWDisasterWorkshop.eventbrite.com

The Disaster Resilience Initiative will serve communities across Mobile County, including Axis, Bayou La Batre, Bucks, Chickasaw, Chunchula, Citronelle, Coden, Creola, Dauphin Island, Eight Mile, Grand Bay, Irvington, Magazine, Mobile, Mount Vernon, Prichard, St. Elmo, Saraland, Satsuma, Semmes, Theodore, Whistler, and Wilmer.

By investing in preparedness, Verizon and the United Way of Southwest Alabama aim to shorten recovery timelines, support long-term resilience, and save lives.