A message from Deborah C. Jackson, CEO ARCMB

Dear Valued Volunteers,

I would like to personally thank all of the dedicated volunteers of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay. It is truly an honor to be part of an organization that is primarily staffed by those who give so unselfishly of their time. Without your continued efforts the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay would not be able to serve our communities as effectively as we do. Whether it be in the food pantry, on the scene of a disaster, or in the office, your contributions to the organization are invaluable. I hope you all will take advantage of our new Volunteer Blog as an opportunity to recognize your fellow volunteers and to receive recognition for all that you do. As always, thank you for your continued commitment to your American Red Cross!

Sincerely,

Deborah C. Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay

Helping the Helpless

Helping those in need is such a fulfilling privilege. It is a feeling that cannot be described by those who have experienced it. To reach out to help others is so satisfying. I like to think of the feelings I would have if someone were there to help in my hour of need. That is what inspires me to continue on.

Debo Ladd
South Zone

Thank You to a New Volunteer!

Laura Dalton is a graduate student in the Masters in mental health program at Bridgewater State College. She is a Mass Bay Red Cross volunteer in the Disaster Mental Health division as an intern in training. She is also a volunteer on the South Zone DAT and on the Sunday day North Zone DAT. The picture is of Laura teaching Psychological First Aid at LoganInternational Airport to the TSA (Transportation SecurityAdministration) employees. In her short time as a Red Cross volunteer she has jumped in to the role of a volunteer enthusiastically.

Thank you.

Louise Graham, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Bridgewater State College

Department of Counselor Education

November is National Youth Involvement Month

It is important that youth get involved and continue to work together. You can participate in the challenges posted on the Red Cross website or educate your peers on how to make a difference, even a small one, in the lives of those who rely on Red Cross services. The American Red Cross depends on our youth volunteers to uphold Red Cross values and continue to help others.

In order to make a difference and real impact, it requires heart, teamwork and collaboration. This is what has guided the work of Red Cross youth volunteers since inception. Youth volunteers work alongside adult volunteers to help create a better environment for others. You can make a difference in your community and/or a community surrounding you by being active and encouraging other youth to follow your example. Please show others how passionate Red Cross youth can be and get involved!

Sincerely,

Liz McDermott and Allie Young
Youth Advisory Board Chairs
The American Red Cross of Mass Bay

Introducing the Volunteer Recognition Committee

The Volunteer Recognition Committee (Kelly Bachand, Seth Batstone, Michael Bookman, Doreen Breland, Allie Dryden, Deb Duxbury, Janine Eaton, Marisa Gjurgevich, Marggy Githinji, Zhi Wei Mai and Kay Paciorek) would like to welcome you to the Volunteer Blog! We know how important the volunteers are to the continued success of the American Red Cross, and we want to make sure that your contributions are recognized. If you have suggestions or ideas on how we can recognize our volunteers, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in joining our committee, please contact massbayvol@usa.redcross.org.

Thank you!

On a daily basis I am reminded how honored I am to work with such amazing people, ARCMB volunteers. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you does not express the depth of appreciation I have for each and every one of our volunteers. It is you who make this organization a truly wonderful place to work. Please know that I am always here for you, to make sure you are completely satisfied with your volunteer experience. Have a wonderful day!
Allie Dryden
Program Manager
Human Resources & Volunteer Management

Thank you to the South Zone Disaster Action Teams

Team Leaders and Response Supervisors of the South Zone Disaster Action Teams have proven time and again the reason why we are here. The people they help on a daily basis are grateful for their commitment. Thank you all for being there and going through the trainings and getting out of bed in the middle of the night; all to help others in your community. You are the unsung heros.

Volunteers Deployed to Georgia Floods

ARCMB Volunteers Melissa Sieminski, Richard Bedgio, and Robin Young, and ARCMB staff member Megan Dickman have recently returned from deployments to assist in the relief efforts for flooding in Georgia. Melissa and Richard were both deployed as Bulk Distribution Supervisors (MC/BD/SV) and played instrumental roles in providing Mass Care assistance to clients. Robin was deployed as a Casework Supervisor (CLS/CC/SV), working on the front lines with other Red Cross volunteers and the clients affected by the wide-spread flooding. Megan was deployed as a Government Liaison (PS/LG/SV) Supervisor, working with liaisons from other non-profit and federal agencies to facilitate and provide relief to those affected by the disaster.

Presentation from Luis Matnog on Senegal Deployment

Special Presentation: Luis Matnog – Senegal Deployment
Many have asked and Luis has graciously agreed to give a presentation on his recent experience as part of the American/Danish Red Cross’ joint international disaster response mission to Senegal, Africa to assist with the flooding relief operations.

Soft drinks and water will be provided but please bring your own lunch. We hope you will join us.

Who: Luis Matnog
Relief Emergency Response Unit Delegate
Beneficiary Selection, Targeting & Distribution
What: Presentation on the flooding relief operations in Senegal
When: Thursday, November 5th 12:00 PM
Where: American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay
5th Floor Boardroom
139 Main Street Cambridge, MA 02142
RSVP: Please reply to HambridgeN@usa.recross.org if you are interested in attending.

Thank You Service to Armed Forces Volunteers

Thank you to all the Service to Armed Forces volunteers who continue to do monthly briefing & support our military and veteran families. Monday November 2 our committee held their 18th Veterans Military Breakfast at Wyman Hotel in Andover.

Thanks again for all your hard work.

Deb Duxbury
Associate Director Emergency Services
Member of Volunteer Recognition Committee

Volunteers are our most valuable resource!

Without ALL OF YOU and your endless hours of volunteer work for the ARC, we could not reach out to help so many people in their time(s) of need. I am so very proud to be your friend and fellow volunteer!
Janine Eaton
Disaster Services Volunteer
Member of Volunteer Recognition Committee