The Red Cross of Montana is proud to have board members like Jennifer Perez who share a passion to build safer communities. Jennifer has helped guide our mission since 2023 and says she is proud to serve members of tribal nations and communities along the Hi-Line.

A member of the Fort Belknap Assiniboine/Nakoda Tribe, Jennifer grew up in Harlem, Mont. She has long admired the Red Cross for its unwavering commitment to communities in times of crisis.

“I’ve known about the Red Cross since I was young,” she said. “It’s an organization that shows up when people need it most.”

A LEGACY OF SERVICE

Jennifer knows the value of resilience. Her grandfather, a World War II veteran, endured the Bataan Death March and more than three years as a prisoner of war.

“My great-grandmother waited every day for updates from the American Red Cross,” Jennifer said. “For nearly 140 years, the Red Cross has stood by military families like mine.”

That legacy of support continues today. The Red Cross remains a lifeline for service members and veterans, providing emergency communications, financial assistance and critical resources to families facing disaster near and far.

“It means everything to know that families going through crisis still have that support,” she said.

PREPARING TRIBAL COMMUNITIES FOR DISASTER

Jennifer is especially excited about the Rural and Tribal Disaster Resiliency Program in Montana, an initiative designed to strengthen emergency preparedness on the state’s seven reservations. With new funding, the Red Cross will work alongside tribal nations to train volunteers in shelter operations, ensuring communities are ready to respond when wildfires, floods or home fires strike.

“We’re building a network of trained responders within our own communities,” Jennifer said. “Disasters don’t wait for help to arrive.We need to be ready.”

STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS, BUILDING TRUST

Through the Rural and Tribal Disaster Resiliency Program, we’ll teach fire safety, install smoke alarms and engage students in learning critical emergency survival skills The program also allows us to partner with local and tribal emergency responders, which ensures crucial aid comes quickly when needed. 

Jennifer understands the importance of relationships when it comes to disaster response. She believes the Red Cross must continue building trust within tribal communities — not just during crises, but every day.

“It’s about showing up, listening and making sure people know the Red Cross is here for them,” she said. “One person, one family, one community at a time.”