By Shima Zormandshahriyari, Northwest Region

Responding to the devastating typhoon in Saipan in April 2026 left Rachel Rosenbaum, Mass Care Chapter Coordinator for the Central Southeastern Washington Chapter of the American Red Cross, with lasting memories. For her, the experience was a reminder that mass care means more than providing meals and shelter. It is ultimately about bringing comfort, hope through compassion, and community to impact people’s lives during difficult times.  

“The devastation across the islands was significant, with many families facing damaged and destroyed homes, extended power outages, limited access to essential resources, and uncertainty about what came next,” she said.  

During this challenging time, Rachel and her team managed shelter operations while working to create a safe and welcoming environment.  They also made space for moments of joy and comfort, helping restore a sense of normalcy for adults and giving children the chance to be kids again.  

“I especially remember how we made Mother’s Day meaningful for the moms in the shelter. We brought the children together to make flower vases out of cardboard and local wildflowers to hand out to their moms was a heartfelt gesture," she said.  

Despite these moments, Rachel and her team faced challenges, including limited infrastructure, transportation and communication constraints and volunteer scheduling. 

The team overcame these challenges through open communication, resourcefulness, teamwork, and above all, their shared mission to alleviate human suffering. The experience also changed how Rachel views leadership in disaster management.  

“Before deploying, I understood disaster responses in terms of structure, operations, and outcomes. Over time, it became much more personal- it became about people, resilience, and presence in moments of deep uncertainty,” she said.  

In addition to managing shelter operations, Rachel felt grateful for the opportunity to support volunteers who were trying to serve the community, ensuring they had the resources they needed. Witnessing their dedication will always stay with her as a source of inspiration on how communities come together in times of uncertainty.  

Rachel encourages those interested in mass care to see it as an opportunity to serve their community, create meaningful moments and connect with others.  

“I would tell you to do it,” she said. “You will grow in ways you can’t predict. You’ll meet people who will stay with you forever, and you will be part of moments that truly matter.”