By Harriet Vanderbilt, Oregon Trail Chapter Volunteer

For clients, Kate is “here to do active listening.” This Red Cross volunteer’s engaging personality and straight forward honesty reflect the care and concern she has for others. 

 

AmeriCorps alumni Kate began work as a volunteer in September, 2008. “AmeriCorps emailed me and said they wanted help with Hurricane Ike. After one week of training at the Red Cross, I was deployed to Texas.” 

 

Kate worked on the registration team at the mega-shelter. The clients “came in buses, stood in long lines and filled out many forms. Each client had to be processed before they were able to receive shelter goods and FEMA assistance.”

 

Upon her return to Portland, Kate worked on the initial Together We Prepare Our Neighborhood. outreach. Because she has a master’s degree in social work, Kate was “interested in case work." In May, 2009, she found her place.

 

As a caseworker, Kate began reviewing and adding to "901 folders," which contain on scene information from a fire call. The caseworker enters the information into the Client Assistance System, a national tool that contains the client’s case and incident numbers. With these numbers in place, the Red Cross is able to offer clients assistance including  first month’s rent or motel payment relief.

 

After a disaster, clients receive Client Assistance Cards (CAC) from the Red Cross “to use for food and clothing. They should use the cards within 15 days.” If needed, Kate also helped clients find new homes within a month.

 

Last summer's fire at the Rosalyn Apartments was a challenge. Kate was the first Red Cross volunteer to arrive at the scene and was still in training. In spite of some uneasiness, Kate quickly sprung into action to help the seniors get situated in a temporary locale. “The Red Cross is like family to me. They trust me to do a real job. I’m doing something that matters and I am very appreciative.”

While Kate recently returned to her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, we thank her for her service to Oregonians and the Oregon Trail Chapter. Kate plans to remain active with the Red Cross chapter in Cleveland.