By Maureen Streeter

The Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) Team would like to congratulate a few of its volunteers for their ongoing dedication and accomplishments. These individuals exemplify one or more of the Red Cross’s 5 C’s: Compassionate, Collaborative, Creative, Credible and Committed. Each month, DCS will recognize volunteers who are members of one of their specialized teams.

For the month of March, DCS recognized volunteers who are members of the Individual Disaster Care teams, including Disaster Health Services, Disaster Mental Health and Disaster Spiritual Care.  Hats off to the following volunteers:

Eleanor Bulova, Disaster Mental Health – Committed, Credible

Eleonor “Ellie” Bulova has been a volunteer for the American Red Cross since 2003. She has been a staple at the Red Cross House (RCH), providing Disaster Mental Health services to the families who have stayed there over the years. Ellie’s presence at the RCH each Wednesday is a testament to her commitment. Once she meets with clients and identifies their needs, she advocates on their behalf. Ellie also supports the staff and volunteers who work at the RCH when emotional support is needed. Her services are greatly appreciated and a valuable resource to all.

Kathleen Byrnes, Disaster Health Services – Committed, Creative, Compassionate

Kathleen “Kate” Byrnes is a steady and reliable Disaster Health Services (DHS) team member. She deploys outside of the region and within. Kate has been instrumental in local shelter operations and has provided valuable feedback related to the medical boxes. Kate worked alongside the DHS Lead to bring the medical boxes up-to-date and easier for any DHS team member to manage during future disaster operations. She willingly steps in to assist our DHS Lead and offers great recommendations to enhance the quality of service that DHS offers. Kate is a committed, supportive and a valuable member of the team.

Nina Carroll, Disaster Health Services – Compassionate, Committed

Nina is compassionate and caring and treats the clients she serves with respect. I had the opportunity to observe this during a local Disaster Recovery Operation (DRO) at a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC). She joined Disaster Health Services during the DRO and did a phenomenal job providing the clients with the support and health services they needed. She listened intently as clients shared how they were impacted by the storm and made them feel comfortable. Moreover, Nina consistently monitors the client care portal to ensure that there are no cases awaiting DHS services. She recently agreed to mentor trainees who are on-boarding, and I am confident that she will serve as an excellent role model. 

Simonia Harrison, Disaster Spiritual Care – Compassionate, Committed

Simonia is a Disaster Spiritual Care (DSC) member who quietly works behind the scenes, assigning cases and providing Spiritual Care services to our clients. She works closely with the DSC Lead and is always willing to assist wherever she is asked or needed. She’s been a reliable member of the team for many years and steps in to lead the team whenever asked or needed. Simonia is a valuable and respected member of the team.

Randy Miller, Disaster Mental Health – Creative, Collaborative, Committed

Randy is a very active volunteer. Her skill set is vast, which affords her the ability to volunteer in many capacities. We are grateful to have her on the Individual Disaster Care Team (IDC) as well as on the Integrated Condolence Care Team (ICCT). One way in which Randy recently displayed her compassion towards our clients is when she brought books to the Red Cross House (RCH) Library after noticing the need for new reading material. She is dedicated to our clients and comes to RCH every Thursday to lead and facilitate a Support Group workshop, which she developed. She is supportive to the staff and volunteers and collaborates with other lines of service within DCS to achieve the best outcome for all.

Eileen Rall, Disaster Health Services – Committed

Eileen has made a huge impact as a newer member of the Disaster Health Services (DHS) Team. Eileen avails herself to assist clients with Health Services needs and works diligently to ensure that there are no clients awaiting Health Services. Her commitment to provide excellent service to the clients also speaks to her compassion. We are fortunate to have her on the team!

Charline Scott, Disaster Spiritual Care – Committed, Compassionate, Credible, Creative, Collaborative

Charline exudes all 5 C’s in an energetic way. She serves in many capacities and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Disaster Spiritual Care (DSC) Team. She stepped in as the Lead for DSC and has done a wonderful job of keeping the team engaged and informed. Charline brings calm to individuals at a time that can be very unnerving for them. She engages with her comforting, calm and caring way. She makes a point to interface with the clients staying at the Red Cross House (RCH) at least once a week and is often requested by the RCH staff when there is a need for her services. In addition to being the DSC Lead, Charline is a member on the Integrated Condolence Care Team (ICCT). We are fortunate to have Charline volunteering for the American Red Cross.