“Laura has been an RN, DHS volunteer since 2017. She has taken many courses to prepare, respond and help clients to recover on local and National Disasters and was recently deployed to California. She is also a National PAHQ Questionnaire Reviewer Team Specialist, as well as a Long Island Community Relations Ambassador. She has actively participated with Tabletop Exercises. She is always willing to serve.”

Dr. Margaret Sukhram, Long Island Leadership Volunteer, sent Laura a “High Five!”

"Sean went beyond the call of duty by installing replacement smoke detectors at client's residences.  One was a conventional unit, while the other was a Lifetone (Bed shaker) unit. Sean is to be commended for this outstanding support of the community."

-        Marty Kanengiser, Disaster Action Team volunteer, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Sean a “High Five!”

“Mr.Choi is very respectful, kind & professional and he helped me to schedule quickly all the shifts I chose and his response was in a timely matter. For example, on 9/1/20, I didn’t see any volunteer listed for the shift (1-6p) at the American Legion Post 347 in Larchmont so I emailed Mr.Choi 15 minutes prior to the shift (1pm) and he immediately emailed me back and scheduled me for that shift. When I arrived there, I met 2 kind volunteers and 1 of them, Elaine Waltz, has been volunteering for 50 years for American Red Cross!!!

I would like to also give a “High Five” to Ms. Elaine Waltz who volunteered with me that day and give me a ride as I don’t have a car, which was very nice of her.

Also, I’m impressed about her dedication of 50 years volunteering for American Red Cross being an elderly, she is very strong, energetic with a great sense of humor!"

-         Adama Tall, Blood Services: BVWE - Donor Ambassador - Greenwich, sent Demian and Elaine a “High Five!”

"Mary is both amazingly proactive and very responsive - She is a Force of Nature! For her dedication to us volunteers, all her hard work (and big heart), she deserves a High Five!"

-        Bruce Ginsberg, Disaster Action Team Supervisor, Metro NY North, sent Mary a “High Five!”

“HIGH FIVE to Gregg Anderson who sat in a broken Gen X for 5 hours on Route 9A waiting for a tow truck to pick up the disabled vehicle.  He was soooooo patient and persistent to get the job done.  HIGH FIVE, Gregg. “

-        Lit Anderson, Disaster Cycle Services Leadership Volunteer, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Gregg a “High Five!”

"Henry Morgan was a summer intern with Volunteer Services Volunteer Engagement.  He helped with several projects including intern orientation, a manager presentation, a biweekly newsletter, Lunch and Learn session, and recruiting for the fall internship cycle.  I wanted to particularly recognize his Creative solution that we have now added to the internship Program. 

In our internship program satisfaction surveys interns have told us that they want more engagement with other interns. Henry suggested grouping the interns into cohorts of about 5 interns, each with a cohort leader who is a current intern or an intern from a past cycle who is continuing. 

The cohort leaders run a weekly online session to convey information from Stephen, help answer any questions, and allow for informal socialization and connection. This cohort system started with the fall interns and Henry is also one of the cohort leaders.  This is a Creative improvement, especially in a virtual environment.  High Five to Henry!"

-        Pam Mancini, Internship Program Lead Volunteer, Engagement Lead and Mass Care Volunteer, Greater New York chapter, sent Henry a “High Five!”

“Shirley Leung designed a 6-part technical training workshop for learning GIS (Geographic Information System Mapping).  Each online workshop was 2 hours and there was about another 2 hours of homework a week.  These covered concepts including creating GIS maps, RCView, WebApps, and Story Maps. 

This was well-beyond the basic training in Edge and had reference sources for further information and practice. My description can’t begin to explain how technically complex this material is and how difficult it was just to complete the workshop, never mind creating the training which Shirley did. 

Shirley has also been using her GIS expertise in virtual deployments and share with us how our training can be used in the field. In addition, she made herself available for additional individual assistance outside of the class time.

High Five to Shirley for sharing the value of being Committed and developing training so that others can be prepared to serve the Red Cross Mission!”

-        Pam Mancini, Internship Program Lead Volunteer, Engagement Lead and Mass Care Volunteer, Greater New York chapter, sent Shirley a “High Five!”

"Four resilient Volunteers came forward, ready to ride out Isaias, pre-landfall, away from their homes & loved ones, standing up a shelter for potential clients in Metro NY North.

Muriel Conway, once AGAIN, answered the call to serve, as she so often does. Fortunately, the decision was made NOT to open a facility pre-landfall, but Muriel was packed & ready at a moment's notice. as always!”

-        Mary Ellen Douglas, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, Metro New York North Chapter, sent Muriel a “High Five!”

"Four resilient Volunteers came forward, ready to ride out Isaias, pre-landfall, away from their homes & loved ones, standing up a shelter for potential clients in Metro NY North. Robert Ross didn't get the opportunity to work with the resourceful (& delightful) Shelter Manager Extraordinaire, since the decision was made NOT to open a facility pre-landfall, but Robert was ready to roll!”

-        Mary Ellen Douglas, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, Metro New York North Chapter, sent Robert a “High Five!”

"Four resilient Volunteers came forward, ready to ride out Isaias, pre-landfall, away from their homes & loved ones, standing up a shelter for potential clients in Metro NY North. Brian McMullan was ready to be our Fearless Leader/Shelter Manager Extraordinaire for the umpteenth time!"

-        Mary Ellen Douglas, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, Metro New York North Chapter, sent Brian a “High Five!”

“Tess spends hours making sure volunteers get into the appropriate classes for their GAP's, she supports NHQ as a Staff Relations Lead in GNY and in Illinois and is a national DMH lead as well.  She empowers and encourages volunteers to reach their maximum potential and spends most of her days throughout the year virtually deployed to multiple DRO's in various leadership roles.  Way to go Tess!  You are one of a kind and we are so happy to have you as a Red Cross Volunteer!”

-        Andrew Sindell, Senior Recruitment Specialist, sent Tess a “High Five!”

“Health Services to the rescue.  Always supporting when needed.  We appreciate your dedication to this activity.  Keep up the great work! Thank you!”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Bernard a “High Five!”

“One of the hardest working Red Cross couples and the best DST team around.  You make us proud on deployments.  We applaud you both! Thank you!”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Clare and Ron a “High Five!”

“Known for always dropping by to lend a hand.  We know that we can always call on you to help. Thank you for caring enough to check in!”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent William a “High Five!”

“Anytime we have missions or shelters, there is always one name that always pops up.  Stanley Daniels, "I see you".  Thank you for always being there in a time of need.”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Stanley a “High Five!”

“Reliable Weather reports year after year without fail.  What would we do without you Andrew!  Thank you for your ongoing commitment.”

Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Andrew a “High Five!”

“What you see is what you get.  Maria is honest and very straight forward.  She is extremely effective at getting clients to take their first steps towards recovery. Everyone needs a "Maria!”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Maria a “High Five!”

“Sonia is one of our most resourceful Volunteer caseworkers.  Sonia has spent a lot of time seeking and validating much needed housing resources for our clients.  Kudos to a job well done!”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Sonia a “High Five!”

“Leslie is a volunteer with a big heart.  She goes over and beyond with every client she works with.”

-        Maritza Espinoza, Senior Disaster Program Manager, Metro NY North Chapter, sent Leslie a “High Five!”

“Vincent has been an amazing volunteer. He was so helpful, hardworking and inspiring on so many Covid-19 missions throughout the five boroughs. When I called and said we needed a volunteer he just said Where? and he answered the call. Vincent just came back from deploying and wants to know what else he can do to continue the mission of the Red Cross!  High Five!!!”

-         Florence O’Berg, Workforce Engagement Manager, sent Vincent a “High Five!”

“Keti is an incredible volunteer and an asset to the Youth Services Team. She has supported us with our youth intake process for just about a year with immense enthusiasm and we greatly appreciate all her hard work & dedication to the Red Cross! A million high-fives for Keti!!!”

Samantha Vickers-Hymowitz, Volunteer Services Civic Corps Engagement Specialist, sent Keti a “High Five!”

"Margaret Sukhram is a dedicated and skilled volunteer who is mission focused and supports a broad range of Red Cross initiatives and programs on an ongoing basis. Margaret provides outstanding volunteer service and leadership in multiple roles.

She is a skilled Preparedness presenter, Regional instructor, Disaster Health Services member, Disaster Action Team & Mass Care member, Community Relations Ambassador as well as supports IHL and SAF initiatives.

In addition, Margaret has deployed to support disaster response operations in several capacities. Margaret is well regarded and an inspiration to her peers and she is an asset to the volunteer community.

Thank you, Margaret, for all that you do to support the Red Cross. Your expertise, commitment and “can do” attitude is greatly appreciated!"

-        Denise Bloise, Government and Community Relations Manager, sent Margaret a “High Five!”

“Eli is a dedicated volunteer whose love of service is evident in everything he does! As a DAT Supervisor, he is kind and caring to our clients; he has contributed to our Healthcare Heroes mission and steps up wherever he is needed. Thank you for your amazing service Eli!”

-        Rose Sayre, Manhattan Disaster Program Manager, sent Eli a “High Five!”

“Lyndsey is an enthusiastic volunteer who is just like having sunshine on shift. Lyndsey is the type to take the extra time to give a client a warm hug, some extra cookies and a smile. She has stepped up hugely during our COVID-19 operations, helping on Healthcare Heroes shifts as well as Remote Response shifts, registering clients over the phone. Thank you, Lyndsey!”

-        Rose Sayre, Manhattan Disaster Program Manager, sent Lyndsey a “High Five!”

“Jackie is the Resource Team Coordinator for LI DMH. Jackie's willingness to take on new challenges and find new information is an asset to the team.”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Jackie a “High Five!”

“Jennifer is an LI DMH volunteer who is always willing to offer ideas, assist when asked and take on new challenges!”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Jennifer a “High Five!”

“Doug is always ready to volunteer and lend his support to the LI DMH Team. He was an integral part of the establishing the Rapid Response Team, of which he is the Coordinator.”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Douglas a “High Five!”

“Amy serves as a Volunteer Support Liaison, the Coordinator of the ICCT Team, an instructor for LI DMH, as well as a member of the National Pre-Assignment Health Questionnaire Reviewer Team. Amy is always willing to share her knowledge and assist others!”

PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Amy a “High Five!”

“Bryan takes on multiple leadership responsibilities for LI DMH. He is always willing to step up, lend a hand and mentor others. In his role as a Volunteer Support Liaison he assists new volunteers in becoming familiar with this role!”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Bryan a “High Five!”

“Joy is a long term DMH volunteer who serves as the Coordinator of our Call Team and as a Volunteer Service Liaison to our DMH volunteers. Joy's leadership and knowledge embody the Red Cross mission!”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Joy a “High Five!”

“As a Volunteer Support Liaison Barbara is a strong advocate for the volunteers she supports!”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Barbara a “High Five!”

“As a Volunteer Support Liaison Lilian keeps our DMH volunteers engaged and informed!”

PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Lilian a “High Five!”

“As a Volunteer Support Liaison Deb does a fantastic job keeping our volunteers informed and connected!”

-        PJ Tedeschi, LCSW, Disaster Mental Health Leader, Long Island Chapter, sent Deb a “High Five!”