When you walk into the American Red Cross office in Boise, chances are you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and a helping hand from Edna Robinson.

Edna came to the Red Cross in May 2024 through a partnership with Easterseals-Goodwill’s Senior Community Service Employment Program. The program helps adults over 55 re-enter the workforce by providing paid, community-based job training and currently serves 158 people across Idaho. For the Red Cross, it’s an opportunity to bring an experienced, motivated worker to the team. For Edna, it’s a way to stay active, connected and make a difference.

At the Boise office, Edna keeps things running smoothly. She manages cleaning schedules across regional facilities, updates termination and transfer reports on SharePoint and routes incoming messages from the public to the right Red Cross departments. Whether someone is calling about needing a smoke alarm, a disaster-relief request or a community event, Edna makes sure they reach the right person quickly.

Her work may be behind the scenes, but it’s essential.

“I think it’s important to let people know that we do care about them,” she said. “Connecting with people over the phone and helping them find what they need — that’s my favorite part of the job.”

With a background in office administration — including roles at Disability Rights Idaho and other nonprofits — Edna was a natural fit. Originally from Maryland, she moved to Boise more than two decades ago to raise her granddaughter in a quieter community.

Diane Wright, the chief operating officer for Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon, said Edna’s attention to detail and compassion have become a cornerstone of the operations team.

“Edna is a delight,” Diane said. “She’s conscientious, consistent and incredibly customer-focused. She knows exactly where to direct callers and always greets everyone with a smile. Staff and volunteers love her.”

Diane also praised Edna’s knowledge of Red Cross programs, which allows her to direct inquiries efficiently — from blood donations to disaster relief to community classes.

“It’s really remarkable how thorough she is at everything she does,” Diane said.

The partnership that brought Edna to the Red Cross is part of a broader effort by Easterseals-Goodwill to help older adults gain new skills and independence. Laura Schultz, vice president of communications for Easterseals-Goodwill, described the program as a win for everyone involved. The initiative offers job training for seniors, extra staffing for nonprofits and long-term benefits for the community.

“Many of these people have been out of the workforce or need to improve their tech skills,” she explained. “The program gives them hands-on experience, helps them update their résumés, and provides good references. It also helps nonprofits like the Red Cross, which often operate on limited budgets, by supplying valuable additional support.”

“Easterseals-Goodwill is all about changing lives and giving people opportunities.”

For Edna, the experience has been deeply fulfilling. She said she enjoys connecting with people and being part of a mission-driven organization that helps others in tangible ways. The role has also renewed her sense of purpose.

“It does feel good,” she said of her work.

Diane Wright said the Red Cross feels the same way.

“When the match is right, as it is with Edna, it’s a winning opportunity both for us,” she said.