"That is my goal, to bring people and resources together, help those who need it most and encourage others to get involved in serving our community."
By Amalia Rodas
This Hispanic Heritage Month, the American Red Cross celebrates humanitarians like Lisa Torres, whose commitment to service reflects this year's theme, Comunidad en Acción: Stronger Together. Whether connecting families with resources through the Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association (OSCIA), distributing food through the Torres Family Foundation, or responding to local disasters as a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer, Lisa has dedicated her life to bringing people together and helping her community thrive.
If you visit the Southside Oroville Community Center, chances are you'll be greeted by Lisa.
For the past 13 years, she has served in several roles with OSCIA, working her way from janitorial and maintenance positions to her current role as facility administrator. Today, she manages daily operations, oversees facility needs and coordinates support for programs including 3HP Housing and the Haven of Hope on Wheels mobile shower and laundry units. Through her work, she has become a trusted and familiar presence for countless community members seeking support and resources.
Lisa's passion for helping others is rooted in her own experiences. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was raised by her Puerto Rican grandparents alongside her brother before the family moved to Miami when she was about 6 years old. Growing up, she played softball and took flamenco dance lessons, opportunities her grandparents encouraged as part of a traditional yet loving upbringing.
"They were in their 60s when they were raising my brother and me, and they were also very traditional," Lisa recalled.
Spanish was the language of home and family.
"Spanish was my first language because that is what we spoke at home. I learned English in the second grade, and honestly, it was difficult. I believe it was sometime in the third grade before I was finally able to speak full sentences in English."
Like many children raised in Spanish-speaking households, Lisa often served as a translator for her grandparents, helping with phone calls, mail and everyday conversations. The experience gave her an early understanding of how language barriers can create challenges for people seeking information, services, and support.
"I saw firsthand the frustration and challenges that can come from a gap in communication," she said.
As a teenager, Lisa faced significant hardships after losing her grandparents. She became a mother at a young age, left school, and navigated difficult circumstances that tested her strength and determination. Rather than allowing those challenges to define her, she found healing through service and a commitment to serving her community.
"I can't go back and change the past, but I can change what I am doing now."
That mindset continues to guide her work today.
Lisa's connection to the Red Cross began through OSCIA's partnership with the organization’s Community Adaptation Program. When Red Cross staff approached community partners about joining local Disaster Action Team responses, she immediately recognized an opportunity to expand the support available to her neighbors.
"I truly enjoy working with the Red Cross staff because they have such a genuine heart for helping others. I love that, together, we are able to provide support to people in our community when they need it most."
Lisa Torres and her colleagues at OSCIA, Pastor Kevin, Earl and Placido “C.O.” Hernandez, proudly serve as Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers. Their Red Cross vests hang nearby, ready for the next call to help a neighbor in need.
“One of the things I value most about being part of DAT is being a familiar face for people during difficult moments. I believe that simply seeing someone they know and feel comfortable talking to can help calm a situation. Knowing they have someone they trust can make a real difference,” she said.
Her ability to build trust often helps bridge the gap between people in need and available resources. Beyond providing Red Cross assistance, Lisa often connects families with local services and support networks through OSCIA and other community organizations following disasters.
As a Hispanic woman, Lisa says her background shapes how she approaches service.
"My Hispanic heritage has given me a deep appreciation for hard work, empathy, humility, strong family bonds and the importance of learning from other cultures."
She is proud to represent the Hispanic community and hopes to see greater participation and engagement throughout the region.
"I believe one important way to accomplish that is through communication — being able to communicate with one another, understand each other and connect people with the resources they need."
That commitment extends beyond her professional and volunteer roles. Alongside her husband, the founder of the Torres Family Foundation, and their children, Lisa helps provide food and support to families throughout the year. During holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the family comes together to provide meals and support local children and families in need.
"We give back because we know how fortunate we are to have one another, and we want to share those blessings with others."
For Lisa, those efforts embody what it means to be Stronger Together.
"To me, 'Stronger Together' represents the importance of collaboration. We can accomplish so much more when we work together rather than duplicating or overlapping services. By sharing resources, communicating and supporting one another, we can reach as many people as possible.
"That is my goal, to bring people and resources together, help those who need it most and encourage others to get involved in serving our community."
Lisa also serves on her local school board and advocates for programs that improve quality of life and expand access to resources.
When she is not volunteering or supporting community initiatives, she enjoys camping, traveling, solving Sudoku puzzles, playing matching games and, most of all, cooking and spending time with her family.
When Lisa thinks about her legacy, she hopes the spirit of service continues long after she is gone. “We continue to go where the work is needed to continue serving others and making a difference in any community.”
Lisa’s story is a testament to the power of service to heal, unite, and inspire. Through every meal served, every family supported, and every disaster response answered, she continues building bridges between people and resources while carrying forward the values her grandparents instilled in her. In doing so, she exemplifies the spirit of Comunidad en Acción: Stronger Together.
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