By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer

After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Poongkuzhali "Kuzhali" Dhanasekaran felt the pandemic created a vacuum in her life, leaving her to question who she was and what she was doing for society.

An author, who has published eight novels, Kuzhali, who uses the last part of her first name, decided to get involved in society-related goodwill activities. She researched a number of agencies and nonprofit groups that help people and their working styles and found that the American Red Cross was the best fit for her.

As a new volunteer with a technical background in computer science, Kuzhali at first focused on the technical side. In talking to a Red Cross volunteer recruiter, she was told that she needed to work in the casework department for at least six months before transferring to the technical department. So, she started volunteering as a caseworker in what she now describes as a perfect fit.

“I haven’t requested a transfer because I truly love my work as a caseworker,” said Kuzhali, who not only serves as a caseworker, but also a casework supervisor with the American Red Cross of San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono Counties.

She has excelled so much in her role that she was named the region’s September Volunteer of the Month.

In nominating Kuzhali, her cohorts wrote that she has gone above and beyond since beginning her training. In the casework role, she supports those impacted by disasters throughout the recovery process, from the initial contact through case closure, providing compassionate care, appropriate referrals, financial assistance, and supplemental funds to help individuals and families recover following a disaster.

Kuzhali’s computer science background led to her becoming an invaluable resource, her cohorts wrote. “She has helped create and improve the spreadsheets the team uses every day to track cases, caseworkers, follow-ups and case closures, making these tools easier and more efficient for the entire team.”

Kuzhali believes one reason she is a good fit for the Red Cross is her desire to help people.

“People affected by disasters often seek someone to listen as they share their emotions about their losses,” Kuzhali said. “As a caseworker, it is essential to have a compassionate ear, an empathetic heart and a keen mind to identify resources that can support their recovery. My personality makes me a strong fit for a caseworker role at the Red Cross.”

Another reason she was attracted to the Red Cross was the work style.

“As a working professional and mother of two, I can commit about two hours a day,” said Kuzhali. “In casework, once a case is assigned, I can study it and gather referral resources at my convenience. I can then communicate about those resources when it works best for the individual in need. This flexible work style is not only convenient but also gives me a sense of satisfaction and purpose.”

Her day as a caseworker and caseworker supervisor usually begins once a responding Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) completes an intake.

“After we are assigned a case, we work with the impacted individual to understand their immediate recovery needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter,” Kuzhali said.

In addition, caseworkers gather information about local organizations that assist individuals in need. Some organizations provide food support; others provide clothing and some offer housing vouchers.

Caseworkers refer those impacted by disasters to these organizations based on their specific needs, she said. They also connect those in need with internal resources such as Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Spiritual Health or Disaster Health Services.

“As caseworkers, we close a case only when we and the individual impacted by the disaster are confident they can move forward and recover from the disaster,” Kuzhali said. “It's a journey we undertake together during a challenging period in their lives.”

She added that the impact she can make in an individual or families life motivates her to do casework.

“Before we close a case, we talk with those we are assisting, many of whom express heartfelt gratitude. They often say, ‘Without the Red Cross, I don't know how our family would manage during this difficult time’.”

Her Red Cross moment came when she was working with an 85-year-old man, whose house burned down. Kuzhali said she tried many organizations to find housing for the man, finally finding him a place to stay in Riverside.

Afterward, he called thanking them, said Kuzhali, telling them, “The Red Cross was so generous, I got a home to stay in.”

Kuzhali said, “That was really an inspiring.”

For her, one of the best things about being a volunteer is “the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals committed to giving their time to the community. Additionally, the Red Cross recognizes and celebrates its volunteers, which meaningfully acknowledges our contributions and reinforces that we are making a positive impact.”

Her message to fellow Red Cross volunteers is simple. “Congratulations! You have joined the right organization to learn how to live a purposeful life.”

To potential volunteers, she would tell them, “Your valuable time, passion and skills can truly change lives! By joining the American Red Cross, you can make a meaningful impact in your community and help those in need. Welcome to our organization.”