Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer You can always count on Linda Carralejo to stay calm in an emergency. For 35 years, Linda was the reassuring voice answering 9-1-1 calls as a dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department. After retiring, she took some well-deserved rest and relaxation before finding her next calling: volunteering. “I … Continue reading Linda Carralejo’s Second Act as Red Cross Volunteer: 40 Years of Public Service, and Counting!

How Blood Donor, Jessica Steele, is Helping Save Lives

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By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer “Knowing that one donation can save more than one life motivates me to give back and support my community in any way I can.” – Jessica Steele Jessica Steele is a 30-year-old single mother who is devoted to saving lives. Having worked in the medical field since she … Continue reading How Blood Donor, Jessica Steele, is Helping Save Lives

The Greatest Gift: Lori Kleiman Finds Joy in Serving Others

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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

Serving with Purpose: Bob Strojek’s Red Cross Legacy

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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

Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members from the Heart of Poland and Romania

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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

Margarita Moreno: Building Trust, One Connection at a Time 

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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 

From Guerrero to California: Jesús Sotelo’s Quiet Revolution of Service

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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

De Guerrero a California: La Revolución Silenciosa del Servicio de Jesús Sotelo

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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

Lessons Learned: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

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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

Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness

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By Taylor Poisall, Red Cross Communications Team For Maricela Rodriguez 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 … Continue reading Honoring Heritage, Humanity and the Impact of Kindness