By Marcie Lynn
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Volunteer

Recruits to the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada now have a new ally as they begin their volunteer work. This spring, the Southern Nevada Red Cross piloted its first-ever Volunteer Mentor Program.

With an array of resources and tools available to volunteers, Jacob Buck, Senior Volunteer Engagement Specialist with the Red Cross Utah/Nevada Regin, saw an opportunity to ease the transition for those new to the mission. “Starting as a Red Cross volunteer can be overwhelming at times,” said Buck, who is leading the new mentor program. “We wanted to make sure our new volunteers felt supported and set up for success from their first day.”

Experienced volunteers, with years of service behind them, are matched with newcomers for weekly, 15–20-minute meetings. These conversations create space for mentoring—not just on navigating forms or processes but on strengthening personal ties to the community and helping volunteers find their way within the wide range of Red Cross services.

“We’re not just training volunteers; we’re building a community,” said Buck. “This program is about creating relationships that make the Red Cross experience more meaningful and sustainable for everyone involved.”

A Promising Start
Since its launch in April, 26 veteran volunteers have signed up to serve as mentors, eager to share what they have learned about the Red Cross mission. Eight new volunteers have already joined the program as mentees, with more expected in the coming months as the program grows.

Among the first mentors was Tony Gelish, who brings over a decade of Red Cross volunteer service and mentorship experience from his career. For Gelish, mentoring is about empowerment. “Many volunteers want to participate, but they don’t know exactly what activities are available,” he explained. “They might try one area, not like it, and then give up. I try to provide an overview of all that Red Cross offers and suggest opportunities in different service areas that might better line-up with their interests.”

New volunteers are discovering their passions and committing to service in ways that inspire confidence in their role. Gelish shared that one mentee, initially hesitant about disaster relief work, found a true calling in working with the organization’s blood donation services. “It’s rewarding to see them flourish,” he said. “You know they’re going to make a difference.”

The program not only benefits new volunteers but also strengthens the organization overall. By fostering connections and supporting volunteers’ goals, the program is working to create a more cohesive and inspired volunteer force.

Optimistic About the Future
The program is drawing more interest from both new volunteers and some that have been with the Red Cross for years. Interest forms are available on Volunteer Connections, allowing volunteers to share their goals, service preferences and areas where they could use additional guidance.

“Mentorship is about laying a foundation,” Buck said. “When we invest in our volunteers, we’re investing in our community. That’s what makes this program so exciting.”

Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned pro looking to give back in a deeper way, this program offers a way to strengthen ties, support others, and ensure that every volunteer feels empowered to lend their time to the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.

Join the Red Cross Team
Every day, Red Cross volunteers make a difference in their communities. From supporting disaster victims to donating blood or teaching lifesaving skills, they play vital roles in helping others. Find a role that suits you by exploring volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.