About ROAD
Recovering Oklahomans After Disaster, Inc. “ROAD” is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves disaster survivors who have little to no means of recovery on their own by providing free home repairs all across the state.
Established on September 14, 2018 by Chad Detwiler, Kevin Walker, and Hal Wright following their employment and the closing of the OK United Methodist Disaster Response Ministry. ROAD received its 501(c)3 designation by the IRS in only 18 days through the pro-bono assistance of Roger Strong at Crowe and Dunlevy, Attorneys and Counselors at Law.
ROAD began immediately serving disaster survivors from the 2015 spring storms completing the last two projects open. Their first team was 10 NCCC AmeriCorps members from the Southwest Region campus.
ROAD is a member of the Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, “OKVOAD”. ROAD works alongside many other organizations meeting needs following a disaster.
In early 2020 after COVID-19 resulted in a cancellation of all scheduled volunteer teams ROAD began working on an alternative plan for volunteer labor. You can read more about their Vocational Training Apprenticeship Program.
ROAD’s home repair services include roof tarping, muck-outs, debris cleanup, roofing, drywall, insulation, flooring, siding, etc. using volunteer labor and donated materials. ROAD works all across the state building community resiliency and providing hope.
September, 2018
ROAD is incorporated in Oklahoma
October, 2018
First individual donation from the United Methodist Women (Oklahoma City Circle)
November, 2018
ROAD’s 501(c)3 Non-Profit declaration by the IRS (filings provided by Crowe & Dunlevy)
November, 2018
First volunteer team from NCCC AmeriCorps and first volunteer lodging site at St. Paul UMC Shawnee
November, 2018
First home repair completed in Wewoka, Seminole County
June, 2019
First state grant from Oklahoma Emergency Management (Disaster Case Management Program)
September, 2019
First foundation grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (Midwest Early Recovery Fund)
November, 2020
First Vocational Training Apprenticeship Program team (in partnership with Career Tech and Green Country WorkForce)
July, 2022
Oklahoma Sales Tax exempt per passing of House Bill 1935 originated by Representative Nicole Miller (authored by Representative Martinez and Senator Montgomery)
April, 2023
Logo’s Trademarked in Oklahoma (service provided by Crowe & Dunlevy)
August, 2024
First federal grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (CDBG-DR 2019)
ROAD exists to transform lives, one home, one family, and one volunteer, at a time. They do this out of their individual calling and a heart to serve others according to scripture:
- “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” ~ Hebrews 13:16
- “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s love” ~ 1 Peter 4:10
- “Unless it is the Lord who builds the house, the builders are wasting their time working for nothing” ~Psalm 127:1
- “Do your best, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” ~ Colossians 3:23
Recovery does not happen without a ROAD.