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Vermont Journalist Chronicles Recovery Journey Amidst Severe Flooding
By Lisa Rathke
Vermont journalist Lisa Rathke has been documenting the devastating impacts of severe flooding in her home state for years, maintaining a deep commitment to storytelling even as her own life has been affected. This past summer, when another wave of flooding struck, Rathke immediately sprang into action. Recognizing the long-term challenge of recovery from such disasters, she sought to follow families who had lost everything, offering a lens into their struggles and resilience.
Among those she connected with was a family grappling with significant setbacks, including two teenage daughters whose lives had been uprooted. Rathke spent months building trust and rapport, capturing their story through video clips and photographs taken on her iPhone, supplemented by detailed notes. As the family faced numerous obstacles in their journey to rebuild their lives and home, feelings of hopelessness set in.
However, as Thanksgiving approached, a ray of hope emerged. Through the collective support of friends, family, and the community, the family rallied together to raise enough funds for a down payment on a new home. This uplifting turn of events provided a much-needed boost amidst their ongoing challenges.
Rathke compiled her footage and collaborated with fellow journalists Caleb Jones and Rodrique Ngowi to produce a poignant piece reflecting the family’s journey. The resulting video garnered significant engagement, leading the week’s metrics for U.S. news and highlighting Rathke’s dedication to digital-first storytelling.
As the narrative of recovery continues, Rathke’s work serves as a reminder of the power of community and resilience in the face of adversity. For more stories like this, visit AP.org, or catch breaking news at apnews.com.
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Photo credit www.ap.org
