Representatives from each of the eight American Red Cross chapters in Louisiana gathered at the Sai Convention Center in Alexandria today for a Family Services Workshop facilitated by Red Cross National Family Services Activity Lead, Norma Crowder.

Crowder traveled from Washington, D.C. to educate Red Cross Disaster Service Managers and Supervisors on the new Red Cross service delivery plan for client caseworkers during major disaster relief operations.  During the eight-hour workshop, Crowder updated the caseworkers on new guidance

for a process established to ensure constructive relationships designed to build trust and collaboration between Red Cross volunteer caseworkers and disaster clients.  Along with the principles of the “Helping Process,” Red Cross representatives also discussed standardization and universal expectations of Red Cross client casework in the areas of interviewing clients, making effective referrals based on the need of the clients, ensuring no service duplications, providing follow-up in recovery and assistance planning. 

“Red Cross volunteer caseworkers provide a critical link in the recovery process for people who have been tragically impacted by disaster,” said Leann Murphy, CEO of the Central Louisiana Red Cross.  “These new tools and client service redesign strengthens the commitment of the Red Cross to helping clients get on the road to recovery and to help them find the tools and resources needed.”  The Red Cross has also created resource tools for their volunteer caseworkers to help in the case work process such as client guidance booklets, budget sheets, and referral lists.  

Because of the high incidence of major disasters in Louisiana, the Red Cross is providing this advanced training to Louisiana Red Cross volunteers and casework managers to ensure they are equipped and ready to respond to people in need.  The Central Louisiana Red Cross needs 24 additional volunteers to help families and individuals when home fires, tornadoes, floods or other disasters strike.  If you are interested in become a volunteer client caseworker for the Central Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross, call 318-442-6621 or visit www.cenlaredcross.org.