Nation’s Service-Employment-Redevelopment Network Pays Respect To Those Lost and Others Still Missing In Condominium Collapse
Irving, TX – Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER NATIONAL, today issued the following statement as the difficult and painstaking process continues in Surfside, Florida at the site of the Champlain Towers South. The building’s collapse last Thursday has so far claimed eleven lives and scores more are still missing.
“Today, on behalf of the entire SER NATIONAL family, I wish to express our most sincere and deepest condolences over the terrible loss that has befallen the families and individuals whose loved ones, friends and acquaintances have been taken in this unimaginable tragedy. Words alone seem inadequate at such a time of the most profound pain any human being can endure. So in silence and reflection, we each pause to pray that God’s merciful strength can help those affected, that they may be sustained. It is our hope that they know and can sense, America is standing with them through each difficult hour and our entire nation bows its head in sorrow for the innocents claimed; each mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter. They are now our family as well and we are with you.
Also, we are grateful to the good Samaritans and first responders who quickly answered when the building collapsed and they came to the aid of the victims from the very first moments in the pre-dawn darkness last Thursday. They climbed into the rubble without regard for their own safety to help those trapped, and began digging with their bare hands. Indeed, there is no greater love than that shown by strangers willing to risk their lives to help save others. Since then, the outpouring of help from countless volunteers and community organizations has been heartwarming and a testament to the truth that in tragedy, people across this country and Puerto Rico come together as one to help each other.
There will be time in the days to come to answer many important and pressing questions to shed light on the factors that may have contributed to this collapse. For now, may we as a country allow for the focus to continue on the work at hand and respect the grieving that must be allowed its space and privacy for those directly affected. SER NATIONAL and its Network of Affiliates shall continue to strive to be a resource in our communities while monitoring further developments in Surfside, Florida.”
# # #
About SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. – “Cultivating America’s Greatest Resource: People”
The SER Network of Affiliates serves over 1,000,000 people annually. SER is located throughout the country, in more than 24 states and 200 locations. The SER Network provides a variety of comprehensive programs including housing, youth services, GED classes, English language acquisition, early childhood education, older Americans training, women entrepreneurship, Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM), assistance for military Veterans, operations of workforce centers nationally, plus assisting and placing thousands of qualified men and women in unsubsidized employment.