Lessons Learned

What better way to kick off the day than to learn more about two volunteer organizations supported by the United Way—the American Red Cross and the Alzheimer's Association. This morning, a group of us at JCI got the opportunity to hear from representatives of these organizations—and what a lesson it was. I've known about these organizations for quite some time, but after discovering more about what they do, I walked away with so much more respect for them. While both groups receive allocations from the United Way, most of their funding comes from donations. The bottom line: They depend on the generosity of people like you and me to operate.

Though I've never needed emergency assistance from an agency, I was surrounded by neighbors who did during the recent Nashville floods. One woman I met while volunteering in West Nashville told me that if it weren't for the Red Cross, she wouldn't have had a place to sleep after her home was flooded by a rising creek. The Red Cross paid for a few nights in a hotel until she could get in touch with family out of state. My own family has benefited from the Alzheimer's Association, an organization we turned to for information during my grandfather's 10-year battle with the disease. I didn't realize, though, that the organization offers support groups for caregivers. This is a much needed resource for families who take on the emotional brunt of a loved one's disease. After listening to the presentations today, here are three new insights I gained about these organizations:

1. They take their training seriously. The Williamson County chapter of the Red Cross has 100 volunteers, many of whom have been trained in disaster relief. Not only are these volunteers equipped to help people in Middle Tennessee, but they are also ready and able to respond to disasters around the country. Likewise, the Alzheimer's Association trains police officers and firefighters on how to deal with patients who wander off or become violent toward their caregivers.

2. Volunteers are vital. Without volunteers who are on call 24-7 to respond to emergencies, Williamson County's Red Cross chapter would have a response team of three. The Alzheimer's Association also relies on volunteers for its annual Memory Walk, the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Some chapters also use volunteers to sit with patients at day-care centers, while caregivers run errands or take a much needed break.

3. Every little bit counts. Whether you choose to donate your time or money, any amount of support you can offer makes a difference to these organizations. In recent years, the number of disasters around the country has risen, while donations to Red Cross (who are often the first responders) have declined. There has also been a spike in Alzheimer's cases nationwide. With more baby boomers getting the disease, along with 30- and 40-year-olds who have suffered significant head injuries, this organization will have more support to provide in the future and will need more resources to do it.