#MyStoryMonday: Jim Rogers

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Jim Rogers is a volunteer who is willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to an organization. He has been a member of the Red Cross since July 2, 2014 and has served more than 746.5 hours. Jim a member of the Board of Directors, but is so much more than that. He is a volunteer partner to the Kentucky Region's Regional Disaster Officer, a Disaster Action Team Member, an Emergency Response Vehicle driver, and Disaster Workforce Responder. Disaster Workforce Responders provide preparedness services and information before a disaster strikes. They also assist those who have experienced a disaster and need help with their recovery.

In the past 12 months, Jim has gone to Texas to help out with Hurricane Harvey and served as a shelter worker and an ERV driver delivering meals to those affected. He has been to Marshall County High School to help Evelyn Miller, Executive Director of the Western Kentucky Chapter, support and build local community partners. Jim also served in various roles during the flooding in the Louisville Area during the months of February and March. He has assisted in the hiring process for the disaster department, and he is very essential in the helping of growing the staff’s abilities to hire talent. Jim even goes out to help with current volunteers on expanding their skills. Thank you, Jim, for all you do!

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

#MyStoryMonday: Eugene McCord

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Eugene McCord is the epitome of what it means to be an American Red Cross volunteer. His dedication to service does not go unnoticed. Eugene has been a part of Red Cross since May 27, 2014 and has served more than 25, 209 hours. He is on pace again this year to reach up to 10,000 volunteer hours. Eugene is always one of the first to raise their hand to volunteer when there is a call for help. He is usually the first to arrive at the site and is usually the last to leave.

This year, Eugene has taken on more responsibilities and leadership roles in the Bluegrass Chapter. He is currently serving as the Territory 5 Disaster Program Manager Volunteer Partner, and is the Territory 5 Disaster Action Team Coordinator. In these roles, he has since developed a Disaster Action Team training program for new trainees, engaged in several disaster preparedness exercises, represented Red Cross at countless community meetings and functions, and deployed in sheltering and case work.

In addition, Eugene has supervised canteen services, created and hosted new volunteer orientations, and has served as a mentor for any volunteer wishing to expand their Red Cross experience. Eugene is also a former Bluegrass Volunteer of the Year award winner.

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

#MyStoryMonday: Dave Krasny

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Dave Krasny is a very reliable volunteer for Red Cross. He has been a member since June 10, 2015 and has served 1259 hours. He has assisted in disasters dealing with shelters, case work, and damage assessment. Dave has also updated shelters and vendor agreements in various counties throughout Kentucky. 

In the Western Kentucky area, Dave has installed more smoke alarms than any other volunteer since the partnership with Almost Family. He personally believes in the mission of making homes safer and this is exhibited by his efforts. He doesn’t just volunteer for Disaster Services, but also volunteers with the Blood services every Thursday as well. 

“Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You are one of a kind and we are grateful for everything you do.” – Dawn Carty

#MyStoryMonday: Jim Hall

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

Jim Hall has been a volunteer since May 21, 2014. Jim is the longest serving board member of the entire Eastern Kentucky Chapter. He has been the head of the chapter over the past several years while the Red Cross transitioned into its Regionalization model. 

Jim was in Ashland when it was a two county chapter, a five county chapter, and a twenty-three county chapter. Jim has been there for major flooding, tornadoes, and numerous fires. Not only did he provide financial support, but he has also provided moral and logistical support as well. He has yet to decline a favor that he could do. As the need for help increases, so does Jim’s contribution. He is the epitome of what being a Red Cross Board Member means.

#MyStoryMonday: John Bush

John Bush (left)

Written by: Gabby, Holy Cross High School Intern

John Bush, who joined the Red Cross on April 21, 2017, is a heavily involved volunteer and has served over 3,900 hours. 

His involvement first started with case work which then expanded to being a part of the Disaster Action Team for Webster, Union, Henderson, and Hopkins Counties, and he is a member of the Home Fire Campaign for the counties that were mentioned. 

He was also involved with response to the Marshall County School shooting in February 2018, as well as the Henderson County flood that happened in March 2018. 

When John found out about the events at Marshall County High School, he quickly joined the Integrated Care and Condolences Team which were sent out to meet and console the impacted families. Learning from this experience, John used his newly found skills to work with victims from casualty fires and incidents later in the year. During the flooding in Henderson County, John opened a shelter as part of the in response. Since then, John has transitioned between damage assessment, government operations, sheltering, feeding and distribution. John has been a key factor in building the volunteer size in Henderson County and surrounding counties. Thank you for all you do, John!

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

Southern Indiana Humanitarians Recognized at 21st Annual Humanitarian Gala, presented by Bales

“You must never so much think as whether you like it or not, whether it is bearable or not; you must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.”

Those were the words of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and they are words that Red Cross volunteers still live by today. Whether the work is easy or hard, Red Crossers make it their mission to serve their community and ease the suffering of others in times of crisis. The humanitarians honored at our 21st annual American Red Cross Humanitarian Gala at Huber's Plantation Hall were no different.

Five Southern Indiana volunteers — Barbara Anderson, Carl and Mary Kramer, Darrell Voelker and Victoria Southern—were recognized for their outstanding dedication and service to the Southern Indiana community.

 

2018 Humanitarians, (left to right): Victoria Southern (third from left),
Carl and Mary Kramer, Darrell Voelker, and Barbara Anderson 

Carl Kramer has been a Red Cross volunteer for over 30 years. He served as the Clark County Red Cross chapter chair for three years. His wife, Mary, has also been a lifelong Red Crosser. She served as chair of the Clark County chapter from 2009 to 2012, worked in blood services for 20 years, and was the director of Volunteer Services for the Louisville Area Chapter.

Darrel Voelker got involved with the Red Cross as a senior at Providence High School while participating in a blood drive, and has made more than 230 blood donations since.

Barb Anderson is the director of Haven House, a general population shelter that serves 14 Indiana counties, and is a board member for the National Coalition for the Homeless.

Victoria Southern, this year's youth humanitarian, volunteers through her church and JROTC.

These five volunteers were presented Humanitarian Awards by Kentucky Region CEO Jennifer Adrio during the program. Attendees also heard from Josh Bleill, public speaker, former Indianapolis Colts spokesperson, and the son of an Indiana Red Cross Executive Director, shared a little about his first-hand experience with Red Cross volunteerism.

Josh Bliell

At age 29, Bliell was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, where a bomb exploded under the vehicle he was riding in. He lost both of his legs in the blast, and spent two years in the hospital undergoing extensive rehabilitation. When it was time for him to learn to walk again, Red Cross volunteers in the downstairs office of the hospital provided him with shoes he could use with his prosthetics.

“[I am] continually impressed […] when I run into anyone from the Red Cross.” Said Bliell as he concluded his speech, addressing the award recipients and the room at large. “This day, this world, is a better place because of all of you here.”

This year’s Humanitarian Award recipients embody the spirit of the Red Cross, and have made lifelong commitments to serving others. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do!

View more photos of the gala in our Flickr album.

Eastern Kentucky Chapter Receives New Emergency Response Vehicle

The American Red Cross Eastern Kentucky Chapter unveiled its newest tool today, Wed., Sept. 5th, in Ashland, KY to assist area residents during crisis – its very own emergency response vehicle. The vehicle, the first of its kind for the Eastern Kentucky Chapter, was purchased with a $150,000 grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation presented by Kentucky Power.

Photo credit: Kentucky Power

“Eastern Kentucky is no stranger to natural disasters like floods yet has never had its own dedicated Emergency Response Vehicle,” said Kentucky Power President Matt Satterwhite. “This modern vehicle will help the Red Cross quickly respond in our communities during emergencies. The devastation resulting from the recent hurricanes and the flooding and power outages that followed, show the value this vehicle will bring to our region and beyond.”

The Red Cross uses Emergency Response Vehicles with response, relief and recovery operations to provide food, water, personal hygiene kits, blankets, cots, volunteer help and other assistance to those in need. The new vehicle is a mobile feeding station capable of serving up to 25,000 meals to people affected by hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, forest fires, blizzards, ice storms or other natural disasters.

Photo Credit: Kentucky Power

“This vehicle could not have been possible without the generous grant donation from The American Electric Power Foundation,” said Debbie Ranier, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We honestly see Kentucky Power and AEP as part of the Red Cross family. This vehicle will serve American Red Cross Disaster Relief well for the next 10 years and beyond, not only in eastern Kentucky, but also for our neighbors in southern Ohio, West Virginia and the nation.” 

The unveiling comes as the Red Cross, the Ashland Fire Department and others recognize National Preparedness Month. Celebrated each September, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to be prepared for disasters in their homes, businesses and communities.

Dave Sanderson Speaks to Red Cross Donors at Le Relais

A volunteer from the American Red Cross was one of the first  people to greet
Sanderson when he made shore in New Jersey after the crash on the Hudson.

Dave Sanderson is someone who was an ordinary person in an extraordinary situation. He was a top sales producer in every company he worked for and on January 15th 2009 was on a business trip he had made hundreds of times before. Like all of us when we travel, especially on business, things are often routine and we take things for granted. Then out of the blue something happens that changes what was once routine to a day that changes your life.

When US Airways Flight 1549, or “The Miracle on the Hudson”, ditched into the Hudson River on January 15, 2009, Dave Sanderson not only survived the “crash” but also started to realize the moments which made up his life, prepared him for what was about to happen.

Sanderson spoke about his experience with the first responders
and Red Cross volunteers who assisted him following
the crash on the Hudson.

After the incident, the lessons and strategies he learned throughout his life were instrumental that day and the days following. He started to realize one can grow from traumatic life experiences and set out on a path to not only share the lessons from that day, but practical and implementable strategies anyone can use, to not only survive their “personal plane crash” moment, but grow and thrive.

Dave shared his story with Red Cross Kentucky Region board members and donors at Le Relais in Louisville, KY. In his stirring presentation, Sanderson revealed the inner strength it took to make it through the day, and how you can grow from challenges throughout your personal and business life and how resiliency, leadership, and state management can help you not only overcome any obstacle, but grow and thrive! How all the moments in your life MATTER!

View more photos from the event on our Flickr.

To learn more about the American Red Cross, or to become a volunteer, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Bluegrass Area Chapter Sounds the Alarm about Fire Safety

Written by: Barry Bronson, Bluegrass Area Chapter

Nearly 200 Red Cross volunteers handed out smoke alarms and helped educate Lexington residents on fire safety Saturday, all part of the Red Cross Sound the Alarm campaign.

It was all hands on deck Saturday as volunteers received marching orders for the
Lexington Sound the Alarm campaign for the Red Cross. 

One volunteer team heard what many of the volunteers and fire fighters would hear in the course of the busy day.

“I’ve lived in this house for 17 years and have never known if the smoke alarms were working or not,” said Ms. June Jones when volunteers installed two smoke alarms in her northside home. 

The team visiting Ms. Jones included Manny Mora, Kevin Lum, Rosie Gray and team captain Kathy Hoff. Ms. Hoff has been a Red Cross volunteers for 49 years!

Kevin Lum and Manny Mora help install a smoke alarm Saturday.

Volunteer Manny Mora installed an alarm along with Kevin Lum.

Learn more about our Sound the Alarm campaign at soundthealarm.com/kentucky.

Red Cross Caseworkers Join Family Fun Night in West Point, KY

Written by: Kristen Perdue, Virginia Region and Amy Miller, Kentucky Region
Photo provided by Jessica Rains

Every March, the American Red Cross celebrates Red Cross Month as a chance to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help us fulfill our Red Cross mission. This year, Kentucky and Southern Indiana rang in Red Cross Month with flooding up and down the Ohio River, and Red Cross volunteers that came from across the country to lend a hand to those who were impacted.

While some disaster volunteers drive emergency response vehicles, assess damage, or provide hot meals or clean up supplies, Red Cross caseworkers assist individuals one-on-one with recovery planning. Casework assistance could include connecting people with existing social service programs in their local community, getting them counseling, identifying child care resources, or helping to locate new housing.

After meeting with Red Cross caseworkers who had been visiting West Point, KY to help residents recover, West Point Independent School’s Family Resource and Youth Services Coordinator, Jessica Rains, asked the casework team to attend the school’s Family Fun Day event. After dealing with high water and the ongoing clean-up efforts, the event gave families in West Point the opportunity to take some much-needed time to relax.

Recovering from a disaster can be a confusing, emotionally draining and complicated process. After speaking with students and their families, Rains felt having the casework team attend the school’s event would be a helpful resource for West Point residents, stating she “hoped the Red Cross [would be] able to assist.” 

 
When they weren’t dancing to the live band with the other attendees, Red Cross caseworkers were able to introduce themselves to community members who had been impacted by flooding. Red Cross caseworkers were able to explain some of the services that the Red Cross provides, as well as inform parents on tips that can be used to ensure their child’s mental health after disasters. Iris Doty, a caseworker, stated her team was even able start cases while there to provide families with assistance.

“I am glad they were able to come,” said Rains, “Hopefully they were able to have some fun themselves.” 

After the event ended, Red Cross workers came together and spoke of the event as a great way to reach the community and spread the word about the Red Cross. 

Learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross here.

A Pillowcase Promise

Written by: Cuthbert Langley, South Carolina Region

Pictures by: Kristen Perdue, Virginia Region

“It just happened.”

Ten-year-old Tanner said it happened in seconds. He was watching television with his mom in their Hopkinsville, Kentucky apartment around 9:30 p.m. on February 24. In almost an instant, they had to make a run for their lives.

“The lights just turned off, and then my mom said the wind was really blowing,” said Tanner. “She just started pulling my arm and we went out.”

They ran out of their apartment into the hallway after a tornado ripped through the complex. The family watched from underneath the apartment’s stairwell as part of the ceiling caved in. Tanner stood next to his younger neighbors and quickly realized he needed to help them.

Larissa, Tanner's mother, speaks with Mary Summers,
Regional Preparedness Manager for the Kentucky Region

“They were really scared and really nervous, and he put his arm around [their] shoulders, and he was like, ‘everything’s going to be fine. We’re safe here under the stairs.’ He was amazing, just amazing,” his mom, Larissa, said.

Turns out, just a couple of weeks before the tornado hit, Tanner participated in the Red Cross Pillowcase Project at his school, South Christian Elementary taught by Kathy Hayes, a Red Cross volunteer.  Thanks to a grant from Disney, the Red Cross, and volunteers, like Kathy, are able to teach 3^rd-5^th graders preparedness tips for local emergencies. Tanner learned during Kathy’s presentation about tornado safety, including picking a safety spot—the apartment’s stairwell—where he could meet his family outside of his home.

The program also teaches coping skills to help kids through those emergencies. Tanner used some of those same skills to help his younger neighbors.

“[Mrs. Hayes] said breathe in, breathe out.”

Volunteer Kathy Hayes presents Tanner with a new
pillowcase and emergency supplies.

In addition to learning about skills, Kathy gave the children a pillowcase they could decorate and use as place to store their own emergency kits. However, she taught Tanner and his classmates to leave the pillowcase behind in “act fast” emergencies, like tornadoes, when there is no time to spare.

That’s a message Tanner remembered that night.

“I wanted my pillowcase, but I didn’t [grab it],” Tanner said.

Hayes also promised the children that, if they lose their pillowcase due to a disaster, she would replace it. She followed through on her promise and met Tanner to replace his pillowcase.

In the backroom of the Red Cross chapter, Tanner quickly sat down and began decorating his pillowcase. He excitedly looked through all of the emergency supplies Kathy made sure he received.

“It did make a huge impression on him,” his mother said with a smile.

Tanner and his mom are now living with family while they search for a new place to live. The family will continue to work with Red Cross caseworkers to create their recovery plans.  

What happens when you call the client hotline?

When a person calls the Client Hotline for disaster assistance, an American Red Cross representative will be on the other line to answer your call. The Red Cross representative will take down your information and pass it along to our casework team, which will send that information to the team closest to the caller’s neighborhood. The local neighborhood caseworker will attempt to contact the person to set up a time to meet to assess needs (clean up kits, referrals, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide me with a place to stay?

The Red Cross is not providing housing assistance at this time. But, the organization has a strong team of community and government partner organizations that assist the organization in helping residents recover from disasters. Caseworkers will be able to assist in referring you to a partner who will be able to meet your lodging needs, on an individual basis.

Can I get financial assistance for damages within my home?

The Client Hotline representative will refer you to a caseworker that will help determine the level of assistance needed and referrals for your individual case.

My neighbor got assistance, will I?

Every case is different. Caseworkers will work individually with residents to determine what that person needs.

Why is it taking so long for someone to call me back?

Right after a resident calls the hotline, a volunteer passes that information along to the casework team. Casework involves working with each individual or family to determine what they need and the best way to meet those needs. The Red Cross wants to spend the money people donate for disasters as quickly as the organization can, but it’s also important that we spend the funds wisely and carefully. Both of these considerations take time. In addition, it can take some time for families to determine what they need, or their needs may change over time as more is known about the damage. However long it takes, the Red Cross is committed to helping residents recover.

What is a clean-up kit?

A clean up kit is a variety of supplies that can assist in the clean-up of your home. Items can include: gloves, shovel, rake, trash bags, bleach, etc. Please also view our tips for cleaning safety here: http://rdcrss.org/2xnQMWk

From Flooding to Family: Red Cross Volunteers Celebrate 50

Written by: Cuthbert Langley, South Carolina Region

Pictures by: Kristen Perdue, Virginia Region

When you walk into the Community Baptist Church in Henderson County, you’ll find seven people sitting in the lobby, chatting. There’s hardly a lull, never an awkward moment. Laughs are ever-present. You’d think you’re listening to a gaggle of life-long friends.

They’ve only known each other for six days.

Five people in the lobby are American Red Cross volunteers who have opened a shelter in the church.  The other two are Deborah and Shon Bear from Reed, Kentucky. Deborah sits with a smile as bright as her personality, her hair hidden with a beautiful, paisley scarf. She and her husband are at the shelter because they had to be rescued from their home as floodwaters forced them out.

“The water was all around us and they had to come rescue us,” Deborah said. “We had to climb down a ladder from our porch into a boat.”

Nearly a dozen first responders from the town of Reed and Henderson County helped the Bears escape. They’re now safe in a shelter, becoming fast friends with the Red Cross volunteers who discovered she had a milestone birthday quickly approaching.

“Everybody was sneaking around and I was like, ‘what are they doing?’” Deborah said with a grin.

What the volunteers were doing was secretly baking a cake and getting birthday supplies together. In the middle of the shelter on a chilly Tuesday, the warmth of friendship ushered in Deborah’s 50^th birthday.

“It was just a real joy,” she said. “They were all here with me. We had a little party; we had dinner, cake, and ice cream. It was wonderful.”

Little did Deborah know she, too, left a lasting impression on the Red Cross volunteers.

“When you lose everything you got and everything’s she’s gone through, it only takes a minute to give back,” said Red Cross volunteer, Lois Calloway.

Turns out, Deborah has gone through more than just a flood.

During that conversation in the lobby of the small church, Deborah was preparing to leave for Louisville. Not for a new home, but rather for six straight days of radiation treatment.

Deborah had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. However, cancer has stormed back into her life. Doctors recently discovered additional cancerous spots. This day, however, she wasn’t focusing on her fight ahead; she was reflecting on her time with the Red Cross.

“They have been a wonderful, best bunch of people,” she said as tears peaked underneath her eyes.  “I didn’t dream of all the things the Red Cross does. Everybody has treated me with dignity and respect.”

That was not lost on Lois who also knows cancer too well.

“Today is my husband’s,” the volunteer paused, “… would have been my husband’s 73^rd birthday.”

The cruel grip of cancer took her husband away four years ago, which is why she knew it was so important to stand next to Deborah as she celebrated her birthday.

“You think at least [on that day] she didn’t have to think about radiation and cancer,” Lois said.

As the conversation in the church-turned-shelter family room came to an end, Deborah reflected on her time with her new friends. She made sure every volunteer received a hand-written thank you note and a hug.

“If I could say any good thing about Red Cross, they’re angels […] It’s like God sent them down when we needed them in a crisis,” she said.

With tears flowing, Deborah says goodbye to South Carolina volunteer Ed Ballard.

While the group will separate, Deborah hopes to join them once her treatments are finished, not just as a friend but also as a fellow Red Cross volunteer. 

“I want to thank everybody from the Red Cross. When I get everything said and done, I’m going to go online and [sign up] to do some volunteering for Red Cross,” Deborah said with a smile.

UMCOR and Red Cross: Disaster Relief in Action

Story and Pictures By: Amy Miller, Kentucky Region

Sleeves up. Hearts open. All in.

These six words embody the spirit of the American Red Cross. For nearly two weeks, the Red Cross has been "all in" in Kentuckiana. Hundreds of volunteers have left their daily lives behind to provide comfort and hope to residents who have been impacted by widespread flooding.

They haven't been alone.

Red Cross partners from across the state have rolled up their sleeves to help disaster workers respond and recover from this disaster.

The United Methodist Church is one of many local partners that stepped up and got to work when flooding began. As part of the partnership during the flood response, the United 

Methodist Church has supplied the Red Cross with nearly 2,000 buckets filled with cleaning supplies to help residents of Kentucky begin to recover. 2,000 buckets—that's enough to fill a semi-truck. These cleaning supplies are being distributed by Red Cross and UMCOR volunteers to impacted areas across the state.

"What the community sees [during this disaster response] is that it's not just one group, " said Jim Morse, disaster response coordinator for the Kentucky Annual Conference of the 

United Methodist Church. "It's multiple people, multiple organizations working together."

Throughout the year, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) creates and stores flood clean up kits and personal hygiene kits to pass out at shelters during disasters. Churches from all over the nation send supplies for these kits—toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, mops and buckets. Virtually every Methodist church lends a hand at one time or another—they go all in.

"I think it's very important for the community to see the Red Cross, the Cross and Flame, 

Southern Baptists, Catholic Charities—all the different parts and pieces of disaster response working together." Morse  said. "We serve the same people."

These "people" are the residents who stayed in Red Cross shelters hosted by Methodist Churches. These "people" are the folks who received buckets and mops and bleach from Red Cross and Methodist volunteers from across Kentuckiana.

When asked why the United Methodists wanted to partner with the Red Cross, Morse said that it seemed like a good partnership, and an opportunity for the United Methodists to gain experience in short-term disaster response. 

"We have an opportunity to see if we could make relationships we may not have had in the past with Red Cross, and work side by side with them for the people. When you can get that type of cooperation, everybody benefits."

More than 400 Red Cross disaster workers from across the region and country are on the ground in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, providing hope, care, and comfort to those impacted by flooding. That work would not be possible without partners, such as the United Methodist Church, who roll their sleeves up, keep their hearts open, and go all in.