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The American Red Cross mission is to help people prevent, prepare for and cope with emergencies through programs that help enhance individual self-reliance and concern for others.

Description:
Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Floods, Fires, and Ice Storms: disasters that effect our families, friends, and neighbors. During critical times like these, the Red Cross helps people find a place to live, provides them with food and clothing, and helps them put their live back together. There is an on-going need for Disaster volunteers, ready to support Red Cross preparedness and relief efforts and for educating our communities about Red Cross services.

Health and Safety courses need instructors to teach children and adults basic safety skills like babysitting, first aid, swimming, lifeguarding and other skills that will help people prevent emergencies and to save lives.

In addition, because the Red Cross is a voluntary organization, people are always needed to bring fresh ideas and new energy to our many volunteer committees so that people can help other people in need.

History:
The Red Cross movement began in Switzerland in 1863 when Henri Dunant, focused worldwide attention on the horrors of war. He called for a humanitarian response to the victims of war and the response was the Geneva Conventions. In 1881, Clara Barton learned of the Red Cross movement and founded the American Red Cross. The Portland Chapter celebrated its 80th year in 1997.

Contact people:

Brad Rounds, Senior Director Of Programs, (phone), (email) Morgan Bickerstaff, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (207) 874-1976

Address:

2401 Congress Street Portland, ME 04102 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.maineredcross.org

Directions:

Located on outer Congress - on the right just before the Racket & Fitness Center if coming from Portland.   Nearest Bus Stop: in front of our building For maps or information, please see http://www.portlandmaine.worldweb.com/Transportation/PublicTransit

Miscellaneous Information

This agency has United Way funded programs
	Yes
The agency places volunteers in these categories:
	Families, Children under 5, ages 5 - 10, ages 11 -15, ages 15 - 18, Physically disabled, Developmentally delayed, Groups, Adults