Restoring Communication After 13 Years

Local Red Cross workers connected a Colorado mother with her daughter in Uganda after they had been separated for over 10 years. Sarah was separated from her family as a young girl when they fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo to escape a violent civil war. Sarah’s father, brother, and all but one sister […]

Guest Speaker: How Do Responders Coordinate in the Midst of Disaster Chaos?

Diplomacy can break down. Borders can appear where none existed before. Divisions between cultures, languages and beliefs can push communities apart. But in times of disaster, coordination between nations and organizations is key in preventing unnecessary destruction and keeping people safe from harm. According to Steve Recca, this month’s Red Cross Lunch and Learn speaker […]

Breathing Hope into Dreams of A Family Reunited

By Christina Eyre, Red Cross Volunteer As I walk up the steps of the church that shares its home with a small but committed Congolese congregation, I’m serenaded by Swahili hymns in three-part harmony. Immediately I feel under-dressed next to women resplendent in tailored kitenge of every color. The pervasive sense of joy must be […]

Flood Survivors: ‘It’s Like Beginning Again.’

By Patricia Billinger Alma and her family were awoken at 3 a.m. by a call warning them to evacuate immediately because flood waters were coming. Alma, husband Guillermo, daughter Perla, son-in-law Gerardo and grand-daughters Yamileth and Yaretzi escaped to Guillermo’s sister’s home, leaving everything behind in their Longmont mobile home. They quickly realized they needed […]

Lessons Learned from a Congolese Pastor

By Katie Lynn-Vecqueray Sometimes, the greatest and most powerful gift is hope. Hope may come in many forms, but it is especially prevalent in the lives of individuals who have been separated from loved ones abroad. These individuals feel compelled to determine the fate, safety, and well-being of their families and friends, and the Red […]

Guest speaker examines Israel-Palestine conflict during monthly Lunch & Learn

University of Denver’s Dr. Karen Feste In recent weeks, a precipitous rise in conflict between Israel and Palestine has brought the region’s continued struggle to attain peaceful progress back into the world’s headlines. The half-century conflict between Palestinians and Israelis over recognition, resources and security has so stubbornly resisted any kind of resolution that it […]

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July

The smell of hamburgers on the grill, the flags on parade and the excitement of fireworks…things that tell you it is the Fourth of July, Independence Day, our nation’s birthday. The perfect time to celebrate with great family outings and outdoor fun that can provide some wonderful memories. Ashtyn Austin wears eye protectors and gloves […]