This Volunteer Appreciation Week, the American Red Cross of North Carolina is thankful for volunteers like Crystal Howard, whose experience, compassion and commitment continue to make a difference in our region.

Crystal has been a volunteer with the Red Cross for about six months, but her path to volunteering reflects decades of service and a desire to continue helping others. After working in the medical field for 20 years, she stepped away from her career during a challenging time for her family.

“One of my children got cancer, so I stopped working,” Crystal said.

Her son is now doing well and in remission, but when it was time to return to work, Crystal decided it was time to enter a new chapter of her life.

“I’m a licensed clinical social worker, so I kept my license up and I wanted to do something where I could utilize it,” she said.

That purpose led her to the Red Cross. Until recently, Crystal’s volunteer work was entirely virtual. Her first in-person shelter assignment was last month at the Salisbury shelter, and confirmed how meaningful the work felt.

“I don’t know if I can go back to virtual,” she said. “It’s hands-on, getting to know the residents. This is where my strength lies, in developing and nurturing relationships. This has been an absolutely fantastic experience.”

Crystal deployed as a mental health caseworker, assisting residents displaced by the Wiley School Apartment fires in March. In her role, she supports individuals experiencing anxiety, depression and uncertainty.

“I take them aside and talk to them and try to normalize their lives as much as possible,” she said.

One technique she uses helps residents briefly step away from their trauma.

“I have them imagine you’re on a beach or somewhere, just to give them that break,” Crystal said. “So they understand that anxiety and depression make things worse if they don’t take a break.”

Crystal said she is grateful for the residents she serves and the Red Cross staff supporting them.

“These guys, the residents, even though they had this traumatic experience, they’ve been wonderful,” she said. “Red Cross staff have been wonderful. There isn’t anything I can say bad about this experience.”

She added that service is mutual.

“They say that I give to them, but they give as well,” Crystal said. “ I look forward to coming in every morning and hate leaving in the afternoon.”

For Crystal, volunteering in retirement provides purpose and connection.

“As you get older, you get more invisible. Volunteering is one of those things that keep you relevant. It just feels good.”