Stories of Service

Learn about the AmeriCorps experience with the Red Cross from individuals who have served throughout the state:

Rachel Kulasa – Lansing
“Something new is learned everyday and there is never a chance to get bored because there is always something that needs to be worked on. Whether I am helping a client who had their home destroyed in a fire or working on a military case, there is always plenty to do and accomplish at the Red Cross.”

Garret Bowman – Lansing
“Learning empathy meant taking the time to help the person deal with their tragedy in a way that suited them. It meant respecting their values and coping mechanisms while, at the same time, steering them on the path towards recovery.”

Stephanie Soiseth – Kalamazoo
“During my first month as an AmeriCorps, I was thrown into a National disaster, which meant my days were spent working with clients, completing home visits, and helping the relief process in general. It was because of this atypical beginning that I had no honest idea what I would be doing on a day-to-day basis once the disaster was over.”

Mike Lyons – Ann Arbor
“As I parked the vehicle and stepped out, I heard those on cell phones saying 'The Red Cross is here, the Red Cross is here' with relief in their voices…In that moment, the mission and the power of the Red Cross became real.”

Leslie Kingsley –Grand Rapids
“In the days to come, I would continue casework and get to talk with the victims, listening and supporting as best I could, doing what I am best at; however, that night showed me my character is versatile and adaptable, and that surprise was one of the most precious and valuable experiences of my life.”

Paul McAllister – Muskegon
“Without question, I got the most hugs from strangers [that day] than I ever have in my life. The clients not only appreciated what we gave them but also appreciated that we were there, simply taking the time to let them know that someone cared.”

Michelle Barbaresso – Washtenaw
“After my first interview for the "Together We Prepare" position at the American Red Cross, I was told this position would challenge me every day in one way or another. Only after my first training with Service to Armed Forces (SAF), did I realize what "challenge" meant.”