In October 2004, just about a month after the remnants of Hurricane Ivan submerged parts of Butler County in floodwaters, some victims needs continued to go unmet.

Despite apparent renovations to some of the flood-ravaged areas, a federal grant created a team to find those still struggling through the recovery process.

The Butler County Flood Relief Project, through the Center for Community Resources, was the first flood-recovery group founded and even today it continues to help people cope.

In December, the Flood Relief Project helped found two other assistance groups - the Evans City and Zelienople/Harmony Long Term Recovery committees (LTRC).

Whether helping flood victims fight mold, renovate buildings or file tax returns, the groups - working together - offered programs and assistance often overlooked in the recovery process.

Those two groups are:

The Flood Relief Project's three workers - two full-time and one part time - have canvassed areas and counseled people devastated by the flood.Working with the LTRCs, the project, which is part of the larger, regional Project Pennsylvania Disaster Recovery, has sponsored seminars ranging from how to file tax returns to the importance of flood insurance.The Flood Relief Project also issued a Citizen Resource Guide to Disasters, a packet of information listing county disaster resources, preparedness plans, contact numbers and even ways to handle stress in the aftermath.

The Evans City and Zelienople/Harmony Long Term Recovery committees have an element of case work, said Jeff Magill, project leader for the Butler County Flood Project.Much of the work, he said, is useful but unskilled, allowing anyone to volunteer in efforts ranging from cleaning up debris-laden creek beds to mold clean up in homes.Susan Toy-Seibel, co-chair of the Evans City committee, said the group has sponsored a "Dumpster day," for the borough - providing Dumpsters for flood victims to discard damaged and ruined belongings, and is planning one for Forward Township.As outreach volunteers have canvassed the area, Seibel said the group continues to find needs, including one home where the group just recently worked to remove mold."This is almost a year later," she said of the mold remediation project. "So yes, the need is still out there."As the Flood Relief Project's work is set to expire in December, Magill hopes the two long-term committees will continue. But when the need no longer exists, Magill said the projects will end."We may think there are needs but if the families say there are no needs, there are no needs," he said.Even after the groups finish their work, Magill hopes the churches that worked on the committees will stay linked, providing a safety net in the face of another disaster."We hope there's some sustainability," he said.

The following agencies continue to help victims of last year's flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ivan.<b>Butler County Flood Project</b>Project leader: Jeff MagillAddress: 202 S. Main St., Suite 407, ButlerPhone: 724-431-0097<b>Evans City Area Long Term Recovery Committee</b>Committee Co-chairs: Rev. John C. Park, Susan Toy-SeibelAddress: 501 E. Main St., Evans CityPhone: 724-538-8124<b>Zelienople/Harmony Area Long Term Recovery Committee</b>Address: 415 E. Grandview Ave., ZelienoplePhone: 724-452-7560 Ext. 18