Aide Hernandez is a Missing Piece of the Recovery Puzzle

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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

Jené D’Ambrosio: A Clothing Collector Committed to Compassion

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“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

Helping in Crisis: A Couple’s Impact on LA Fire Relief Efforts

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“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

Retired Volunteers Like Julianne Abbott Show No Signs of Slowing Down

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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

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

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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

Ready to Serve – Near and Far

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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

This Neighborhood Will Rise from the Ashes

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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

Families Find Refuge from Disastrous Fire Storm

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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

The Sky is the Limit for Leticia Leon

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“I am a firm believer that united communities are stronger and more resilient.” By: Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Red Cross honors the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to our society. From disaster responders to dedicated blood donors, the impact of Hispanic heritage is … Continue reading The Sky is the Limit for Leticia Leon

“I love to serve.” A Disaster Responder’s Journey Across the County

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By Alison Votaw, Communications Volunteer Ten deployments in a just over a year's span is impressive for any American Red Cross volunteer, but for Deborah Blaze, Deb as her friends call her, it's just the beginning. As Deb considered her options after retirement, a friend noted her high energy lifestyle and recommended the Red Cross. … Continue reading “I love to serve.” A Disaster Responder’s Journey Across the County