American Red Cross, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter

The Mission Statement -
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Fundamental Principles of the American Red Cross are Humanity, Impartiality, Voluntary Service, Neutrality,
Independence, Universality and Unity.

Brief History of Agency
The Cleveland County Chapter was established in Norman In 1917 during World War I, as a national outlet for volunteerism in support of the war effort. Over the years, the Red Cross has broadened its scope to include disaster response on a local level, services to military families, and Health & Safety and Disaster Education. In 1998, the Cleveland County Chapter merged with the Garvin County Chapter and assumed responsibility for McClain County. Then, In August 2007, the Chapter assumed responsibility for the struggling Pontotoc County Red Cross Chapter. We are now the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, proudly serving Cleveland, McClain, Garvin, and Pontotoc Counties. The American Red Cross has been present in Pontotoc County since 1917, first as the Pontotoc County Chapter, then as a branch office of the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter.

This agency accepts volunteers in a variety of possibilities.  Please contact the local office to find out current opportunities or visit www.adaunitedway.org, click on the volunteer tab on the home page and follow the links to find current Red Cross volunteer opportunities.

I is anticipated that 4,000 local residents will be reached with direct services for this year.

CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
Approximate percentage of your clients are:
25%   Children & youth (under 21 years)
55%   Adult (21 -59 years)
20%   Seniors (60 years plus)

Of these community members receiving assistance from the local Red Cross office  75% would be considered low income.

In the event of a house fire, the local Red Cross representatives (both staff and volunteer) are some of the first on the scene to begin repairing the damage done to the family members.

ARUW funding is allocated for use in Pontotoc County to assist in disaster assistance,  services to armed forces and Health and safety services.