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Category Archives: Why we Red Cross
A Month of Preparedness, sneak peek into September at the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio
One piece of the mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent human suffering in the face of emergencies. The simplest way to do that is to help individuals and families learn how to be prepared for the disasters that happen in our communities. When a disaster strikes, because it can and will happen, everyone will have the tools and knowledge to respond accordingly.
The month of September is National Preparedness Month. For the Red Cross and many of our partner organizations, September is the perfect opportunity to voice the power of being prepared in our homes and in our communities.
There are so many simple, quick ways to prepare for an emergency situation.
- Check your smoke detectors once a month and change the battery at least once a year.
- If you don’t have smoke detectors, install them. One in every bedroom, one outside of sleeping areas and one on every level of your home. (NOTE: carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are not the same thing.)
- Make a Fire Escape Plan and teach it to every member of the household.
- Practice your plan twice a year.
- Know what emergencies can affect your area: Flooding, Tornadoes, etc.
- Create a 72-hour Emergency Kit filled with necessities to keep your family safe and sound for 3 days.
- Take a first aid and CPR course.
- Download the FREE Red Cross Apps through iOS or Android app marketplaces.
- Make your neighbors part of your emergency plan (and you become a part of theirs), especially if they are older adults or have young children in the home.
All September long, our blog will be dedicated to details ways that you can get your family prepared, so be sure to subscribe or check back often.
If you are regular reader of this blog or just happened here through Google, please, share this link with your friends and colleagues. It is vitally important that we help ourselves and each other before an emergency situation happens.
Jessica’s Red Cross story
Jessica Sandoval, a summer intern with the Lorain County Chapter, displays her Leadership Lorain certificate.
Following my sophomore year as a marketing major at University of Dayton, I became involved with the Lorain County Chapter of the American Red Cross through the Leadership Lorain County Internship Program. As the Communications Specialist Intern, I was responsible for increasing Red Cross awareness and donations through effective communications, public relations and the use of social media tools.
Previous to my assignment, I knew very little about the American Red Cross, but I was quickly amazed by this incredible organization. The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization and not a federal agency. As such, it receives no regular federal funding. The Red Cross also does a lot more than host blood drives. Each region is well equipped with a Disaster Action Team, Disaster Mental Health Team, and an array of other volunteers. They also offer services to the Armed Forces—from preparing soldiers and their families for deployment to getting those same soldiers emergency contact with their families while overseas.
Based on my experience, I do not think the public is well aware of the extent to which the Red Cross helps our local, as well as national, communities.
While attending a Friday Forum at the Cleveland City Club to hear President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, speak I met a volunteer who truly changed my life. The woman, who dedicates 100% of her time to volunteering, and I discussed her career in the medical field and a trip she took to India to treat patients in a poor village. I commended her on her voluntarism and expressed how I wished my future profession in the business world would allow me to help people the same way hers does. I commented that those in the medical field have the ability to go the extra mile and help people in a more profound way than any other profession. She informed me it is not an extra mile, but a different mile.
During my time at the Lorain County Chapter I helped prepare for the annual 5K Run for the Red, and have witnessed the chapter go through a merger with the Firelands Chapter. I also created several campaigns for different chapter events including Christmas in July which supported the annual Holiday Mail for Heroes and the Pillowcase Project sponsored by Disney. I contributed blogs on chapter events and also created a Social Media and Marketing timeline for the annual 5K. I also canvased for our 5K, made phone calls in hopes of obtaining donations, and spread Red Cross awareness whenever and wherever I could. As a marketing major, I believe I learned so much about my future profession as well as what it is like to work for a non-profit organization. I had the opportunity to become CPR Certified as well as take Disaster Overview and Fundamental courses.
Whether it was hearing a volunteer’s Red Cross Story, or learning something new about my major (or even myself), I was inspired every single day when I stepped over the threshold of that history Lorain County building. I could not agree more with President and CEO of the American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, when she says, “the depth and breadth of all the Red Cross does still amaze me, and it’s an incredible privilege to play a part in it.” I plan on continuing my involvement with the American Red Cross as I complete the last two years of school and well into my future.
Cleveland State Intern, Mary Malone shares her Red Cross story
As a senior at Cleveland State University pursuing a bachelors of Social Work, I began an internship with the American Red Cross, in the Emergency Services department.
After a fire, the Red Cross assists the family in immediate and urgent needs. As a student intern I am learning how to participate in a social services agency setting by working directly with clients, other caseworkers, volunteers, and various other staff positions. I look to each person at the Red Cross as a “teacher” and someone from whom I can learn valuable lessons and techniques.
A typical day for me at the Red Cross includes following up with clients after they have experienced a disaster. The most prevalent of emergency situations that I have encountered, during my time, are single-family house fires. The caseworkers at the Red Cross and I ensure that the client’s direct needs are being met. If the Red Cross cannot provide it directly, there are countless referrals to other community organizations. I spend a lot of time on the phone talking with clients, sometimes it is a short call and sometimes the client wants to have someone to talk to and express their fears, worries, and sometimes even joys. I use my ability to communicate with others when they have just experienced a crisis, by validating their words and listening to what it is that they are saying. Other times I meet with clients when they need to come in to the Red Cross for a meeting with a caseworker. Being able to help people in such a dire time of need, knowing that I have many tools in my toolbox to assist them and let them know that they are not alone, is so rewarding.
As part of my internship, I have been able to go out and witness the scene of a disaster. I went to a house that had been burnt very badly and the emotions of clients as they were standing outside, were very raw. Having never been in a situation quite like this I was not sure how I would feel, or how I should act. I learned a lot by watching my Red Cross supervisor communicate with empathy, understanding, and patience. Even though her home was very badly damaged, the client was most concerned for her cat’s well-being. As we left various neighbors, family members and friends came to her and lavish her with hugs, and envelopes of money to help financially. Even in a situation that is inconceivably horrible, the strengths within this one client’s community gives me hope of a full recovery and resiliency.
After semesters of studying books and articles, participating in mock interventions, and writing papers in preparation for my future as a Social Work practitioner, my work with the Red Cross has reaffirmed my passion for social work.
The American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 6 – 12
Thank you.
Thank you to our Disaster Action Team members who rise at random hours to bring hope to those who have experienced a major fire in their home.
Thank you to those who spend time in our chapter offices greeting visitors, answering phone calls and making the Red Cross run a little more smoothly.
Thank you to our volunteers who walk through neighborhoods distributing information about fire safety. To those who drive residents to life saving medical treatments. And those who provide 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families.
To that more than 90% of our workforce who freely offer their time and talents to fulfill our mission in their community, “Thank you”.
Thank you to the more than 90% of our workforce who volunteer their time and talents to fulfill our mission in their community.
Why We Red Cross: Transportation Driver
Bunny Perren volunteers as a driver for the Transportation Program with the Summit and Portage Counties Chapter.
After teaching for 38 years with Norton City Schools, Bunny Perren was ready to embark on a new adventure.
In talking to her friend, Bev Snyder (who is the Director of Community Services for the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio) she found her next undertaking.
The Summit and Portage Counties chapter of the American Red Cross offers transportation services for non-life threatening medical appointments in Summit County. Each of the drivers who assist the chapter’s large roster of clients is a volunteer.
Bunny knew how the struggle to get a loved one to necessary medical appointments could take a toll on a family. She and her three sisters had shared the duty of transporting their mother to cancer treatments while balancing their own family and work obligations.
“I feel like we are doing a service that no one else in the community has taken the time to do,” said Bunny. For the past two years she has volunteered as a driver at least one day a week.
Bunny knows each of her clients’ stories. In the ten or so minutes it takes to get from their home to their appointment and back she listens to their tales of life, children and grandchildren. And she offers a place to vent their frustrations.
Even when she encounters a client for the first time, Bunny’s kind personality is quick to put them at ease.
“You can become their cheerleader,” she said. “I love this job!”
If you are interested in becoming a Transportation Volunteer, drivers are needed in both Summit and Stark Counties. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started.
Why we Red Cross: Brad Raum
Brad Raum first encountered the American Red Cross while serving as a marine. These days, in addition to his work as a Vice President with Robinson Memorial Hospital, he dedicates his time to the mission of the Red Cross as a Board Member with the Summit and Portage Counties Chapter. He has served in this capacity for 3 years.
Thank you for taking the time to share your message, Brad!
Why we Red Cross: Disaster Services
Royce Brown, a man who believes that smiling for long enough will bring out the sun, smiles while telling his story in Downtown Barberton.
Severe storms rumbled across Northeast Ohio the afternoon of July 10, 2013. In Barberton, flood waters climbed fast and strong. As a local automotive dealer worked quickly to move their inventory to higher ground, residents found themselves stranded on pockets of land surrounded by rushing rivers that only hours before had been neighborhood streets. Area fire crews responded to numerous reports of basements filled with water and weakening foundations.
The American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties responded by opening an shelter at the local YMCA for residents who had been displaced by the flood waters. Once the flood waters began to recede, people began returning to their homes to survey the damage.
In the midst of this chaos, one man found that he no longer had a home. The Shamrock Motel, a fixture on Norton Avenue, and Royce Brown’s home had closed as a result of the damage sustained during the floods. Unaware of the shelter provided by the Red Cross, Royce loaded his belongings into his new home, his Chevrolet.
Royce continued living in his car, parking at a local grocery that was open 24 hours and eating a small breakfast and washing up at the McDonalds before going into work. On the ninth day, Royce had to fill out paper work for his participation in the local Relay for Life, a 24 hour walk-a-thon benefiting the American Cancer Society. When asked for his address, Royce confided in a co-worker that he was living in his car.
“There’s nothing broke on me. I’m one of those people who won’t ask for a hand,” said Royce, an avid community volunteer. “But I love to help others, to see the smile on their faces. To have someone reach out to me, when I was in need, was truly a blessing. People cared about me, people who didn’t even know me.”
With a little assistance from co-workers, Royce was put in touch with a Red Cross case worker. Through the collaboration of the Red Cross, YMCA, Public Health and other agencies in Barberton, by Tuesday he was in a new apartment complete with furniture, linens, cooking supplies and personal hygiene products.
Royce has come out of his experience feeling like a new man.
“I have a second shot at life, I’m not going to take anything for granted. I believe in keeping on going and keeping the faith.”
Why we Red Cross: Training
Gary with his daughter, Christy and his wife.
Gary Burris was stuck in traffic when his daughter became unresponsive. Ahead, he saw a Red Cross vehicle and ran for assistance.
Tim Reichel, Red Cross volunteer, was driving a Red Cross vehicle back to Canton, OH from an event. Upon seeing his panic, Tim ran to Gary’s daughter, Christy. With no cell reception, attempts to call ‘911’ failed. A truck driver used his radio to call for help.
Tim, certified in CPR and first aid, could see she was breathing and propped her legs up to prevent shock. He retrieved gauze from his vehicle to wet and place on her forehead.
Once the EMS arrived, they took Christy to a local hospital. It was determined that Christy had a seizure. She is now in good health.
“As I’ve shared this story, people can’t believe how lucky we were. I was paralyzed with fear but feel so blessed that the Red Cross was there,” said Gary.
Tim began volunteering for the Red Cross after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In response to this situation Tim asks that everyone get CPR and First Aid certification.
If you would like more information on Red Cross training in First Aid and CPR, visit our website or contact your local chapter. For more information on volunteering, click here.
Why we Red Cross: Service to Armed Forces
Father and Son, Antonio Ciraldo and PFC Joseph Ciraldo
When his mother passed away in February, 2013, Antonio Ciraldo knew he needed to find a way to get his son, PFC Joseph Ciraldo, home for the funeral. As a child, Joseph had spent time after school and every Sunday with his grandparents. He and his grandmother, in particular, were very close.
At his son’s suggestion, Antonio contacted the American Red Cross.
Within 30 minutes Joe’s leave was being processed.
“We, as a community, are blessed with such a program,” Antonio said. “With a single phone call my son was able to be present for the funeral of his grandmother and stand as a source of strength for his grandfather.”
As part of our service to Armed Forces, the Red Cross gives support to active-duty military members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans and their families. We provide pre-deployment briefings, called “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us,” and connect families with needed resources when their loved ones are deployed.
The Red Cross also delivers emergency messages, such as notification of an illness or death in the family. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations. Even if the service member receives an email or phone call from home, Red Cross-verified information assists the member and his or her commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave. Military families rely on these verified communications.
For more information, visit our website or contact your local chapter.
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