IHL Film Series: “Hotel Rwanda” Speaks to Region’s Violent Past, Uncertain Present

Over the course of 100 days in 1994, between 500,000 and 1 million people were slaughtered by the Akazu, radicalized members of the Hutu ethnic group, in Rwanda. The early days of this Rwandan genocide form the backdrop of this month’s International Humanitarian Law Film Series installment: Hotel Rwanda. The critically-acclaimed 2004 film details the plight […]

When is a Power Outage an Emergency?

By Patricia Billinger  Today, we received a phone call from Lee Ann, a Conifer resident who was panicked and nearly in tears. Storms had caused power outages in several communities in Colorado, and her power company estimated that it could be several days before electricity was restored. Her boyfriend needs electricity to run his oxygen […]

International Services Kicks Off New Film Series With “Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo”

The star-crossed lovers whose story is told in “Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo.” Since the beginning of cinematic history, independent filmmakers, documentarians, and occasionally, Hollywood directors have found inspiration in the communities and individuals affected by armed conflict. In recognition and celebration of film’s ability to tell the stories of those silenced by violence and oppression, […]

July Lunch & Learn: Fighting Colorado’s Quietly-Booming Human Trafficking Trade

Picturesque, rugged Jefferson County is known for many things, like cutting-edge science education at the Colorado School of Mines, the iconic Coors Brewing Company and charming, tucked-away mountain towns like Evergreen and Genesee. But Denver County’s western neighbor is also home to a sinister and surprising distinction: the county serves as a regional hub for […]

Creating Trust in the Refugee Community – One Meal at a Time

by Julie Leebove When most people think of American Red Cross, they think of disaster relief, but the Red Cross does so much more than that.  These other services range from supporting military families to providing education on International Humanitarian Law.  One of the lesser-known but still very important Red Cross service is Restoring Family […]

What the Women’s World Cup Can Teach About Disasters

by Patricia Billinger We paused for this photo (mom’s elbow at left). Dad disappeared into the crowd. On Sunday, my husband, mother, father and I were among the more than 50,000 jubilant fans swarming to BC Place in Vancouver for the Women’s World Cup Finals. The buzz among the crowd was palpable. Red, white and […]

Red Cross Opens Shelter to Help Campers

Update at 12:00-Shelter at Buena Vista HS in Buena Vista, CO has closed. Buena Vista, Co.,9 a.m., Friday, July 3.2015 – The American Red Cross shelter at Buena Vista High School remains open as Chaffee County officials assess damage from a mudslide that occurred Thursday evening. Overnight the Red Cross provided support and comfort to […]