Red Cross Month recognizes the people who help carry forward the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross. Across the country, volunteers, donors and instructors answer the call to support their neighbors in times of need. But that spirit of service often begins earlier than many people realize — sometimes with a young person learning how to care for others for the very first time.

At just 11 years old, Elena Hernandez is already learning what it means to care for others. Last summer, Elena took the Red Cross Babysitter’s Training course where she learned essential skills like changing diapers, supervising younger children and responding calmly in complicated or dangerous situations. Since completing the course, Elena has begun helping families in her community as a mother’s helper and the experience has given her – and her mom -- a new sense of confidence.

“The class helped me feel more confident stepping in when someone needs help and knowing what to do if a child gets upset or needs something,” Elena said. “I feel proud that I can be trusted to help take care of younger kids and that I’m learning how to be responsible and helpful.”

For Elena, taking the babysitting course was also inspired by someone close to home — her mom.

Elena’s mom, Jill Hernandez, serves as Executive Director for the Red Cross in Nashville, Tennessee and has spent more than a decade working for the Red Cross. Watching her daughter take a course that reflects so much of her own career has been deeply meaningful.

“Watching Elena take this Red Cross class mirrors my own journey with the organization,” Jill said. “These classes don’t just teach life-saving skills — they help young people build confidence, empathy and responsibility.”

The course is designed to prepare young people for real-world situations, covering topics like child safety, first aid, basic caregiving skills and leadership. For Jill, seeing her daughter put those skills into practice has been especially rewarding.

“What has made me the proudest is seeing her step forward with real independence and confidence and apply what she learned out in the community,” she said.

Elena hopes to continue building on those experiences, and even plans to begin babysitting on her own this summer and eventually start her own babysitting business. 

“Babysitting makes me feel proud because I get to help families, earn my own money and do something important,” she said. “And when I grow up, the things I’m learning now could help me make a difference in the world.”

Stories like Elena’s highlight how the Red Cross mission is passed from one generation to the next. The skills learned in a classroom today can shape the confidence, leadership and compassion that communities depend on tomorrow. Sign up for a Red Cross babysitting course today here.

Learn More about Red Cross Month

The tradition of Red Cross Month began during World War II as a national call to action to support growing humanitarian needs. Today, more than 145 years after the founding of the American Red Cross, the mission continues because people of all ages step forward to help others.

Every contribution matters — whether it’s volunteering, giving blood, supporting disaster relief or learning lifesaving skills. Red Cross Month is a reminder that when people are prepared to help, communities are stronger.

Visit redcross.org to learn how you can get involved.