Jessica Wurst

Lora Barrett is a one-woman welcome wagon.  

For new Disaster Action Team volunteers in Yolo, Yuba and Sutter counties, she is one of the first people they meet.  

The Disaster Action Team, made of trained volunteers who respond to local emergencies 24/7/365, provides immediate relief, emotional support, and community resources to help local families begin their recovery following a home fire or other type of disaster. 

With patience, kindness and a knack for making people feel at home, Barrett helps new volunteers navigate their roles and understand what it means to serve their communities as part of the American Red Cross. As the workforce engagement coordinator, she plays the role of answering questions, offering guidance, flexibility and making sure volunteers feel supported so they can achieve their goals: helping their neighbors 

"I get to meet a lot of people in my area and get to know them through things that they're interested in,” she said. “That's a fun conversation to have with somebody whom you're just meeting with. That makes the role more interesting to me.” 

As a Red Cross volunteer for the past three years, Barrett compares the organization to a big family.

"The Disaster Action Team is part of what keeps me volunteering," she said.

For Barrett, responding to disasters like home fires is an opportunity to support people during some of their most challenging moments.

"You're showing up for people at a time when they need someone the most. That helps make you feel like family with your fellow volunteers."

Using her own analogy, Lora serves as the older sister of this family by helping others find their place, understand their responsibilities and enjoy the experience along the way.

Lora is also among the volunteers who answer the call, no matter when disasters strike.

“Particularly in Sacramento, I do a lot of the middle-of-the-night runs,” she said.