GULF SHORES, Ala.—Project Rebound is on the ground and running once again, responding to psychological and emotional needs of citizens along the Gulf Coast who have been affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Harry and Betty Clem, representatives of Project Rebound, addressed the Orange Beach city council on Tuesday, detailing what the organization will be available to do, and letting people know that the program was back.

“Project Rebound workers were here in this area after both Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Katrina,” Harry Clem said. “This time our mission has changed somewhat. We offer counseling and referrals to individuals and families affected by the contamination of the gulf.”

Clem said that while some people may not have been affected financially as a result of the oil spill, it is likely that they were affected by friends or neighbors who are experiencing hardships because of the crisis.

“Maybe you didn’t lose your job, maybe you didn’t face hardships, maybe you have the money to pay your power bill and buy groceries, but you probably have concerns and worries about wildlife, the fish, the oil and the future. Project Rebound is here trying to help with those emotional concerns.”

Betty Clem said a team of 16 counselors was in the area on Tuesday, with more projected to join the effort.

“We are beginning in the marinas and around the boats and the launching areas, talking to people and getting the word out to people that we will meet people anywhere,” Betty Clem said. “We will go to your boat, we will go to your house, we will meet you in the parking lot, we’ll meet you at McDonalds, wherever you need us to be.”

Betty Clem encouraged those in attendance to have people contact Project Rebound if they needed some help.

“If anyone knows of someone who needs immediate help, please contact us.”

Clem said that unlike the two hurricanes, there seems to be much more anger from those who have been affected by the oil spill.

“We just want to reach out to those people and help them.”

Both Harry and Betty Clem thanked Mayor Tony Kennon and the city council for all of their hard work during the oil spill crisis and for being a strong voice for the community.

“I’m not sure what our situation would be if it were not for the efforts of our mayor and our council,” Harry Clem said.

“We have seen you on television so many times, and I just want to say thanks to you because you have not been quiet,” Betty Clem told Kennon. “You have continued to speak for Orange Beach and that is so good because we have a beautiful area here and so many wonderful people and we just appreciate you speaking for us.”

For additional information about Project Rebound, contact the Baldwin County Department of Mental Health at 251-928-2871.