Written by Omar Vega, Communications Volunteer

At the peak of the response to Hurricane Debby, 900 Red Cross workers -- mostly volunteers -- were helping thousands of people impacted by the storm across four states (Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas). Many of those spent several weeks in Florida; some arriving even before landfall.

While the immediate focus of a disaster response is addressing the urgent needs of those affected, the Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks after a disaster.

Here we introduce you to two compassionate recovery workers who gave their time and talents to help residents of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Karen Nielsen
American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming

Karen is a Disaster Mental Health volunteer who has been assisting others through the Red Cross since June of 2023. Karen was part of a team know as Integrated Disaster Care (IDC) which was stationed at the Sarasota County Disaster Recovery Center. She expains her team as, "We do some crisis intervention, and most importantly, we do referral resources so they can get to the people and the agencies that can help them the most.”  

Karen describes her overall experiences with the Red Cross as a fulfilling and a privilege to be able to assist others in need.  

In August of 2023, Karen recalls her first deployment to the wildfires of Hawaii being a life changing experience. She wanted to be a part of starting to heal the community. 

Fast forward to the situation in Florida, where she provides aid for those affected by flooding caused by Debby’s heavy rain. Karen reflects on her interactions throughout her deployment with local residents, “Very receptive, really wonderful, resilient people.”  

She further expresses her commitment to volunteering saying, “We're all connected with each other, and we all need to reach out to each other when something difficult happens.” 

Yvonne Lambertson
American Red Cross of Nebraska and Southwest Iowa

Yvonne has enjoyed four years with the Red Cross as of August 2024. She has plenty of experience being out in the field interacting with those that have been affected, marking her 26th deployment helping those affected by Debby. 

She recalls a previous history of loss, having experienced a house fire where the Red Cross was present to provide aid. Yvonne points to this moment as being a factor in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, “The first people that I saw when I came out was the Red Cross and the fire department … I said to myself that one of these days I would give back, and here I am.” 

During her deployment to Florida, Yvonne points to one of the many ways the Red Cross can provide aid. “We're reaching out to them and giving them a bit of recovery assistance, which is a gift from the American people,” she said. “It's incredible to see the gratification and the shock of getting anything.”

After meeting a Saraota resident named Tamara Tonti whose home was severely damaged and being able to provide assistance, she said, “The relief on her face ... nobody will understand that feeling. It's amazing.” 

Yvonne adds about the need for additional volunteers due to rapidly intensifying storms, extreme heat and record floods. “There are so many positions that are available in the Red Cross … if you volunteer for the Red Cross and you deploy, all you need to do is be there, have a passion to help and represent the Red Cross.”  

You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief or by becoming a volunteer. Start your Red Cross story at redcross.org.

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