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 Mason Hodges, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As the holiday season approaches, many of us reflect on what matters most — family, community and the spirit of giving. In Ventura County, Lori Kleiman embodies all of these values. Known for her compassion, creativity and calm in the face of crisis, Lori wears many hats: full-time … Continue reading The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others
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
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
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
By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When climate disasters strike, they often do so unevenly. Tulare County, California, is on the front lines of the climate crisis, which is testing the community’s limits. From record-breaking heatwaves to food insecurity and aging infrastructure, the stakes are high. But through the American Red Cross Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County
By Cynthia Rodriguez, Red Cross Communications Volunteer How are we helping communities in disaster-prone areas become more resilient? By partnering with mission-driven people like Aide Hernandez through our local Community Adaptation Program (CAP). For Aide, her deep commitment to her community is personal. Born and raised in Poplar, Tulare County, Aide is no stranger to … Continue reading Aide Hernandez is a Missing Piece of the Recovery Puzzle
When Erin Huey retired from the military, she moved backed to Simi Valley, California, so she could reconnect with family, most importantly, her brother John. “He loves that they’re back together, spending time together,” said John’s wife Lisa. “That was the icing on the cake for him.” Erin quickly re-established her roots, working as an … Continue reading Sister’s Quick Action, and CPR, Save Brother’s Life
By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Susan Searey relies on her strengths to make a lasting impact with her local American Red Cross Chapter. These efforts were recognized earlier this year at the Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter Volunteer Recognition Awards. Susan was honored with the Disaster Preparedness Award for her outstanding contributions to the … Continue reading Preparing Her Neighbors’ Homes One Smoke Alarm at a Time
Red Cross Central California Blog 