Annual Report 2007-2008

Who We Are... Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting the needs of our neighbors throughout the many communities we serve. As the world’s leading humanitarian organization, our network of nearly 2,000 volunteers has responded to disasters, provided lifesaving education, helped families to prepare for emergencies before they occur, and kept members of our Armed Forces connected with their loved ones during times of tragedy and joy. Governed by a twenty-eight member Board of Directors, the American Red Cross of Ventura County operates on an annual budget of just under $1.9 Million. The chapter employs nearly twenty members on its paid staff, supported by nearly 1,200 volunteers. There are offices in Camarillo, Ventura, Naval Base Ventura County, Thousand Oaks and Ojai. 86 cents of every dollar contributed to our local chapter directly support vital programs and services that save lives, ranking us among the most efficient charities in our community. The American Red Cross is not a government agency, so it relies on the generosity of its neighbors. 24/7/365 Every hour of every day, the Red Cross of Ventura County is available to provide services to the communities it serves. It is the amazing volunteers who respond at 2:00 am to the nearly 60 disasters we have in our communities each year. It is the almost daily classes in lifesaving techniques that trained our neighbors in skills that save lives such as first aid, CPR, and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator. Your American Red Cross of Ventura County is there...As the past few years have shown, Ventura County is among our nation’s most disaster prone communities. A Note from Chapter Leadership 2008 offered more than its share of challenges, but as we look back, we all should feel a deep sense of gratitude and tremendous pride. We were prepared to meet and surpass those obstacles, working together as one American Red Cross, your American Red Cross. This past fiscal year, the American Red Cross of Ventura County: Responded to more than 55 single family homes or apartment fires. Trained 24,242 individuals in lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Empowered people with the skills and confidence to be ready for disasters and life’s emergencies by training 5,286 individuals, including schools and businesses, in community disaster education. Supported 5,606 military personnel and their families when they deployed or returned from active duty. Enabled 1,197 volunteers from throughout Ventura County to provide services to their friends and neighbors. We can be thankful for our precious volunteers and supporters, who shared their bright light during the darkest times, giving selflessly and saving lives every day. In the coming year we pledge to continue to honor their unwavering commitment by being the best possible stewards of the community’s gifts of time and money. Also, we can be thankful for the resilience of our organization and our willingness to seek out new ways to better fulfill our mission. With this year being our 91st year of service to the citizens of Ventura County we are embarking on a plan to better align our resources with the growth and needs of our citizens looking forward to the next 91 years. This campaign will not only expand our services but allow us to position our assets in a more efficient manner.

Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2008 with Comparative Totals for 2007 Complete audit available by contacting the chapter