Last month, a series of workshops were held in the American Red Cross New Jersey Region to help volunteers learn how to use the Shelter Client Information Application (SCIA)—a vital system for collecting information from those impacted by disaster and supporting Red Cross shelter operations.

“Since its launch in 2024, the SCIA system has transformed how we support those impacted by disasters who are seeking refuge and assistance at Red Cross shelters,” said Edward Blanchard, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Transitioning to a digital system has allowed volunteers to more swiftly to identify the needs of those staying in our shelter and streamlines getting them the help and assistance they need as they recover following a disaster.”

The workshops were led by Red Cross volunteers Linda Kolman and Pat Melcer, who facilitated two 3-hour sessions in Pennsauken and Egg Harbor Township, training more than 20 volunteers on the new software.

“Linda is a veteran Red Cross volunteer with nearly 20-years of disaster experience and Pat joined the organization a little over a year ago. Both are strong leaders in disaster relief efforts,” said Blanchard. Whether you are a novice or veteran providing care to those displaced during times of disaster, you are able to make a tremendous impact on New Jersey families when they need our help most.”

After recent deployments and training work, Pat and Linda observed that many volunteers lacked familiarity and hands-on experience with SCIA, which poses challenges during active shelter operations. To address this, they partnered with Julie Siciliano, New Jersey Shelter Lead, and Tim Johnston, Regional Mass Care Manager, to develop and promote a hands-on training program.

“Our goal was not only to focus on data entry,” said Pat Melcer, “but to demonstrate how that data connects to reports and to help volunteers understand how the information is used. That gives volunteers a vested interest in ensuring the data is entered accurately and completely.”

Participants practiced using the SCIA software in a test environment that allowed them to explore all system functionalities. They also worked through real-world shelter scenarios, leveraging insights from Linda’s extensive experience.

“Using real-life shelter experiences helped make the importance of accurate SCIA use more tangible for participants,” Julie Siciliano noted.

The volunteers trained will now help train others to help maximize the use of this new platform to make shelter operations and client care better serve those in need. 

By Volunteer Julia Zauner