Meet LSS-SW’s Tempie D. Beaman, Disaster Services Southern CA

Employee of the Quarter-3rd Quarter 2007

Los Angeles -- In the city of Los Angles, there is one woman, who from a small office, is making a huge impact on the lives of thousands of people. City agencies are seeking her out to become part of their disaster preparedness and response programs.

Who is Tempie Beaman.?

She is a dynamic speaker, a dedicated educator, and a woman with a Mission! The devastation of Katrina had a profound impact upon Tempie. In her own words, “As I watched the media coverage, I had an overwhelming desire to do something besides write a check. I went to see Bishop Nelson [ELCA Southwest California Synod] and God opened the door to the journey I’m now on.” This Initial conversation with the Bishop led to a Synod ecumenical event, and then onto I-LERT (Inter-Lutheran Emergency Response Team) and finally to LSS-SW. Tempie is a graduate of the Synod’s School for Equipping Leaders in Mission Program (ELM).

“I am passionate about what I do,” explains Tempie. “In a disaster, even if you are prepared, you can lose everything. However, during Hurricane Rita and Katrina, there were some people who needed help, primarily because they were unprepared, not because their homes were destroyed or that they had lost everything... With proper training, individuals, congregations and communities can learn how to prepare for a disaster and help prevent undue suffering both during and after such events.”

Tempie plays a vital role in working with entire communities, assisting them in establishing long-term disaster recovery committees that can help maximize access to available resources and minimize duplication of services. Her supervisor, La’Tresa Jester, LSS-SW Division Director of Disaster Services, nominated Tempie for the “Employee of the Quarter” in recognition of her commitment, self-motivation and for respect she has earned throughout southern California for her work in Disaster Preparedness.

In the wake of the recent wildfires in southern California, Tempie continues to build relationships with the City of Los Angeles, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and an array of faith based organizations throughout the state. “She constantly monitors disaster news sources and keeps up with breaking events--well in advance of state and local governmental agencies,” explained Ms. Jester.

For more information about I-LERT or to bring the Prepare to C.A.R.E. (Congregations Actively Responding to Emergencies) program to your community, please contact La’Tresa Jester, LSS-SW Director Disaster Services at (520) 748-2300 or Toll Free: (877) 258-2059. Tempie Beaman can be reached directly at (323) 299-0729.