Service Inclusion Event

After Hurricane Katrina many people with disabilities were left without medication, proper transportation, food, and water to survive. In event that a disaster strikes Los Angeles, California Safe Corps members want to prepare as many people as possible, especially people with disabilities, for a disaster. On Sept. 30, 2008 past and present California Safe Corps members from the Los Angeles and Santa Monica ARC Chapters hosted the Service Inclusion Network Meeting at the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles.

With over thirty participants, Eliza Riley, a 2006-2007 CSC Alum, taught the necessary steps to tailor their preparation at their homes and workplaces for their individual needs. Participants not only received preparedness education, but CSC members guided participants and helped create individual take home disaster kits. Representatives from the following organizations attended the event:

Beyond Elite
Westside Regional Center
City of Commerce Urban Literacy Program
Volunteer Center of Los Angeles
Community Senior Service of Claremont
El Rancho Unified School District
Mariposa Endeavors
Easter Seals
Advantage Day Program
LA Works
Options for Life
Disability Rights Legal Center

With such a diverse population in the Los Angeles area CSC members hope to reach various age groups, ethnicities, and cultures with the message that we all need to “Be Red Cross Ready” for a disaster. The goal of this event was to have people with physical and cognitive disabilities receive the education and resources necessary to prepare for a disaster along with increasing the Chapters outreach to vulnerable populations.

This project will increase the number of Chapter volunteers that have physical or cognitive disabilities and create a more diverse and inclusive environment at the Chapter. The project will also help foster a greater number of CDE presenters who have disabilities. These volunteers will work along side the California Safe Corps members to provide education to vulnerable communities throughout Los Angeles County.