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RIDE for the RED!

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Applications available on line at http://calhounbranchmi.redcross.org
Orientation to Red Cross
Available as instructor led or on line at: www.redcross.org
Introduction to Disaster Services
Provides basic information about disaster, the response of both government and private agencies is disaster relief, and the role of Red Cross Disaster Services. Please note: This course is a prerequisite for all other disaster courses.
On line course www.redcross.org

FOM "Fulfilling Our Mission" – Friday July 11, 2008 6:00–10:00 pm.
Translating Your Compassion into Community Action is a basic, entry level instructor-led course, which introduces potential disaster volunteers and members of other local agencies to the role of the Red Cross in the community's actions in preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies and disasters. The course will enable individual volunteers to translate their care and compassion for their community into action and provide information to other community agencies on Red Cross work and possible partnership in preparation for and response to a disaster.

CLS "Individual Client Services"
The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to client services. Participants will learn the skills needed to conduct an effective client interview and use necessary documentation in providing assistance to disaster clients.
Saturday July 12, 2008 9:00am–5:00 pm.

Psychological First Aid
Helping others cope in the face of stressful events. For disaster survivors and workers, it involves providing a compassionate environment, assessing what a person might need at a particular time and providing immediate support to those in stressful situations.
Monday July 14, 2008 6:00-10:00pm.

Client Assistance Cards "CAC"
Client Assistance Cards: Caseworkers is a basic level on line course consisting of four separate learning modules that reside on the Red Cross Learning management System (LMS). The course introduces caseworkers to the role of issuing Client Assistance Cards by interviewing clients, filling out the proper forms and activating Client Assistance Cards via phone. The course addresses both a disaster relief operation and a local response. Prerequisites: Introduction to Disaster, Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action, Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance (DSCLC202A).

Mass Care: an Overview
Prerequisite: (Intro to Disaster & Fulfilling Our Mission Learn how the role of the Community Services on Red Cross disaster relief operations and the services they provide. Explains how Community Services workers deliver quality service to clients. Match your interest, abilities, and skills with those needed in each activity. Develop a plan of action for your further involvement with the Red Cross through your local chapter.
Wednesday August 6, 2008 6-10pm

"DAT" - Disaster Action Team to become a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member, you must take the following course: Introduction to Disaster, Fulfilling Our Mission, and Community Service: An Overview, Client Casework: Providing Emergency Assistance. It is also recommended that within one year of joining a DAT you complete CPR/First Aid, Disaster Assessment, Shelter Operations and Simulation, and Logistics Overview and Simulation. Once you have completed all of your necessary training, you are ready to schedule your DAT Orientation! To schedule your orientation, or if you have any questions about the responsibilities of being a DAT member, or about any other volunteer opportunities within the Emergency Services Department, please call 269-962-7528.

The Calhoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to people affected by disaster in Calhoun and Branch Counties. Fires in homes, apartments and other buildings are the most frequent causes. But natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods and winter storms also cause deaths and thousands of dollars in property damage annually. With the help of people like you who donate their time and money, we:
* Supply vouchers that provide food, clothing, temporary shelter, and personal care items to disaster victims.
* Supply vouchers to replace household furnishings, prescription medication, and occupational supplies.
* Provide needed physical and mental health services.
* Feed emergency workers.
* Handle inquiries from concerned family members outside the disaster area.
Refer disaster victims to other resources.
SCHEDULED as needed.

Shelter Operations
Prepare volunteers and employees of the Red Cross and other agencies to effectively and sensitively manage shelter operations as a team while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster. After completing this course, participants will be able to describe the procedures for opening, operating and closing shelter.
* Explain ways to demonstrate quality Service.
* Organize available human resources as a shelter operations team.
* Identify resources available to assist shelter workers.
* Organize the physical facility and material resources to meet the needs of the people in the shelter.

Shelter Simulation
Provide the participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a successful shelter. After completing this course participants will be able to:
* Demonstrate shelter opening, operating and closing procedures.
* Identify and use available of resources to assist shelter workers.
* Work as a team to provide quality shelter services to clients.
* Address common shelter problems effectively.
Shelter OPS & SIMS are a combined class – Thursday August 7, 2008 6–10pm

Logistics: An Overview
Designed as an overview of the Material Support Services group and the activities associated with it. Participants will learn about the skills, abilities and knowledge needed by Material Support Services workers and how they can become involved in their local chapter. After completing this course, participants will be able to:
* Explain the role of the Material Support Services activities on a disaster relief operation and why they are needed.
* Define the three activities of material Support Services that support a disaster relief operation.
* Describe the six processes that enable the activities of Material Support Services to be carried out successfully.
* Identify the skills, abilities and knowledge needed by workers in the Material Support Services activities.
*  Develope a plan of action for involvement in the Material Support Services activities and the Red Cross.
Saturday August 23, 2008 9–5:00pm

All classes to be held at The Calhoun County Chapter 14600 Beadle Lake Rd. Battle Creek, MI 49014 Call 269-962-7528 to register or e-mail corpservices@net-link.net.

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