In 2018, the Red Cross continues to help communities and families to recover

DISASTER

 FAST FACTS

February 1, 2018

In 2017, the American Red Cross launched wide-ranging relief efforts to help people devastated by three historic back-to-back hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—followed closely by the deadliest week of wildfires in California history. Now in 2018, the Red Cross continues to help communities and families to recover. 

Northern California Wildfires

·         The Red Cross, community and government partners have provided more than 27,900 overnight stays in emergency shelters.

·         With the help of partners, the Red Cross has served more than 197,400 meals and snacks, and provided more than 16,500 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.

·         The Red Cross has distributed more than 145,900 emergency relief items such as masks, gloves, rakes, trash bags and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items to people in need.

·         To help people recover and get back on their feet, the Red Cross has opened more than 2,900 cases, reaching more than 7,700 Californians.

Hurricane Response Efforts (Harvey, Irma and Maria)

·         The Red Cross, along with community and government partners, has provided 1.3 million (1,342,200) overnight stays in emergency shelters. That’s more overnight shelter stays than the past 5 years combined. Shelters were opened in 8 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes—

o   For Harvey, more than 414,800 overnight shelter stays in Texas and Louisiana.

o   For Irma, more than 555,300 overnight shelter stays across six states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

o   For Maria, more than 372,000 overnight stays in primarily government shelters across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

·         With the help of partners, the Red Cross has served more than 17.5 million (17,579,400) meals and snacks—that’s more food than the past 4 years combined.

·         The Red Cross has distributed more than 8.5 million (8,519,500) emergency relief items to people in need.

·         Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 226,800 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.

·         A total of more than 16,800 trained disaster workers, 91 percent of them volunteers, have been mobilized to support hurricane relief efforts. Many of these workers have supported multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times.

·         During 2017, more than 110 Red Cross workers from around the world deployed to the United States to help with hurricane relief efforts.

Hurricane Harvey

·         The Red Cross gave $400 to more than 573,000 households severely affected by Hurricane Harvey. That’s more than $229 million in direct financial assistance.

• Along with our partners, we have served more than 4.5 million (4,549,100) meals and snacks in Texas and Louisiana.
• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 127,200 mental health and health services to support and care for people in Texas and Louisiana.
• We’ve distributed more than 1.6 million (1,660,400) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items in Texas and Louisiana.

·         A total of more than 9,500 trained disaster workers have supported Harvey relief efforts. Many of these workers have responded to multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times.

Hurricane Irma (Continental U.S. Only)

• Along with our partners, we have served more than 1.5 million (1,591,300) meals and snacks across six states.
• We’ve distributed more than 1 million (1,074,500) relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits containing deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items across six states.
• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 52,600 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected across six states.

·         To help people recover and get back on their feet, the Red Cross has opened more than 11,400 cases, reaching more than 38,900 people across Florida.

·         A total of more than 7,000 trained disaster workers have supported Irma relief efforts. Many of these workers have responded to multiple relief operations or deployed multiple times.

Hurricanes Irma and Maria (Puerto Rico and USVI)

• Along with our partners, the Red Cross has served more than 11.4 million (11,439,000) meals and snacks across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• We’ve distributed 5.7 million (5,784,500) relief items across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Red Cross volunteers have provided more than 46,800 mental health and health services to support and care for those affected.

·         Since Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico, the Red Cross has served more than 11.3 million (11,356,300) meals and snacks, distributed more than 5 million (5,025,700) relief supplies, and provided more than 39,600 mental health and health services to people in need. About 130 Red Cross disaster workers are supporting relief efforts in Puerto Rico now. A total of more than 1,600 trained disaster workers have supported relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Many of these workers have deployed multiple times.

• Since Irma and Maria struck the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Red Cross has served more than 82,700 meals and snacks, handed out more than 758,700 relief items, and provided more than 7,100 mental health and health services to people in need.

·         More than 30 Red Cross disaster responders from around the globe deployed to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to help deliver aid. These responders came from Red Cross societies in Colombia, Costa Rica, Finland, Mexico, Spain, and from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. 

3 things I learned about the Red Cross

Guest Blog Post by Pamela Gandy – Public Relations Student at Texas Tech University.    

I cannot remember a time before I knew about the Red Cross. In 2010 when a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti, I was in seventh grade. In the weeks following the earthquake, my school held a fundraising competition between all the homeroom classes. Students, teachers, and staff donated their money to try to provide some relief for those affected (and to win bragging rights over the other classes).  I can remember watching the news at school, seeing dozens of volunteers wearing the Red Cross logo as they brought relief items to the people of Haiti.

Eight years later, I am beginning an internship at the Texas South Plains Chapter of the Red Cross. My perception of the organization has changed significantly since seventh grade.  In my brief time with the nonprofit, I have learned that the Red Cross does far more than send supplies to victims of natural disasters.

1.      Before Texas Tech

Established in 1881, the Red Cross has a very long history. Even more impressively, the South Plains chapter, located in Lubbock, has existed for 100 years. In 1917, Lubbock was barely large enough to be considered a town. Lubbock’s pride and joy, Texas Tech, did not even exist yet. The fact that the chapter, Lubbock, and the surrounding towns of the Texas South plains, have grown so much in those 100 years, is truly amazing.

2.      The Red Cross Reconnects Families

Despite all the media coverage of volunteers working to help those affected by natural disasters, emergency relief is only one component of what the Red Cross does. Much of the work the Red Cross does will never be shown on CNN during primetime. I was very surprised to learn that one of the services the Red Cross offers, was reconnecting families separated by wars and extreme weather events. The Red Cross works with people in Washington D.C. and all around the globe to help bring families back together. People impacted by the recent hurricanes along the Gulf Coast were able to be reconnected with their loved ones because of the Red Cross.

3.      The nurses in white uniforms.

Since the first World War, the organization has taken military assistance very seriously. The methods of helping service members, however, have come a long way since the time of nurses wearing white uniforms. Volunteering at veterans’ hospitals, supporting veterans acclimate to civilian life, and providing emergency and financial support, are just a few of the ways the nonprofit works to help military families. Domestic and abroad, in times of peace and war, the Red Cross strives to help service men and women in any way possible.

The Red Cross is a network of people who are dedicated to the mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering. In my short time with the nonprofit, I have been so impressed by the volunteers who work to improve the lives of others. Like most things, the Red Cross cannot be accurately represented or defined in a 45 second television news story. It is an organization made up of many components and countless volunteers. I look forward to spending more time with the Red Cross, learning all that it has to offer. 

Internship Update: Home Fire Safety

Home Fire Safety 

As my time as an intern for the American Red Cross is coming to a close, I wanted to share one of my favorite experiences. Two weeks ago, I was sending out our yearly newsletters when Laura informed me that a camera crew would be there in an hour for an interview. She then asked me which part I wanted to say on camera and I froze. I had never been on camera before and the thought terrified me, but I was also very eager to try!

Together, we were informing Lubbock residents about the Home Fire Campaign and the importance of installing smoke alarms. The goal of this Campaign is to reduce home fire deaths and injuries by 25 percent. I gave some tips about home fire safety and wanted to share those here as well:

• Stay in the kitchen when cooking

• Keep anything that could catch fire more than 3 feet away from a heat source

• Never smoke in bed

• Plug appliances directly into wall outlets

• Keep matches and lighters safely stored away from children

• Create and practice an escape plan twice a year

• Change smoke alarm batteries every year

• Replace smoke alarms every ten years

A component of the Campaign is Sound the Alarm. Red Cross volunteers and partners help install free smoke alarms, replace batteries and help families create escape plans. In Lubbock alone, we have installed over 1,500 smoke alarms.

With home fires being the largest type of disaster that the American Red Cross responds to, I couldn’t think of a better message to share in our community. I’ve definitely learned new things from this Campaign and hope to share that knowledge. “Together, we can Sound the Alarm about fire safety and help save lives.”

HURRICANE MARIA

Situation Update

Three weeks after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the American Red Cross is working alongside government officials and disaster partners to help the hundreds of thousands of people on both island territories who are suffering right now. Most people on the islands are living with no power and high temperatures, and no cell service, and many are without drinking water. Thousands of homes have been affected.

Across both Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands more than 680 Red Cross workers are supporting relief efforts by:

·         Serving more than 1 million meals and snacks

·         Distributing more than 788,000 relief items

·         Providing more than 14,300 mental health and health services to people in need

Red Cross Response - Puerto Rico

On Puerto Rico after Irma and Maria, hundreds of Red Cross workers are helping to reconnect families and distribute critical relief supplies, including food and water. This includes:

·         Serving more than 540,000 meals and snacks

·         Distributing more than 534,000 relief supplies

·         Providing more than 10,400 mental health and health services to people in need

Red Cross Response - U.S. Virgin Islands

On the U.S. Virgin Islands after Irma and Maria, the Red Cross is supporting shelters, serving meals and snacks, and distributing relief supplies. This includes:

·         Serving more than 128,200 meals and snacks

·         Distributing more than 253,700 relief items

·         Providing more than 3,900 mental health and health services to people in need 

My Red Cross Intern Experience

My name is Kaitlyn and I am graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in public relations in December. Over the past two years, I have learned many skills and techniques from some of the best and most qualified professors. With the end of my undergraduate career nearing, I wanted an opportunity to apply what I’ve learned to the real world.

In school, one of the first questions they ask you is “what field of public relations do you want to work in?” and I always said nonprofit. I started volunteering when I was 5 and never really stopped so for me, a nonprofit made perfect sense. Getting to work while also serving others and the community is an absolute ideal job for me.

In one of my senior level courses, we were assigned to write a mock press release for different chapters of the American Red Cross. I had been previously CPR and First Aid certified by the American Red Cross so I knew some things about them, but this assignment really opened my eyes. I ended up reading a handful of testimonies and was blown away by how big of an impact this organization had on so many communities.

Months after that assignment, I was walking down the hallway and noticed a flyer to become an intern for the American Red Cross. I grabbed it, called my mom to tell her about it and then applied for the position within two hours of learning about it. I was so nervous but so excited because something about it just felt like it was meant to be. I ended up talking on the phone to a few different directors and immediately knew that these were people I wanted to work with and for.

Fast forward a few weeks and I have now been the South Plains American Red Cross intern for a month! My first day on the job was the same day Hurricane Harvey made landfall so you can imagine how big of a whirlwind it’s been. I definitely wasn’t expecting this to be part of my experience, but I have already learned so much and been able to apply every single thing I’ve learned in school.

With Hurricane Irma and Maria following Harvey, the American Red Cross has been incredibly busy. It’s been amazing to see the responses from my directors, my community and all of the volunteers who are so willing to serve our neighbors in need. The people I work with on a daily basis and the people who come in to donate and volunteer remind me exactly why my answer was always “nonprofit.”

I am so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to learning much more at the American Red Cross this year! 

HURRICANE HARVEY FAST FACTS

HURRICANE HARVEY FAST FACTS

September 12, 2017

The American Red Cross continues to work around the clock to provide shelter, food, comfort and other emergency support to victims of Hurricane Harvey.

• Overnight, more than 5,000 people sought refuge in 30 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas. To date, there have been more than 364,000 overnight shelter stays for Hurricane Harvey.
• Along with our partners, we have served almost 1.7 million meals and snacks in Texas. 
• More than 3,200 Red Cross disaster workers are on the ground in Texas, with more than 475 on the way.
• Almost 190 emergency response vehicles have been activated to help deliver meals and relief supplies.
• Mental health and health services professionals have provided more than 57,000 contacts to provide support and care to those affected.
• We’ve distributed more than 383,000 relief items like diapers, bug spray, cleaning supplies, coolers, and comfort kits that contain deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items in Texas.
• More than 64 million hurricane and flood alerts have been issued through Red Cross mobile apps for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The apps provide shelter locations and real-time information so people can help protect themselves and their loved-ones.       

HURRICANE IRMA FAST FACTS

HURRICANE IRMA FAST FACTS

September 12, 2017

The American Red Cross has a massive relief effort underway to provide safe shelter to people in the path of Irma’s fury. The Red Cross is part of a large team of agencies and organizations responding to provide help to those in need.

• Overnight, an estimated 108,000 people were provided refuge from Hurricane Irma in as many as 530 government and Red Cross evacuation centers across 6 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes:
• In Florida, an estimated 100,300 people in 427 evacuation centers.
• In Georgia, more than 5,500 people in over 40 evacuation centers.
• In Alabama, about 500 people in 20 evacuation centers.
• In South Carolina, about 1,000 people in 23 evacuation centers.
• On the U.S. Virgin Islands, almost 300 people in 5 evacuation centers. 
• In Puerto Rico, 170 people in 7 evacuation centers.
• In Tennessee, 134 people in 5 evacuation centers.
• In North Carolina, 72 people in 5 evacuation centers.
• To date, evacuation centers have provided more than 485,000 overnight stays to people needing a safe place to go.
• More than 2,600 Red Cross workers are responding to Irma now, with 500 more volunteers on the way.
• More than 100 emergency response vehicles have been activated to help.
• More than 64 million hurricane and flood alerts have been issued through Red Cross mobile apps for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The apps provide shelter locations and real-time information so people can help protect themselves and their loved-ones.       

A century of caring

Local Red Cross Unit Turns 100 & says thank you to the South Plains Community

Lubbock, August 8, 2017— The American Red Cross was built on the shoulders of our community members willing to face disaster and care for the needs of others. The Texas South Plains chapter reaches an important milestone this month.

The Red Cross South Plains County chapter will honor its 100th anniversary from 10a.m. – 6p.m. Saturday Aug 26^th 2017 with a Food truck Birthday Bash at Legacy Play Village, Spur 327 & Marsha Sharp Fwy, Lubbock Tx 79407. The bash is FREE to enter, family friendly and will include vendors, food trucks and entertainment.

“The Red Cross is a community organization and we wanted to celebrate our centennial with the community,” said Red Cross volunteer and Centennial Committee Chair Tracy Murcheski.

“For 100 years, our community has responded to home fires, provided emergency communication to our service members and supported programs that promote the health and well-being of the local community,” chapter director Laura Hann said.

The Red Cross invites you and your family to come celebrate.

As they move into the next 100 years they are looking for financial donations to support their daily work in the South plains.  A hundred years may have passed since the South Plains chapter was founded, but its work is far from over. The Red Cross will be accepting donations at the Birthday Bash and at their office during regular business hours.

“We plan to be here for the next 100 years,” Hann said.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management Reminds Citizens that September is National Preparedness Month

The Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in cooperation with Ready Campaign and PrepareAthon, is excited to announce September has again been declared as National Preparedness Month.

This September, National Preparedness Month (NPM) will focus on planning, with an overarching theme “Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”

We can all take action to prepare! We are all able to help first responders in our community by training how to respond during an emergency and what to do when disaster strikes — where we live, work, and visit. The goal of NPM is to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home, work, businesses, school, and places of worship.

2017 Weekly Themes

• Week 1:  September 1-9                        Make a Plan for Yourself, Family and Friends
• Week 2:  September 10-16                    Plan to Help Your Neighbor and Community
• Week 3:  September 17-23                    Practice and Build Out Your Plans
• Week 4:  September 24-30                    Get Involved! Be a Part of Something Larger

More Information can be found at https://www.ready.gov/ or the Lubbock County Office of Emergency Management at (806) 775-7300.

Job Opening at the Red Cross in Lubbock

Good Morning All,

Due to administrative issues we are reposting the Volunteer Specialist position based in Amarillo, TX.  If you are a current Red Cross employee and have an interest please apply through Workday.  Also, feel free to share this opening with anyone  that may have an interest.  Here are the elements of the position:

This position will be posted for a minimum of 5 days, and depending on candidate flow could be taken down after 5 days, but may be posted longer if needed. Please apply if interested.

Current Internal American Red Cross Employees will need to apply through Workday as an internal employee (please do not guide them to the external link below).

Direct Apply Link: https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/American_Red_Cross_Careers/job/Amarillo-TX/Sr-Volunteer-Services-Specialist--Amarillo--TX-_RC10479

At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross’ mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life.

Our disaster volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to respond to emergencies and provide relief to victims of disasters. They serve in a number of capacities, including Disaster Action Team Member, Disaster Assessment, Caseworker, Mass Care Feeding, Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Driver, Shelter Manager/Staff, Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health.

We are currently seeking a Sr. Volunteer Services Specialist (Amarillo, TX) to work in our Amarillo, TX office. This position will work 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and some weekends and evenings will be required during times of business need. Travel will also be involved up to 25% of the time.

The Sr. Volunteer Services Specialist is responsible for identifying and developing volunteer initiatives to increase Red Cross visibility in the community. Assist in implementing and executing programs, projects and initiatives to increase and strengthen the engagement of volunteers in assigned geographic territory. Work closely with Volunteer Center of Expertise leaders in the execution and implementation of specific programs and service delivery with the Region’s jurisdiction. Advances assigned program and services to meet regional/chapter goals and objectives. Represents Red Cross on key volunteer engagements and serve as liaison between Volunteer Center of Expertise and key volunteer leaders

Some Responsibilities:

·         Staff & Volunteer Management:  Lead and Support all staff (paid and volunteer) in volunteer recruitment efforts.  Manage teams of volunteers to support youth programs and support Volunteer Center of Expertise intake process. 

·         Event Planning & Support:  Lead & support non-exempt Volunteer Services staff with volunteer recognition events.  Support Disaster Cycle Services with Event Based Volunteer planning and execution

·         Relationship Management & Community Outreach:  Lead & support non-exempt Volunteer Services staff with outreach and recruitment of volunteers.  Support Volunteer Services Officer in volunteer HR issues.

·         Program Management:  Lead & support Volunteer Services program with metric analysis (be a Volunteer Connection “Super User”). 

• Volunteer Recruitment, Staff and Volunteer support/management, Volunteer Services Program Management

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background

Experience: Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience implementing and advancing social service programs. Ability to interpret program trends, results, related data, and budget information to formulate recommendations. Demonstrated experience with managing multiple priorities.

Management Experience: Prefer minimum 6 months’ supervisory experience

Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Develops project plans & participates in budget preparation. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of community programs or services. Maintains confidentiality; works with integrity and ethically. Demonstrated ability in creating presentations and developing training modules.

Other:  Intermediate proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Thanks,

Celisa M. Alston

Regional Volunteer Services Officer 

American Red Cross North Texas Region

Old (Original announcement)

https://americanredcross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/American_Red_Cross_Careers/job/Amarillo-TX/Senior-Volunteer-Services-Specialist--Fort-Worth--TX-_RC9974

Its listed in Amarillo but it can be based in Lubbock as the role covers both Amarillo and Lubbock areas.

Job Description:

At the Red Cross, there is no such thing as a small disaster. In every single case it is the Red Cross’ mission to help people affected by disaster meet their emergency needs that include shelter, food, clothing, and health and mental health services. As a paid staff member, you will support our loyal Red Cross disaster volunteers who serve selflessly to provide a bridge of assistance until individuals and families can resume a normal life.

Our disaster volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to respond to emergencies and provide relief to victims of disasters. They serve in a number of capacities, including Disaster Action Team Member, Disaster Assessment, Caseworker, Mass Care Feeding, Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) Driver, Shelter Manager/Staff, Disaster Health Services and Disaster Mental Health.

We are currently seeking a Senior Volunteer Services Specialist (Amarillo/Lubbock) to work in our Lubbock/Amarillo, TX office. This position will work 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, and some weekends and evenings will be required during times of business need. Travel will also be involved up to 25% of the time.

The Volunteer Services Specialist is responsible for identifying and developing volunteer initiatives to increase Red Cross visibility in the community. Assist in implementing and executing programs, projects and initiatives to increase and strengthen the engagement of volunteers in assigned geographic territory. Work closely with Volunteer Center of Expertise leaders in the execution and implementation of specific programs and service delivery with the Region’s jurisdiction. Advances assigned program and services to meet regional/chapter goals and objectives. Represents Red Cross on key volunteer engagements and serve as liaison between Volunteer Center of Expertise and key volunteer leaders

Responsibilities:

·         Staff & Volunteer Management:  Lead and Support all staff (paid and volunteer) in volunteer recruitment efforts.  Manage teams of volunteers to support youth programs and support Volunteer Center of Expertise intake process. 

·         Event Planning & Support:  Lead & support non-exempt Volunteer Services staff with volunteer recognition events.  Support Disaster Cycle Services with Event Based Volunteer planning and execution

·         Relationship Management & Community Outreach:  Lead & support non-exempt Volunteer Services staff with outreach and recruitment of volunteers.  Support Volunteer Services Officer in volunteer HR issues.

·         Program Management:  Lead & support Volunteer Services program with metric analysis (be a Volunteer Connection “Super User”). 

·         Volunteer Recruitment, Staff and Volunteer support/management, Volunteer Services Program Management

·          

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background

Experience: Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience implementing and advancing social service programs. Ability to interpret program trends, results, related data, and budget information to formulate recommendations. Demonstrated experience with managing multiple priorities.

Management Experience: Prefer minimum 6 months supervisory experience

Skills and Abilities: Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Develops project plans & participates in budget preparation. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of community programs or services. Maintains confidentiality; works with integrity and ethically. Demonstrated ability in creating presentations and developing training modules.

Other:  Intermediate proficiency with MS Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Apply now!  Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

 

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

​

The American Red Cross is a diverse nonprofit organization offering its employee’s professional development and growth opportunities, a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative team spirit environment. To be considered for this position, please visit www.redcross.org/jobs to apply.

Red Cross Receives Grant to Fund Disaster Services

The American Red Cross serving the Texas South Plains has received a $2,500 grant from the Community foundation of West Texas to fun local disaster response work.

The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization serving the 15 counties on the Texas South Plains with immediate emergency disaster assistance. Formed in 1917 the American Red Cross has worked to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

“With close to 100 families each year who suffer from a home fire, this grant will help us be there when our community members need us the most” Said Laura Hann, Executive Director

Established in 1981, the community foundation of West Texas is a regional philanthropic entity created by and for the people of the Texas South Plains region. The community Foundation exists to improve quality of life in the region by helping area donors to give in ways that make an enduring impact on their community. In 2015, the community Foundation and its affiliates awarded more than $1.7 million in grants and scholarships, funding projects of hundreds of nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. Visit http://communityfoundationofwesttexas.org/ to learn more.

The American Red Cross is accepting donation to help fund disaster assistance in the South Plains. For more information on the Red Cross please visit our web site at www.RedCross.Org/Lubbock   or call 806-765-8534

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BEING A RED CROSS INTERN

MAY 5, 2017 JADALLEN 

I’ve been lucky enough to work for a great nonprofit organization like the American Red Cross. I started working here in January and unfortunately I’m ending my time here in May because I’m graduating from Texas Tech.

What I love the most about the Red Cross is the fact that they’re not government funded. All of their donations and financial gifts come from their donors and volunteers which is fantastic.

Being a public affairs intern here is great for me because I started at Tech as a public relations major. I write press releases, update their social media accounts, make flyers, invitations, write blog posts and I interview prospective clients for the Red Cross Lubbock. I’ve also went around Lubbock and the Texas Tech campus to post flyers around about the Giving Day event and their Champions Breakfast event.

My favorite thing about being an intern here at the Red Cross is probably getting to be interviewed by local TV stations here in Lubbock like KLBK and Fox 34. I was thrilled to be able to write a press release for the Champions Breakfast and seeing that it got published on KLBK’s website was super exciting.

My time here at the Red Cross has been worth it and I’ve learned so much through this journey. I want to thank the Executive Director, Laura Hann for giving me this opportunity because she has taught me a lot about what the Red Cross is and what they stand for and she’s taught me how to be a great public affairs intern.

If you’re a college student and you’re looking for a place to intern or volunteer at, the Red Cross is a great place to work for and you won’t be disappointed.

Severe Storms: Delivering Relief to Families

I want to update you on our response to last weekend’s severe storms—which devastated hundreds of homes across the Southern Plains and Mississippi Valley. We want to make sure everyone stays safe. If you have loved ones or friends in affected areas, please share our free Emergency App with safety tips, shelter locations and severe weather alerts. Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Across several states, Red Cross volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to deliver food, shelter and comfort. In Texas, tornadoes flattened neighborhoods, and more than 100 people were rescued from rising waters in Missouri. Powerful winds and floods also ravaged homes in Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma.

The needs are dire—and we’re ramping up a big response to help. Since Saturday, we’ve provided more than 700 overnight stays for people seeking refuge in 43 Red Cross and community shelters. We’re also delivering nourishing meals, snacks and comfort kits with necessities like toothbrushes for people who lost so much. In addition, trained workers are offering health services, such as replacing lost prescription medications, and emotional support to help families coping with the trauma of the storms.

As areas become safe to enter, we’ll continue assessing damage to hard-hit neighborhoods like the one below in Texas. We’re also working closely with local partners to address people’s urgent needs and to closely monitor this week’s severe weather threats—which could worsen conditions.

We need your support to continue helping people devastated by disasters like severe storms—and countless other crises that occur every day. Families who live through these traumatic events rely on compassionate individuals like you for relief and hope.

If you want to help today, please contact me at 806-765-8534

Thank you,

Laura Hann

Executive Director

American Red Cross

Serving the Texas South Plains