Agency Details:

American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people, prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Description:
Disaster Services: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year -- local volunteers are trained and ready to provide consistent, compassionate response to victims of local, national and international disasters. They work with local emergency officials to write, test, drill, re-test and rewrite response plans for every type of natural and man-made disaster. Families count on the Red Cross to be there when help can't wait providing emergency services including housing, clothes, food, medications and long term needs including financial assistance, rental assistance, essential household furnishings (beds, linens, dishes, etc), home repair and mental health counseling. All disaster assistance is provided free.

SOCIAL SERVICES:

When war, upheaval, natural disaster or other emergencies disrupt normal communications, the Red Cross springs into action bringing hope and help to those whose world has spun out of control. Red Cross emergency messages may originate with someone in the local community -- a recent immigrant, refugee or family member. Thanks to the Red Cross global communication network, families of servicemen and women, civilians, prisoners of war, detainees and their loved ones are less alone. Comprehensive information and referral are provided to walk-ins, call-ins, and even through the world wide web. Formal collaborative arrangements with other agencies eliminate duplication of essential services.

COMMUNITY SERVICES:

Most Red Cross Services are provided by hundreds of caring volunteers. These unpaid staff are recruited, interviewed, placed, provided ongoing training, and are recognized for their selfless service to others. Community education and outreach to thousands of community residents are provided through special programs such as HIV/AIDS Prevention and Community Disaster Education.

HEALTH SERVICES:

Together we can save a life. At least one person in every American household can benefit from Red Cross Health and Safety training. Various courses are provided to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA's), Lifeguards, day care providers, babysitters, teachers, students, case managers, workplace teams and the general public.

History:
Clara Barton successfully organized the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 1881. Created to serve America in peace and in war, during times of disaster and national calamity. Clara Barton's organization took its service beyond that of the International Red Cross Movement by adding disaster relief to battlefield assistance. She served as the organization's volunteer president until 1904

Contact people:

Ruth Bull, Volunteer Coordinator, (508) 595-3730, (email) Nicole Valentine, Director Of Emergency Services And Public Affairs, (508) 595-3727, (email) Patricia Gauthier, Director Of Annual Giving, (508) 595-3753, (email)

Office fax number: (508) 595-3728

Address:

2000 Century Drive Worcester, MA 01606 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.redcrossworcester.org

Directions:

Traveling on Route 290 Heading East: Take Exit 21 - Plantation Street. At lights at the bottom of ramp, turn left. Go through 2 sets of lights (Plantation Street becomes East Mountain Street). At the third set of lights, intersection Clark Street/Century Drive, take a right into the Worcester Corporate Center. Take your first left, the Red Cross driveway is the first on the right going up the hill. Traveling on Route 290 Heading West: Take Exit 22 - Route 70/Main Street, Shrewsbury. At bottom of ramp turn right. At 2nd set of lights take right onto Plantation Street (Plantation Street becomes East Mountain Street). Go straight through lights at intersection of Route 70 (Shell Gas Station/Dunkin' Donuts will be on your left). At the next set of lights, intersection Clark Street/Century Drive, take a right into the Worcester Corporate Center. Take your first left, the Red Cross driveway is the first on the right going up the hill. Traveling on Route 190 Heading North: Take Exit 2. Go through the first set of lights. At the 2nd set of lights, take a right onto West Mountain Street and continue straight. Continue straight through Route 12 Intersection (Honey Farms will be on the right) and the street becomes East Mountain Street. Continue past Worcester Country Club (on the left). At the Clark Street lights take a left into the Worcester Corporate Center. Take your first left, the Red Cross driveway is the first on the right going up the hill. NOTE: If you pass Allegro on East Mountain Street and reach the lights at the intersection of Route 70 you've gone too far.

Miscellaneous Information

Are any opportunities appropriate for youth ages 18 or under? If yes, what age range?
	11 and up

Last updated on November 16, 2009