When Hurricane Isaias hit Florida, Gail Moore was one of many people devastated by the storm. She returned to her home to find her truck and her bedroom crushed by fallen trees. Her home was destroyed.

As she scrambled to pick up the pieces for both herself and her family, The Red Cross stepped in to lend a helping hand. That’s when she met Jackie McKee.

Jackie has worked in Disaster Mental Health with The American Red Cross for almost two years. She retired from her career as a child and family therapist of 30 years – but she felt called to continue helping people. She found that purpose in The Red Cross. “I love doing what I do. That's why I took a year off after I retired and I missed it. I missed the people,” she said.

“I check in with them by phone or by text to some of them say, ‘I don't think I need anything.’

Sometimes they just need to talk. They need someone to listen to them.”

Jackie was able to help Gail navigate the post-storm chaos, as well as the family issues she was going through at the time. Gail was having a very difficult time with her son and daughter-in-law, and it was causing her a lot of distress. This distress pushed Gail to leave home to stay with her sister, but she wanted to return.

With Jackie’s guidance, Gail gained clarity and confidence to establish healthier boundaries with her son and daughter-in-law, with support from other family members.

“Jackie made me understand that it's not my responsibility to take care of everybody. You know, first I need to take care of me. And Jackie was instrumental for that,” said Gail. “I think the fact that she was just talking to someone that didn't know the family situation and hearing it for the first time, she was able to process and go, you know, this is what I need to do,” said Jackie.

Amidst the chaos, Jackie and Gail were able to build a real connection, with Gail coming to visit Jackie four times after the storm. After a disaster like Hurricane Isaias, The Red Cross encourages people to connect and support each other.

The need for compassionate volunteers is always growing, and The Red Cross always has opportunities available for those looking to help. “You don't have to be a grown-up, big old person. You just have to be someone who cares. And they care. They actually care about how you're doing and how you're going to do in the future,” said Gail.

Visit RedCross.org/Volunteer to learn how you can help.