Inside 2023

Dear OTG Supporters,

As we near the end of another incredibly challenging and an increasingly difficult and dark year, we invite our supporters to learn about all the ways our non-profit organization, Off-The-Grid Missions (OTG), has been working to heal suffering around the world.

In 2023, amidst countless obstacles, OTG remained the sole non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to bridging the gap in disaster response. Your generous contributions have empowered us to deliver vital aid, including medical response, food relief, solar lights, powerbanks, reusable period pads, clean water systems, and more to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled (DHHDBDD) people and their families in high-risk regions. With more than 1.5 billion people worldwide affected by hearing loss, they are often the first to lose ‘access’ even before a disaster strikes. OTG’s deaf-led team communicates in a multitude of regional sign languages and international sign, and is trained in OTG’s disaster response program. We work hard to ensure that donor support directly reaches DHHDBDD people in crisis.

Here’s a summary of our year-long efforts dedicated to easing the suffering for isolated Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) families around the world.

Maui Wildfires

Maui’s Three-Part Mission

Following the deadly wildfire in Lahaina, we recognized the Deaf Community's lack of vital information as information was changing quickly and oftentimes what was available online was not provided in caption or sign language. To address this, we swiftly established an accessible Emergency Hub, offering real-time updates for all Maui residents re: local shelter and aid distribution locations while also featuring a variety of Deaf-led Mental Health resources in American and International Sign Language.

On the ground, we provided hard-to-reach resources like solar lights with USB chargers for areas facing power disruptions. Additionally, we equipped local Deaf-led teams with battery packs for sustained assistance; and offered clean water filtration systems, reusable period pads, and more to deaf families.

Expanding our impact, we proactively supported Honolulu's Deaf Community. Overall, our efforts aimed to empower and prepare Hawaii's Deaf Community for current and future disasters.

Longterm Aid
in Haiti

OTG’s longest program, operating for over ten years.

Deaf Syrian Refugees are surviving in uninhabitable living conditions from a long history of war, violence, civil unrest, and then compounded by the devastating 7.8 earthquake. Deaf families are forced to live in homes with cracked walls and roofs, without running water and electricity.. We have been helping Deaf Syrian refugees by providing food boxes and solar light equipment.

Pakistan Floods

In Pakistan, deaf families suffered greatly after massive floods washed away their homes last year. Desperate deaf parents were risking their life to provide for their children; it is not unusual to sell a kidney for one month’s worth of food.

In the aftermath of the floods, dust, dirt and debris made it tough to feel any sense of normalcy. To help restore comfort, we got creative and worked with local artisans to craft vibrant, handmade beds, blankets, and pillows. These pieces, infused with care and color, became a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to bring a touch of home to those affected. However, our operations in Pakistan face a significant challenge due to the lack of international media coverage and limited support, making it hard for us to raise the much-needed funds to support the large Deaf Community there.

#offthegridPAKISTAN

HUMANITY IS NOT A DEBATE

Victims do not have the privilege of time, humanitarians do not have the privilege of looking away.

Off-The-Grid Missions (OTG), irrespective of governments or politics, remains grounded in its mission to provide life-saving emergency assistance to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled people in crisis worldwide.

Barriers to communication, often rooted in language deprivation, create critical gaps in access to information and services. In disaster settings, these gaps can become life-threatening. OTG works directly within these environments to ensure access is not an afterthought, but an immediate and essential part of response.

Through the organization and coordination of Deaf-led disaster response efforts, OTG delivers emergency aid, supports evacuations, and strengthens preparedness in communities often left out of traditional systems. At the same time, OTG advances public awareness around the urgent need for accessible emergency response and inclusive disaster preparedness worldwide.

Each OTG team member started at ‘ground-zero’, often as survivor or local volunteer in an area we once aided. We forged connections amidst the most challenging circumstances. Our cause is difficult and yet, therapeutic; it allows us to connect, heal, and channel our experiences into aiding other individuals alike. With every member hailing from different regions of the world, backgrounds and beliefs; we have a common understanding that engaging in debates about anyone’s worth to exist takes our focus away from saving lives; and undermines the fundamental principles of empathy, equality, and human decency.

Thank you to our 2023 Partners!

2023 Transparency Awards

Give with Confidence

There is an unprecedented worry unfolding across humanitarian organizations whose mission is to provide life-saving aid. The world is currently marked by increased division, inflation, heightened separation and internal focus, resulting in fragmentation and reduced global unity. An escalating number of DHHDBDD families are forced to flee their home and endure displacement due to conflict, violence, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Maui August 8th, Israel October 7th, Ukraine last week, Haiti last night, Palestine today, Pakistan tomorrow, Syria next week, Puerto Rico, and before we know it we are cycling back towards hurricane season from the United States and throughout the Caribbean. Our organization is increasingly tasked with picking up the pieces in various parts of the world and attempting to sustain them for longer durations. Often, we are expected to do this work in isolation, in the absence of political solutions and sustainable funding.

Every year is difficult and comes with a whole new set of challenges; Thanks for delving into our 2023 year-in-review. Amidst the challenges, your support remains an honor. We're hopeful you'll continue standing by us in 2024.

Respectfully Yours,

Angela Maria Nardolillo
Founder & President on behalf of the entire team at Off-The-Grid Missions, NGO

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