A Day of Service: Ventura Veterans Stand Down 2025

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By Steve Medina, American Red Cross Volunteer, Public Affairs On August 1, 2025, the Ventura Veterans Stand Down took place at the Ventura Veterans Center, organized in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This vital outreach event brought together community agencies and volunteers to serve Veterans in need—particularly those experiencing homelessness or navigating life … Continue reading A Day of Service: Ventura Veterans Stand Down 2025

Community First: How the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program is Building Resilience in Tulare County

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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

Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle

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“Once somebody is helped by the Red Cross, they never forget it. They’ll never forget how the Red Cross came in and helped them, and it’s around the country, it’s around the world—the Red Cross is out there making a difference everywhere, every day.”Julie Doyle By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Named after the … Continue reading Meet Our 2025 Clara Barton Leadership Honoree: Julie Doyle

Debby Dailey Awarded the 2025 Florence Nightingale Medal

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On International Nurses Day, Debby Dailey received the Florence Nightingale Medal for exceptional nursing service and dedication. With over 40 years at the Red Cross, she has responded to numerous disasters, mentored future healthcare professionals, and advocated for inclusivity. Her humanitarian efforts have significantly impacted communities and inspired countless individuals.

Community-Led Readiness: Allensworth Hosts its First-Ever Wildfire Readiness Expo

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By Margarita Moreno, Community Adaptation Program Manager On the outskirts of unincorporated Tulare County, the rural community of Allensworth came together this April for a Wildfire Readiness Expo that combined critical safety information with shared meals, family activities, and trusted local connection. Co-hosted by the American Red Cross Central California Region and its Community Adaptation … Continue reading Community-Led Readiness: Allensworth Hosts its First-Ever Wildfire Readiness Expo

From Scrubs to Service: Elvia’s Continued Commitment to Care

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By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Elvia Pacheco-Reyna hasn’t left her nursing days behind; they just look a little different now. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a nurse, a sentiment reflected in her carefully curated collection of photos, including one of her holding a stethoscope. “I always said I’d … Continue reading From Scrubs to Service: Elvia’s Continued Commitment to Care

2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans

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“There’s always a lot of great people out here and it’s for a great cause,” said Marine veteran Jose Rojas, standing beneath a pop-up shelter near the starting line of this year’s Ride for the Red.    “We’ve done this ride a couple of times before,” said his ride partner and fellow Marine veteran Raul … Continue reading 2025 Ride for the Red Benefits Local Military and Veterans

Making an Impact: Wesley Hammer’s Red Cross Volunteer Story

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By Jake Dean, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Wesley Hammer, volunteering with the American Red Cross is more than just giving back—it’s a calling. From his first experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder to taking on leadership roles in disaster relief efforts, Wesley has dedicated his time and energy to supporting communities in … Continue reading Making an Impact: Wesley Hammer’s Red Cross Volunteer Story

Women Who Serve with Courage and Compassion

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Written by Anna Kumor, Communications Volunteer What do you do when you watch the news and see natural disasters devastate whole communities? People like Michelle Brown jump in to serve.  Twenty years ago, Michelle saw Richard Temple, the American Red Cross Executive Director of Kern County at the time, on the news asking for volunteers to … Continue reading Women Who Serve with Courage and Compassion

Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Noor Qwfan’s Red Cross Story

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By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Volunteer Like so many dedicated American Red Cross volunteers, Noor Qwfan's unwavering commitment to her community blossomed long before she officially joined the Red Cross. She took the initiative to start a support group for young women in her mosque, empowering them to navigate the challenges of applying for college … Continue reading Breaking Barriers and Building Trust: Noor Qwfan’s Red Cross Story