Red Cross Central California Blog
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was … Continue reading Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy
Jordon's Journey: Connecting Troops with Essential Support By Dave Wagner, Communications Volunteer When Jordon Barney received his deployment assignment to go overseas, he felt a mix of excitement and anticipation. As a Regional Program Specialist deployed with the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces team, he knew the work ahead would be meaningful, … Continue reading Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members From the Heart of Poland and Romania
Written by Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteer You don’t need a disaster to see the impact of the Red Cross. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation at a community table. Sometimes, it’s a smoke alarm installed in a quiet home. And sometimes, it’s someone like Margarita Moreno, a Red Crosser whose presence alone keeps the beat … Continue reading Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time
By Alvaro Martinez and Mason Hodges, Communications Volunteers Click here to read this story in Spanish When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts. Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group … Continue reading From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service
Por Alvaro Martinez y Mason Hodges, Voluntarios de Comunicaciones Cuando ocurre un desastre, Jesús Sotelo no lo duda: actúa. Nacido en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús creció en una comunidad donde la música, la fe y el servicio estaban profundamente entrelazados en la vida cotidiana. En los años 80, él y un grupo de amigos formaron … Continue reading De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Maria Stevens believes that through adversity, we build strength. Her journey began long before she joined the American Red Cross as a Community Disaster Program Manager in 2023. At just 8 years old, Maria and her family moved from their comfortable home in Mexico to Downey, California, as political refugees. … Continue reading Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Mari Montelongo, joining the American Red Cross wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling. Since stepping into her first role as a Disaster Program Specialist in 2023, Mari has quickly become a vital part of the Central California Region’s disaster response efforts. Now serving as … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness
From nuclear power to neighborhood safety, Jude Fledderman has spent his life preparing communities before emergencies strike By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From operating utilities at a nuclear power plant to teaching engineering at Cal Poly, Jude Fledderman has worn many hats in his lifetime, but it’s his passion for service and his … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Lifelong Commitment to Preparedness
By Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer At Oak Park High School, senior Max Beatty is known not just for his academic excellence, but also for his unwavering commitment to service. As president of his school’s Red Cross Youth Club, he has spent the past three years turning compassion into action. His leadership and dedication … Continue reading Max’s Mission: Leading with Heart and Purpose
Lives Saved in the Parking Lot: Red Cross Donates Shuttle Carts to Care for Local Veterans "I truly love the American Red Cross and all of the work they do for our community, but especially the way they serve veterans through the Service to the Armed Forces."Mary Golden, VA Central California Health Care System In … Continue reading A Lifesaving Lift: American Red Cross and VA Central California Roll Out Support for Veterans
Red Cross Central California Blog 