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.
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
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
“I don’t need an award. I don’t need a pat on the back. I don’t need a trophy. I don’t need any of that. Having that feeling that we’re helping people is enough.”Jené D’Ambrosio By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Born and raised in Fresno, Jené D’Ambrosio is determined to give back to the … Continue reading Jené D’Ambrosio: A Clothing Collector Committed to Compassion
“The Red Cross gives hope in a time of chaos.”- Miller Newlon By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As wildfires tore through Los Angeles County, leaving devastation in their wake, American Red Cross volunteers, Miller and Christin Newlon, didn’t hesitate to step up. With nearly 30 years of experience as a certified EMT, Miller … Continue reading Helping in Crisis: A Couple’s Impact on LA Fire Relief Efforts
Julianne Abbott is a Lifelong Volunteer Determined to Help Others By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Julianne Abbott has dedicated her life to helping those in need and shows no signs of slowing down. She has been to Africa and Asia several times over the course of her life to help refugees in war-torn … Continue reading Retired Volunteers Like Julianne Abbott Show No Signs of Slowing Down
Just two months ago, Steve Medina and scores of local volunteers were supporting the Ventura County community during the Mountain Fire. At that time, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region volunteers traveled north to assist and lend a hand when it was needed most. Never missing an opportunity to return a favor, Medina immediately volunteered … Continue reading Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Lifelong Camarillo resident Kim Price-Marczuk has deep roots in her community. It was these local bonds that led her to become a volunteer with the Red Cross. “My former high school advisor was [volunteering] and posting pictures (on Facebook), so I messaged him and asked ‘How do I get involved in the Red Cross?’” Two … Continue reading Ready to Serve – Near and Far
By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Bre Vallado joined her local American Red Cross chapter in 2023 with ambitions to work with the International Committee for the Red Cross. While she is still working towards that goal, her passion for International Humanitarian Law (IHL) has led her to participate in lesser-known Red Cross programs. … Continue reading Your Global Impact Can Start Locally: One Volunteer’s Journey with the American Red Cross
Standing amidst a surreal landscape of ash and destruction is the Mason home. All that remains of their neighbor’s homes on either side and across the street are naked chimneys and the burned-out hulks of automobiles. “We are very grateful and somewhat surprised that our home was spared,” said Wil Mason of the house she … Continue reading This Neighborhood Will Rise from the Ashes
Miyoshi Higa snapped this photo of the approaching Mountain Fire as she evacuated her home Volunteer Christine Rosso comforts Miyoshi Higa at the Red Cross shelter in Camarillo, Ca. Higa evacuated her home with just minutes to spare as the fast-moving Mountain Fire threatened her neighborhood. “I smelled smoke and thought my neighbor was cooking,” … Continue reading Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm
Red Cross Central California Blog 