Although natural events may only last a few minutes or hours, recovery can take years. The Missouri Disaster Recovery Jobs Program was designed to provide cleanup and recovery for affected areas, while providing jobs for workers displaced by natural disasters occurring in the spring and summer of 2011. 

Beginning in 2011 and continuing through 2012, unemployed workers in Southeast, Central and Northwest Missouri, and the tornado-devastated Joplin area were able to apply for temporary jobs to restore those communities. Local Missouri Career Centers coordinated participants to meet worksite needs, with first priority in job placements given to those who lost their job due to the disasters. Temporary jobs for some workers will continue through 2013.

Through jobs that focus on clean-up and humanitarian efforts--such as clearing and removing debris-valuable new employment skills and work history were gained by participants. Safety training and equipment, in addition to vaccinations or other preventive medical procedures necessary to work in the disaster area were provided to each participant.

A comprehensive print report was released in December 2012, reviewing the massive amount of work completed to date.