By Andrew De La Rosa, Communications Volunteer
In the heart of Central California, Dana Sakoda, a retired elementary school teacher with a 22-year-long career behind her, has emerged as a source of comfort for those affected by disasters.
American Red Cross volunteers like Dana are on the frontlines of disaster response, supporting families across the country who are struggling to cope with the impacts of the climate crisis. Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, Dana’s volunteer journey with the Red Cross has taken her all across the country in 2023.
From the California Floods to Mississippi Tornadoes this spring, to the Vermont Floods and Typhoon Mawar on Guam this summer, and the Maui Wildfires this fall, Dana raised her hand to deploy to back-to-back disasters in 2023, sometimes returning from one disaster zone and getting on a plane to another within a week.
A Teacher’s Superpower
After more than 20 years as a teacher, caring for students, Dana saw a natural link between her role as an educator and her new mission with the Red Cross. “As a teacher for 22 years, it’s a natural sort of thing,” she explained.
Dana credits her background as an elementary school teacher with shaping her approach to disaster response. After an exceptional career in education, working with diverse students and understanding the individual needs of both children and parents, she is uniquely positioned to provide crucial support in times of crisis. This insight has proven invaluable as she navigated the complex landscapes of disaster-stricken areas, extending empathy to both children and adults displaced by disasters.
Navigating the Unpredictable
From the relentless storms of California to the tornado-ravaged regions of Mississippi and the fiery aftermath in Maui, Dana’s deployments have highlighted the complexity of disaster and how each one is unique in nature. Her training background and ability to adapt seamlessly to the unique challenges presented by each deployment showcased not only her resilience but also the flexibility required in this critical line of service.
Describing her range of deployments, Dana highlighted, “Every single deployment, its disaster type, its clientele, its survivors, they’re all completely different. You can expect similar things, but your experience is never the same.”
Her experiences in different roles within disaster response, from setting up shelters to providing emotional support and financial aid, reflect the comprehensive nature of her commitment. Whether handling the logistics of sheltering or consoling individuals facing the aftermath of major disasters, Dana’s versatility shines through even in unfamiliar landscapes.
The Power of ‘Ohana
One of the most memorable experiences for Dana was her time on Maui, responding to the devastating Maui Wildfires. For two months straight, she experienced an unique landscape and climate, distinctly different from her previous deployments. In the tight-knit community of Lahaina, Dana witnessed the strength of people coming together, supporting one another through the devastating aftermath of the fires.
In Lahaina, more than 6,000 community members still remain in shelters more than 100 days after the wildfire destroyed homes, businesses and livelihoods. In fact, this year’s onslaught of large disasters drove an increase in emergency lodging — with overnight stays up more than 50% compared to the annual average for the previous five years.
During her deployment on Maui, Dana crossed paths with Stew, a local Lahaina resident who had dedicated his life to crafting iconic surfboards. The fire had significantly impacted his entire shop, prompting him to navigate through challenges of loss and resilience.
In the midst of the wreckage, Stew, now in his 70s, guided Dana to a window at the Westin Hotel, where he pointed to a surfboard on display. With pride in his voice, he declared, “See that surfboard up there? I made that.” Even though he lost everything, Stew found comfort in the pieces of his craft that were still there in Maui.
This mission moment stays close to Dana’s heart every day.
A Disaster Survivor’s Advocate
Typically, a Red Cross volunteer deployment lasts two weeks, but when Dana went to Maui, she was committed for the long-haul.
As a recovery caseworker, her role in educating survivors about available resources exemplifies the importance of transparent communication during the challenging post-disaster period. Dana’s interactions became a source of empowerment for survivors, allowing them to navigate the complications of recovery with a clearer understanding.
Dana saw the direct impact of Red Cross financial assistance programs for families facing critical recovery gaps. Her experiences on Maui provide a poignant illustration of the interconnectedness of disaster response and community dynamics. Dana’s gradual trust-building efforts showcased the delicate art of balancing immediate assistance with long-term relationship-building.
Beyond the disaster response
Dana’s involvement as a volunteer, goes beyond the immediate demands of disaster response. Attending community events like the Fresno Pride Parade, she immersed herself in local communities, strengthening bonds that proved vital during the recovery phase.
Her observations on the climate crisis and fellow volunteers’ opinions provided diverse perspectives within disaster response organizations. Dana shared, “I feel like it’s good to be a part of the community, even when there’s not a disaster.”
Her engagement with community events not only demonstrated the Red Cross’s commitment to being an integral part of the communities they serve, but also highlighted the importance of fostering connections beyond times of crisis. Dana’s ability to engage with diverse communities adds a human touch to the organization’s mission to ensure everyone is welcome.
Dana’s ongoing commitment to humanity
Dana finds fulfillment and personal growth in her volunteer work. “I love that I’ve met so many people of different walks of life. It’s made me a much better person than I was even two years ago, and I’ve only been doing this for a year and a half,” she reflected. Meeting diverse individuals and experiencing their resilience during deployments consistently shapes Dana into a more compassionate and empathetic person. As long as she remains able, she is proud and fulfilled to answer that call wherever crises may arise.
Dana’s motivation to keep responding to crises stems from her lifelong passion for helping others. “I don’t want to stop deploying till I absolutely can’t. I want to do this till I am able to do the job properly,” Dana asserted. Dana appreciates that the Red Cross gives opportunities to people like her who feel called to provide aid.
Dana is proud to call Central California home between deployments, keeping her roots in the Fresno area where she was born and built her career. She maintains involvement with her local Red Cross team.
But the harder realities of our changing climate led her to anticipate many more years of helping those whose lives are upended by disasters.
Wherever vulnerable communities find themselves in disaster’s path, Dana Sakoda will likely be there offering a steady hand of kindness and expertise through their recovery.
Our lifesaving mission wouldn’t be possible without generous volunteers and donors. This holiday season, turn your compassion into action by donating at redcross.org/gift. A donation of any size makes a difference. You can also register to become a volunteer.
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