American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The American Red Cross is often the destination of choice for married couples who want to volunteer: deploying to national disasters, taking therapy dogs into military hospitals, teaching health, safety and swimming skills. Mother-daughter teams aren’t so common –- which is why Jennifer Barth and her daughter Ganessa Ney stand out. They’re bringing their individual educational and career experiences to the Red Cross to “give back” to their communities. Ganessa, 33, was the first to look for an opportunity that would fit with her already busy schedule. A mom of one son and two teenage step-sons, she’s a sales manager for a senior living community and is finishing her second master’s degree (This one in psychology to go with a master’s in health administration.) She’d heard of the Red Cross; a family member is a blood donor and big booster of that service. But it was an ad on television that prompted Ganessa to go online and learn about all the other things the organization does with volunteers. “Wow, I could do something like that,” she said when she read about helping people in her own community who are struck by disaster. Ganessa felt that becoming a disaster caseworker would fit her skillset and her schedule. Caseworkers work one-on-one with individuals and families after a disaster to help them sort out their needs, offer what assistance the Red Cross can provide and refer them to other community resources. During 2024, volunteers opened 1,743 cases across the Red Cross northern Ohio region. It occurred to Ganessa that casework might be just the thing for her mom too. “I suggested the Red Cross to my mom,” she said. “It’s something she can do in her spare time.” There’s a backstory to that “spare time” comment. Jennifer has been coping with the loss of three close family members within the past few years –- including her son from COVID. She admitted that having a way to help others in their time of distress would be good for her, too. She was pleased with the wide variety of “jobs” the Red Cross offers volunteers. “They were so flexible,” she said, “so I felt comfortable to step forward.” Jennifer, 52, worked as a U.S. census counter for 10 years and more recently has worked for Child Protective Services, so she’s comfortable talking — and listening — to people. After completing online coursework focused on Red Cross disaster principles in general and casework in particular, Ganessa and Jennifer are “shadowing” an experienced caseworker, learning how help happens in real life. You can learn more about how to get involved as a Red Cross volunteer by clicking here -> https://rdcrss.org/3h1RIVF

Thank you to all of you who've contributed to the our lifesaving mission at the Red Cross this #GivingDay. There is still time to double your impact and have your donation matched today! Donate at the link below because #helpcantwait.

In the spirit of #GivingDay, read the story of one local family's ongoing effort to help support the mission of the Red Cross. And today, when you donate, your gift will be matched thanks to Ford Philanthropy. Click here for more -> https://rdcrss.org/3cY72lJ #helpcantwait

It's #GivingDay! Click the link below to find out more about how you can help support the lifesaving mission of the #RedCross. https://rdcrss.org/3cY72lJ

The American Red Cross is celebrating National Medal of Honor Day, recognizing those members of the United States Armed Forces who have earned the highest military decoration in their service to the country. Stephen Bales, who chairs our Service to the Armed Forces Committee for the Northeast Ohio Board, recently gave the following presentation to his fellow board members, correlating the work of the Red Cross to National Medal of Honor recipients. To read more from Northeast Ohio Board Member Stephen Bales, tap here - https://rdcrss.org/4hQahKa

Once again, home fires and other disasters ravaged families across Northern Ohio this past weekend. Our dedicated volunteers were there to help, assisting 28 individuals and providing more than $6,000 in immediate financial assistance. In addition to those affected this weekend, Red Cross volunteers continue to work with dozens of families who experienced home fires and other disasters in recent weeks, providing recovery resources and helping them move forward. Does your family have a plan in the event of a home fire? Click the link to find out how you and your loved ones can prevent, escape, and recover from a home fire - https://rdcrss.org/4l1pdYL

Happy National Puppy Day ?? Here are a few of our Red Cross family's doggos ?? Let's see your puppy pics in the comments below ?? And did you know we have a free app for Pet First Aid? See more here -> https://rdcrss.org/4hCpG0x

All gifts to the @RedCross are matched TODAY ONLY, up to $100,000! Tap the link below to help families in need! https://rdcrss.org/3E0ACak

Several severe weather alerts this past weekend across #NEO, but did you know the difference between a watch and a warning? Be #RedCrossReady with these tips and tools ->https://rdcrss.org/43SAHaA #marchisredcrossmonth #tornadoseason #stormseason

Residents of Kentucky are still feeling the impact of last month's devastating floods. Click the video below to learn more about ongoing relief efforts from the American Red Cross. Help the Red Cross provide relief wherever and whenever disaster strikes by clicking here: redcross.org/donate