Agent and neighbors reclaim community from ashes

Nationwide recently recognized independent agent Jeff Okrepkie with the 2019 Agent Community Service Award. When the 2017 Tubbs Wildfire destroyed his community of Coffey Park, Calif., Jeff didn’t want any of his neighbors to face the grieving and rebuilding processes alone.

So, he founded a nonprofit called Coffey Strong as part homeowner-advocacy resource, part social-club and part therapy group. Shortly after the fire, the organization aided fire victims needing housing and basic necessities. It morphed into an advisory group on how to rebuild their homes, community and lives. The group now serves as advisors and mentors to other communities that have been devastated by natural disasters. Watch Jeff and Coffey Park’s story of perseverance as they reclaim their community from the ashes.