Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence
November 2-6, 2015
Catholic Charities USA invites you to the Annual Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence. This training equips
Catholic Charities network and diocesan staff for their roles in disaster preparedness and response.
The Institute will prepare participants with the skills, understanding and tools to engage in disaster response,
recovery, mitigation, and preparedness activities within their agency and diocese. The three tracks of the Institute are
uniquely focused to our Catholic identity and provide tailored training for participants based on introductory (Disaster
101), intermediate (Disaster 201) and Diocesan levels (Diocesan track).
The Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence (AIDE) is held annually and will be paired with Catholic Charities
USA Disaster Preparedness and Response Network’s ongoing webinar series in order to provide our Catholic
network with the training and tools needed in times of disaster response.
The Institute offers the Catholic Charities network and dioceses an unparalleled opportunity to engage colleagues on
critical disaster issues and get prepared for disasters. Join us for AIDE from November 2-6, 2015, at Arkansas 4H
Center, Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is disaster training important?
Since 2007, Catholic Charities USA has assisted local Catholic Charities agencies during more than 550 disasters.
As the Catholic Charities Network becomes more of an “early responder" in disasters, there is a need to increase
both knowledge and effectiveness in this area. Agencies are called to be prepared; not only with continuing their own
operations, but also with meeting the immediate and long-term needs of their community when a disaster strikes.
Who should attend AIDE?
This hands-on disaster preparedness and response institute is recommended for all Catholic Charities agency staff,
including programmatic staff and agency directors, Diocesan staff and other personnel designated as having a role in
disaster response activities. This is also open to Parish Priests and partner agency members (ex. Knights of
Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul).
What tracks are available?

Disaster 101: Foundations in disaster preparedness and response; appropriate for staff with limited formal
training in disaster strategies

Disaster 201: Builds upon the CCUSA semi-annual Disaster Preparedness and Response Training; appropriate
for staff who have been formally trained by CCUSA in disaster strategies

Diocesan: Equips diocesan or parish-ministry based staff for disaster preparedness and response strategies
What is the cost?
Registration for AIDE is $525 Single Occupancy (covers lodging Monday-Thursday night, all meals and materials).
Early registration fee is $479 Single Occupancy and $429 Double Occupancy, if registered by July 31, 2015.
If I have already attended a CCUSA Disaster Training, should I attend AIDE?
Yes, the "Disaster 201" and "Diocesan" track helps participants take their initial training to the next level of
understanding and implementation. Learn more by reviewing the AIDE schedule.
What can I expect at the Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence?
You can expect to learn hands-on disaster preparedness and response strategies tailored to your specific knowledge
level. Through the online registration process, participants are invited to select a learning track: Disaster 101,
Disaster 201 and Diocesan. These tracks allow for your tailored learning experience, though all participants will share
common meals, activities and selected sessions. Learn more about the AIDE schedule.
How do I apply?
Please Register online or email Fani Cruz for more information.
When will AIDE be held?
The Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2nd and conclude by noon
on Friday, November 6th. Please make your travel plans accordingly.
Where will AIDE be held?
The Applied Institute for Disaster Excellence will be hosted at Arkansas 4H Center, Little Rock, AR
http://arkansas4hcenter.org/contactus.htm
Does AIDE offer scholarship opportunities?
There are limited scholarship opportunities available. These are based on the size of the applicant’s agency and
ability to implement strategies for disaster preparedness within their Catholic Charities agency. In order to be
considered for an AIDE scholarship, you must complete the following three steps:
1. Complete the online registration for AIDE
2. Submit your payment for AIDE Institute. This is very important – all scholarships are reimbursements for
AIDE tuition expenses.
3. Complete and submit the Scholarship application before July 31, 2015.
All requests will be reviewed and decisions made following the application deadline. You will be notified of a
scholarship decision no later than August 10, 2015.
What is our cancellation policy?
If your plans change after you have registered, your registration fee will be refunded in full LESS A $50
PROCESSING FEE, upon submission of written notification that is postmarked or emailed no later than Friday,
October 16, 2015. Refunds are NOT given for no-shows or cancellations made after the deadline. Substitutions are
accepted with written notice no later than October 23rd. Please mail, fax or email any cancellations or substitutions to
Fani Cruz (fcruz@catholiccharitiesusa.org). No refund requests can be taken over the phone.
What can I expect at the conference center?
Learn more about the at Arkansas 4H Center by visiting their website: http://arkansas4hcenter.org/contactus.htm . It
is a beautiful conference center. All accommodations will be private rooms with private baths. All linens are included.
You will be able to check email as all of lodging units are Wi-Fi hot. Many rooms overlook the center’s lake and
landscaped grounds, as well as the wooded, rolling hills of the Ouachita Mountains. Meals are served at set times in
a community dining hall. Installations are surrounded by a beautiful lake with a numerous amenities.
What else should I know about logistics to participate in AIDE?
Participants are expected to arrange their own travel to the retreat center, at their own expense. The nearest airport is
the Clinton/Little Rock National Airport (http://airport-little-rock.com/ ) is located about 20 minutes from the center.
Transportation from the airport to the Retreat Center can be arranged at the airport (Shuttle service to the center and
ride-sharing cab arrangements are recommended). A rental car is not necessary, as all AIDE events will either be
hosted at the Retreat Center or CCUSA will provide transportation.
Who can I contact if I have questions regarding AIDE?
Contact Fani Cruz (fcruz@catholiccharitiesusa.org) at 703-236-6225 or Dottie Breeden
(dbreeden@catholiccharitiesusa.org) at 703-236-6251