Red Cross Volunteers Offer Support for Older Adults through ‘Dial-A-Friend’ Program

Meet James Ravenel, an American Red Cross Central Florida region volunteer and the Greater Orlando Coordinator for a unique Red Cross service called “Dial-A-Friend.” James Ravenel, an American Red Cross Central Florida region volunteer, hunkered down while Hurricane Ian made landfall, and then went right back to work at the Red Cross office in the Greater Orlando area. His clients need him whether there is a hurricane or clear skies. James is a Coordinator for a unique Red Cross service in Orlando called ‘Dial-A-Friend.’ His clients, all older adults and mostly living alone, call him whenever they have a need or sometimes when they just need someone to talk to. But James doesn’t wait for them to call him. He has several big binders of client calendars in his office, and his team of two calls these special people every day. “Most of them are signed up by family members,” said James. “But many call in themselves and sign up.” James explained that whenever a new client calls in, he interviews them and completes an information sheet with basic address and family information and the client’s hobbies, activities, and interests. He even asks about their favorite colors, candies, and beverages. Once he learns their preferences and needs, James organizes a monthly calendar for them and makes sure they are called daily. “I call them Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays,” said James, “and Miss Queen calls them Wednesdays and Fridays.” His Dial-A-Friend pa...
Source: Red Cross Chat - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Tags: Disaster american red cross Dial A Friend Program Disaster Response hurricane Older Adults Orlando volunteer volunteering Volunteers Source Type: news