The deadly tornadoes that struck North Little Rock, Ar. left a trail of destruction and shattered lives. Among those affected was James Rhoades, an Army veteran who found himself struggling to cope with the aftermath of the disaster.

As a lifelong Arkansan, he knows the damage tornadoes can cause, but he never imagined being in the middle of one.

Rhodes remembers vividly when he knew things were bad for him on March 31. He was home alone when he says the low pressure woke him. Rhodes looked outside and saw his car get destroyed.

“I watched a cedar tree fall on the vehicle I owned, and it was completely ruined and lost. I don’t have that anymore.” Rhoades paused as he continued remembering those moments when his whole life changed. “I went outside, and my neighbor shouted, ‘Tornado is coming, we gotta get out of here’.”

Rhoades sought cover and his unit was spared. However, the top of his complex was torn off and the water damage caused the roof to cave in. “I lost a lot of stuff after that happened.”

After losing his home and vehicle, Rhoades needed an immediate place to go. He found the Red Cross shelter at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock and lived there for 10 days.

“It was nice. Kids were running around. The kids are good. There were pets and families. Having good people around is a good thing. Good thoughts, good actions, and good deeds, hopefully, spread out and people can see that. Goodness comes with time.”

His time is now occupied with puzzles, games, and putting together a 2,300-plus-piece Lego model of the space shuttle Discovery.

Rhoades received invaluable support from licensed nurse practitioner Michelle Novelle and other mental health staff. They listened attentively to his concerns and worked tirelessly to provide him with the care and resources he needed to rebuild his life. For Novelle, helping people like Rhoades is more than just a job - it is a calling that requires empathy, sensitivity, and a willingness to go beyond to make a difference in someone's life.

“We have a skill set that we hone, we really want to help people,” Novelle said. “With the Red Cross, we must assess the diagnostic profile, without having any information. We must have that to move forward to truly help so we don’t get shut out. It might not be that first touch, but you have to go through your toolbox.”

Novelle says she treats each person individually as they each have their own idiosyncrasies. “Some may have PTSD, substance abuse, and can be disconnected from their families. You have to notice those little things. That is why this is the best job in the world.”

As Rhoades begins his recovery, he is also bettering himself.

“I haven’t been drinking alcohol in two months,” Rhoades said. He began his sobriety back during the Lenten season before Easter. “I’ve recently also given up smoking.” He feels stronger and in better health by eliminating those vices. Even though he lost everything, Rhoades still has hope for his future.

“I’m hopeful that I can find an apartment or a house. I’m just looking for a residence in this city. I enjoy this place. This city has given me so much that I think I need to give back. I want to go and volunteer. I believe that love will help more than hate.”

With the help of the Red Cross, Rhoades is now on the path to recovery and rebuilding his life.