Faith-Based Community Initiative 

The Red Cross is excited to continually develop its Faith-Based Community Initiative (FBCI).  This is a program aimed at building and sustaining a close partnership between the St. Joseph County American Red Cross and local faith-based organizations.  This partnership will enhance the relationship the Red Cross and local communities have with each other, especially in times of a disaster.  Furthermore, with the knowledge and skills the Red Cross can provide, along with the local residents’ desire to help, we can enhance the quality of service in case of a disaster. 

Potential faith-based organizations will be sought out by our new AmeriCorps member, Gregory Vallejos.  Once a partnership is developed, each organization would develop a team of individuals who would be willing to open their shelter or assist another shelter if called upon during a disaster.  These teams of individuals would go through Red Cross training in Mass Care, Shelter Simulation, and Shelter Operations.  This training would provide each team the basic knowledge on how to open and maintain a shelter during a disaster.  The Red Cross would provide all other necessities (i.e. health-care professionals, subject-matter experts, food, cots, etc..), but these teams would provide a necessary foundation on which each community can depend on. 

If you would like further information please contact Gregory Vallejos at (574) 234-0191 x 28 or e-mail him at vallejos@stjoe-redcross.org.

To find out more about the United Religious Community please visit their website at www.urcsjc.org.