During Hispanic Heritage Month, Rosalie Gonzalez’s story shows how bilingual volunteers ensure families can access the help and resources they need after disaster strikes.
After her children moved away, Rosalie Gonzalez of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, found herself with extra time and a desire to give back.
“During that time, I was searching for purpose,” said Rosalie. “The Red Cross has been a symbol in my life since I was six years old. I still remember being 15 during 9/11, living just one borough over and seeing the Red Cross there helping.”
Although Rosalie didn’t know much about the Red Cross at first, her passion for helping others led her to become a Disaster Duty Officer — a volunteer role she can perform from home. In this position, she gathers essential information about a disaster and dispatches Disaster Action Team responders to help those affected. Gonzalez also volunteers at Red Cross Sound the Alarm events, installing free smoke alarms in homes and teaching families about fire safety.
It was at a Sound the Alarm event that Rosalie discovered a way to make an even greater impact. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she now serves as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking families, helping bridge language barriers so everyone can access critical Red Cross services.
Rosalie’s first Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation event holds a special place in her heart. The first home she visited was a Spanish-speaking family. Not only was she moved by helping to make their home safer, but the experience also highlighted the need for more bilingual volunteers. She fondly remembers helping an elderly Spanish-speaking woman get smoke alarms installed.
“She told all of her neighbors, and they called in to get smoke alarms for themselves,” said Rosalie. “And they all asked for me to come do them.”
Beyond her work with the Red Cross, Rosalie loves inspiring her family to give back, too. After Hurricane Helene struck Asheville, North Carolina in 2024, her mother and sons volunteered to help with recovery efforts. She hopes to get her children more involved with the Red Cross in the future, instilling in them the same passion for service that drives her.
“Take a volunteer position because it leads to more opportunities,” said Rosalie. “I love meeting all kinds of people from all over, and I want to be that person everyone goes to because I know how to help,”
The Red Cross offers many ways to serve to fit various schedules, abilities and interests. More bilingual individuals are especially needed to help deliver our mission. To explore our volunteer roles, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
