By: Cheary Shelim

Disasters have become more frequent and intense, increasing by about 85%. Because of this, the American Red Cross has launched twice as many operations for major disasters, providing safe shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance, and comfort to those affected. 

As a licensed professional counselor for over ten years, Robin Reynolds has a dual role at the Red Cross South Carolina Region. She serves as the Region’s Mental Health and Resiliency Program Lead. 

“I love helping people. It’s what drew me to the field,” Robin shares. “When a crisis happens, the puzzle pieces fly everywhere. Coming alongside someone and helping them navigate the way back to putting that puzzle together is what I love to do.” 

As the Mental Health Regional Program lead, Robin shares how her team works. “We’ll get notified through a system that a family has requested a mental health referral. We’ll give them a call, and we have to make three attempts to contact them.” 

Robin remembers vividly the services she provided to a family in Beaufort, South Carolina in December of 2024, who experienced a home fire. She says she just simply reached out to help them process what they were going through. During calls like these, the team assesses the situation.

“We observe how they’re doing — their awareness, then help them make connections. We validate their feelings, encourage coping skills, and get them connected in their area. I also provided them services to help the client feel at ease by being kind, calm, and compassionate to the best we can, actively listening and assisting with basic mental health needs,” she says. “Then we’ll give referrals for local mental health facilities where they are. We try to provide that bridge in the Group Activity Position (GAP).” 

After having numerous conversations with people who’ve delt with disasters, Robin believes that people are resilient. “What we draw on is their own strengths,” she states. “People have been through things in their lives and don’t realize it until they look back and are shown their strengths. We help clients identify things that work for them and people around them who can support them. We can’t promise that everything will always get better, but we want to give that hope that things will get better.” 

Robin initially connected with the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) team, which helps military members, veterans, families, and caregivers cope with the challenges of service. “My husband is a veteran, so I understand the need. We love veterans; they hold a special place in our hearts for our family. So, when I was given the opportunity to provide encouragement and services to the community of veterans here where I live, that was a no-brainer for me.” 

Resiliency programs are part of SAF that provide free, confidential workshops with tools to help military and veteran communities improve communication, navigate challenges, and manage stress. As the Resiliency Program Lead, Robin shares about their ongoing projects. “We have a women’s support group for female veterans to provide them a safe space where they can come and share their feelings. We are also looking at expanding to do, maybe, a men’s art therapy circle,” she adds. “We’re gathering information, seeing where the biggest needs are, and trying to address those needs in order.” 

Robin shares that her team is working hard to expand the mental health services with the Red Cross in South Carolina. “We’re actively recruiting more licensed clinicians as we speak. We’re also recruiting volunteers for the SAF. You can never have too many boots on the ground. So, anybody who would want to volunteer, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can use all the help we can get.” 

If you or a loved one needs help, reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress helpline at 1-800-985-5990. For more information, including how to donate or volunteer, visit redcross.org.