It is truly remarkable to meet a Red Cross volunteer with as many accomplishments who has only been volunteering for less than a year. As a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member, Jonathan Ortiz has participated in over 45 fire calls in South Florida, from Homestead to Miami Gardens, and has accumulated more than 150 hours of on-site home fire assistance. He also volunteered as a caseworker helping individuals and families affected by the fire at the New World Condominiums in Miami Gardens, which displaced approximately 200 people.

Jonathan is a graduate of Florida International University and is studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). From a very young age, he knew he wanted a life and career built on helping people in need. After graduating in 2021 and finding himself with some free time, Jonathan looked for ways to give back to his community and volunteered with local non-profits to end food insecurity and provide decent and affordable housing solutions.

In July 2022, he discovered the Red Cross and eagerly applied. Jonathan was initially apprehensive since he wasn’t sure what he had signed up for. However, after his initial Red Cross training courses and responding to home fire calls, he told us with confidence that the Red Cross “was a perfect match.”

Jonathan recalled one of his first few experiences responding to a home fire in Homestead and how it impacted his outlook on volunteering. The homeowner was a veteran who had lived there for over 33 years. He lived alone after his wife passed away a few years ago. The devastating fire had started in the kitchen and spread throughout the home, making it unlivable. Still, the homeowner remained positive and grateful for his life and for the help he was receiving. “What I love about the Red Cross is being able to meet people and hear these stories and help them the best way you can,” said Jonathan.

To Jonathan, the Red Cross represents a place where “we should all take care of each other, regardless of the relation, of what we were going through. It represents kindness and respect for our fellow members of our community.” He wants the individuals he helps when he shows up to a home fire or a shelter to know they are part of his family and can count on him for help and support regardless of their situation.

Jonathan continues to work with the Red Cross because he is able to work with families and individuals in need directly. He provides comfort, compassion, and empathy and listens to their stories during their dark times.

In his eight months of volunteering with the Red Cross, Jonathan told us he had gained more confidence and had become a better leader. “My greatest quality is care, empathy, and sympathizing with people,” he said. Jonathan feels that his capacity for care has increased exponentially because of his experiences with the Red Cross.

Another perk of being a Red Cross volunteer is that he feels energized to have other great volunteers and Red Cross staff supporting him who have become friends along the way. “I found it a blessing that I found an organization where I can do a good thing but also find good people that can work together to make an impact on the community around us,” Jonathan said.

When asked why he continues to volunteer, Jonathan reflects on his own life and how fortunate he is to be able to help others in need. “When I leave a fire call, I’ve done everything I can to help facilitate their recovery. I feel good that I was able to comfort them and let them know everything will be OK. I feel like I’m making a direct impact,” he shared.

Jonathan hopes to continue volunteering for as long as he can and thinks volunteering with the Red Cross is something he will be doing for the rest of his life. To Jonathan, his experience with the Red Cross is invaluable, and he tells potential new volunteers, “If you want to make an impact on someone’s life, and learn things along the way, then this is the opportunity for you.”  

During our annual Red Cross Month celebration in March, we honor volunteers like Jonathan, who give back to their community in different ways. Without these community heroes, we could not fulfill our lifesaving mission. To become a volunteer, visit redcross.org/SFLvolunteer.

Written by Bret Hollander and Stephanie Wesseling, American Red Cross Public Affairs