Why I Serve: AmeriCorps Team Member Jordon Barney

As a member of the California AmeriCorps Disaster Team, Jordon Barney served the Pacific Coast Chapter over the past year. He connected with hundreds through our Preparedness Programs, helped coordinate volunteer trainings and smoke alarm installation events, and supported disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Ian 2022 and the California Floods in 2023.

Get to know Jordon and how he became involved with AmeriCorps and American Red Cross.

What drew you to the Red Cross?

I was drawn to the American Red Cross because of its outstanding reputation for humanitarian work. In addition, I was excited about the prospect of being able to travel to a disaster and assist clients who had been impacted, so I jumped at the opportunity. It is one thing to watch the news cover a disaster; it is a completely different perspective to be there on the ground, hearing the stories of clients, and providing psychological first aid to them to expedite their recoveries. 

What is one of your favorite Red Cross moments?

My favorite Red Cross moment was when I taught the Pillowcase Project to over 300 children across two different middle schools in Ventura County (Sycamore Canyon & Sequoia).

The kids had a great time learning about home fire safety and were so excited to decorate their pillowcases!

What would you tell someone who is interested in getting involved with the Red Cross?

If you’re interested in getting involved with the Red Cross, I would highly recommend extensively researching the various teams to determine which one best fits your interests. I would also recommend googling your local Red Cross office, preparing a list of questions, and paying a visit! 

Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Americorps Disaster Team members for a job well done during quite an extraordinary year! Thank you Jordon for your dedication to your community, and we’re excited to have you join our Service to the Armed Forces Team as a Program Specialist.

We are hiring two California AmeriCorps Disaster Team members in Camarillo to begin mid-September 2023. Did you know that a year of service can help you stand out to schools and future employers? You can gain valuable experience and earn a $10,000 education award by joining the American Red Cross AmeriCorps program. Apply today!