It all started for Jose Castillo in 2001 during the aftermath of Hurricane Allison.

Jose was in the mist of tragedy yet had the yearn to still work alongside his church family to volunteer and help others that had flooded by the hurricane.

While at the shelter where his church was volunteering at that time, he was hungry and seen food, so he approached the food and was told that the food was for volunteers only. So, he asked the simple question of, what do I need to do? Immediately he was given paperwork to fill out and sign. Once he finished, he was told, welcome to the team. He enjoyed the food that was there and then began to work right afterwards.

Jose began to interpret for Spanish speakers and fill out paperwork and from then on, he knew this was his niche. He never received training for this position; it was something that he was told he did very well.

Jose also volunteers in other positions in the Red Cross, and he doesn’t let his disability become his inability. He is in a mobile chair and puts forth his cheerful outlook and best self forward that it portrays to this chapter of the Red Cross.

Jose shared that once he puts that Red Vest on everyone in the Red Cross becomes one family. There are many volunteers that come from many backgrounds of beliefs, orientations, and locations but that doesn’t matter, once the Red Vest is on, “We are one family” and the mission stays the same and that is to help those in need no matter what.

Jose has struggled with public speaking in the past but has since overcome his fear and is thriving. What motivated him to overcome his fear was the fact that he was doing it to help others that needed him to be their voice. His confidence stems from focusing on his abilities rather than being defined by the limitations of his handicap.

In his 27 years of service, Jose Castillo recalls a powerful moment that reminded him of the true impact of his work. During the 9/11 tragedy, Jose was flown to Edison, New Jersey, where he was tasked with helping a mother locate her son who worked at the World Trade Center. Determined to help, Jose made it his mission to find him.

Through his efforts, Jose discovered that the son had been at his office that morning but had taken a flight out of town just before the attacks. Jose was able to deliver the life-changing news to the mother: her son was alive and safe.

Moments like these have shaped Jose’s journey and deepened his connection to the Red Cross, where he’s found a second family—people who share his passion for serving others. He hopes to continue making a difference as a Supervisor Case Manager for many more years to come.

We thank Jose Castillo for his unwavering dedication and compassionate heart, and we wish him continued success and fulfillment with the Red Cross.

Story By: Rachel Fuentes