Hawaii Volunteer JJ Jose Powers Red Cross With Quiet Care

Joy "JJ" Jose arrives at the American Red Cross office in O'ahu before anyone else most mornings, ready with warm hugs and a smile that sets the tone for the entire day.

She joined the Red Cross in November 2015, just months after her husband passed away. While caring for her mother, she still had time she wanted to use meaningfully, and the chapter was within walking distance of her home.

At her first meet-and-greet event, something remarkable happened. One of the therapy dogs from the animal visitation program stayed by her side the entire time, sensing her grief.

"His owner told me he sensed my loss," JJ remembered. "That moment really stayed with me."

Since that day, JJ has become the backbone of the O'ahu chapter's Volunteer Services department. She coordinates recognition efforts, sends birthday notices to volunteers, prepares for events and welcomes new team members with the same warmth she received on her first day.

Her impact showed brightly during the Maui wildfire response. While other volunteers deployed to the disaster zone, JJ stayed at the office ensuring mainland volunteers had everything they needed: food, supplies, information and someone who genuinely cared about their comfort.

"They would come and ask me for things, and I enjoyed making sure they were taken care of," she said. "I like to make people feel comfortable."

Sunny's Take

JJ's supervisor, Jaylene Chee, calls her "the silent strength behind the public-facing workforce." She handles everything from disaster response logistics to Service to the Armed Forces events, always with the same steady reliability.

"JJ does everything and anything," Jaylene said. "And she does it with a smile that makes even the busiest day feel lighter."

The work suits JJ perfectly because it aligns with how she was raised. "I feel really good when I can help someone," she explained. "I just like to be useful."

The Red Cross has given back to her too. JJ says the organization helped her overcome her shyness and find community after loss. She stays motivated by seeing satisfaction on people's faces when she supports them.

"I really feel the love," she said of her team. "It makes it worthwhile."

JJ represents the 90 percent of Red Cross workers who are volunteers, the quiet heroes who make disaster response and blood services possible across America. Her story shows how purpose and community can heal grief while helping countless others.