About Your Chapter

History Of The Greater Westfield Red Cross

The American Red Cross, Greater Westfield Chapter was initially chartered in 1923. Chapter meetings were held in various locations until 1945. This was the year that Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Parker of Westfield, donated approximately $20,000, purchased a house and its lot, and arranged for extensive alterations, which transformed it into the American Red Cross, Greater Westfield Chapter. Most of the furnishings were included in the gift. Mr. Parker was president of Westfield's Whip Manufacturing Company, and Mrs. Parker served as Vice-Chair of the Chapter during W.W.I, and continued to serve the Chapter afterwards.

The Cobb-Norton House, believed to have been erected by Cephas Cobb circa 1830, is one of the oldest houses on Broad Street. The house is in keeping with the New England tradition prevalent in the community. The most attractive feature of the house is an assembly room, which is used for meetings and Health & Safety classes. It was formed by connecting the barn formerly in the rear to the south side of the house.

Its homelike atmosphere creates much of the charm of this Red Cross Chapter House. The Chapter staff feels that the atmosphere is calming for local disaster victims who enter the Chapter's doors.

Organization of the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross was established in 1881 as a private, voluntary association, part of a growing international Red Cross movement that had been created to provide voluntary aid to sick and wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Since its founding, the International Red Cross has expanded its vision and goals to include assistance to combatants and civilians affected by war and other armed conflicts, to victims of natural disasters, and to persons affected by illness, accidents, and other life-threatening hazards.

The American Red Cross, a corporation established and recognized by act of Congress, is today one of this nation's largest voluntary health and human services institutions, extending its services through all 50 states, to all U.S. possessions and dependencies, and to U.S. military installations worldwide.

Chapters are the local deliverers of Red Cross services. The volunteer governing body of each chapter is directly responsible to the corporation for its performance in providing services to the community, as prescribed by established requirements, policies, and procedures.

Each year millions of volunteers serve their communities through the American Red Cross, providing the manpower, leadership, funds, and blood donations needed to sustain Red Cross operations and services. Historically, volunteers have given the Red Cross its vitality and competence, its flexibility and relevancy; they have helped make the Red Cross a household name. Red Cross volunteers epitomize this nation's proud spirit of volunteerism, generosity, and service to those in need.

Mission Statement

The mission of the American Red Cross is to improve the quality of human life, to enhance self-reliance and concern for others, and to help people avoid prepare for and cope with emergencies. It does this through services that are governed and directed by volunteers and are consistent with its congressional charter and the principles of the International Red Cross.

Strategic Focus

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that brings together well-trained and dedicated volunteer and paid staff who help people prevent, prepare for, and cope with emergencies.

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