Catholic Charities: A Steady Presence in the Path to Recovery

In April 2024, Loren Duck’s life took a devastating turn when a tornado swept through the Ardmore area near Lake Murray, Oklahoma, wreaking havoc on his home and property. Loren, a former children's minister who had dedicated years to helping others, found himself in urgent need of support. The tornado struck only 150 yards behind his house, snapping tree limbs and tearing apart his property, leaving him and his family facing immense challenges. Yet through it all, Loren’s faith and community support would help him navigate the road to recovery.
 
Loren and his family were at home when the storm hit, hearing the distinct roar of a “freight train” above. As the tornado raged outside, they sought safety in the center of the house, gathering together in a small shower where Loren led his family in prayer. Though the tornado’s full force did not directly strike their home, it still left behind significant damage. Large limbs snapped and crashed onto their roof, their front porch shifted nearly two feet, and the entire front railing required rebuilding.
 
In the following days, Loren encountered a mixture of trials and unexpected kindness. A dedicated father with severe arthritis, Loren struggled physically to clear limbs and repair his roof, facing even more challenges as his health limited his abilities.
 
“On two occasions while I was outside working, I fell,” Loren shared, reflecting on the physical toll the repairs took on him. Despite these difficulties, his sons stepped in to help, chopping up the fallen limbs and working alongside him to begin restoring their home.
 
When Loren connected with Catholic Charities Disaster Services, he was paired with Kristi, a case manager who would provide a steady presence during his recovery journey. By the time they met, Loren had already put in significant effort to address the damage, receiving help from FEMA and local organizations, yet still needed support to see his recovery goals through to completion.
 
“Her attitude from day one was so positive,” Loren recalled, sharing how Kristi’s encouragement offered him a steady sense of security during an uncertain time. “Of all the people who helped, she was the most consistent and it really gave me a sense of security and encouragement. I saw God in her.” 
 
Loren emphasized that Kristi’s role was not about providing direct resources but about offering the support and guidance he needed to stay motivated.
 
 “Sometimes you don’t need a hand up but rather a handout of kindness,” Loren reflected.
 
Together, Loren and Kristi mapped out a recovery plan to address his remaining concerns. Kristi facilitated communication with FEMA, contractors, and provided continuous check-ins, helping Loren navigate the next steps of his recovery. Kristi’s support gave Loren peace of mind, especially when his homeowners’ insurance initially denied coverage, claiming his home was unfit to withstand damage. Through it all, Loren credits Kristi’s consistency and encouragement for helping him persevere through the challenging days of rebuilding.

As a member of the Choctaw Nation, Loren also received support for a storm shelter, providing him and his family a newfound sense of safety. Now in the process of adopting his wife’s two teenage sons, Loren reflects on the journey they’ve all traveled together since the storm and looks forward to a more secure future. His two sons, now American citizens, are thriving, and Loren is grateful to see them growing in a place they can call home.
 
“I thank God for all the good things and the people who contributed financially for lumber, but I can’t tell you one of their names,” Loren said. “Kristi was there every step of the way.”
 
Today, Loren’s home is repaired, his property restored, and his family equipped with a storm shelter and an active insurance policy. While the road to recovery was far from easy, Loren’s resilience and the unwavering support from Kristi and Catholic Charities allowed him to overcome these obstacles with renewed strength and faith.
 
To learn more about Catholic Charities’ recovery assistance for the 2024 Ardmore and Sulphur tornadoes, click here.