Disaster Preparedness Workshops for Service Providers

Panelists

Be Aware and Prepared

San Francisco Community Agencies Responding to Disaster (SF CARD) connects nonprofit, faith-based, and private organizations with the network and knowledge they need to continue providing critical services after a disaster. SF CARD helps organizations prepare for small emergencies as well as large-scale regional disasters. Its work focuses on three core areas: Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.

Brian Whitlow has served as the Executive Director at San Francisco Community Agencies Responding to Disaster (SF CARD) since 2013. Brian has worked as a disaster planner and trainer since 2006. In addition to his preparedness experience and expertise, he has responded to local and national disasters including the San Bruno Pipeline Explosion (2010), Hurricane Sandy (2012), and the Camp Fire (2018).

Lessons from 211, 988 & CERT Leaders

The Contra Costa Crisis Center manages 211 for Contra Costa County residents – a comprehensive, up-to-date, and free of charge database of local health and social services. A call specialist is available 24/7 to talk or text someone in crisis and in need of help immediately. Also, through 211, individuals and families without housing are referred to shelter, daytime drop-in care centers, the CORE homeless outreach team, emergency food, job training, healthcare, mental health counseling, transportation, substance abuse treatment, and other services.

Lisa Malul serves as the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center, where she leads efforts to provide 24/7 crisis support, suicide prevention, and resource referrals across the region. With a strong background in community advocacy and leadership, she is dedicated to strengthening safety nets for individuals and families in times of need.

Pleasant Hill CERT has trained over 700 residents in the principles of preparing for disasters and safely responding to disasters since 2006. Following a disaster, CERT members take care of themselves and their family first and then reach out to assist their neighbors. Once the neighborhood situation has been assessed, CERT members then establish an Incident Command Post, help manage an organized response to areas in need, and respond to those areas as needed.

Jim Bonato retired as Vice President of Operations at California Optical Corp., where he oversaw engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping. Alongside his corporate career, Jim served in the Army and Army Reserves for 28 years, having commanded units at the company, battalion, and brigade levels. Since retiring, Jim has been the Program Manager for Pleasant Hill’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Disaster Financial Preparedness

Patelco Credit Union: For nearly 90 years, Patelco Credit Union has been a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative dedicated to helping its members and communities prosper. With nearly $10 billion in assets and over 500,000 members nationwide, Patelco’s mission is to build financial health and wellbeing by fueling hope and creating opportunities for financial resiliency

Ivonne Ortega is a seasoned Financial Wellness Partner at Patelco Credit Union, bringing over 25 years of experience in the credit union industry. In her role, Ivonne leads initiatives that expand access to financial wellness services through strong community partnerships. She collaborates with local businesses and nonprofit organizations to deliver impactful financial education and support to employees and clients. Passionate about empowering individuals and communities, Ivonne provides personalized financial coaching, educational resources, and strategic guidance to help members achieve lasting financial well-being.

United Policyholders is a nonprofit organization founded in 1991 that serves as a trusted resource and advocate for insurance consumers across all 50 states. The organization was created in response to a devastating wildfire in Northern California and has since worked to empower individuals with tools, education, and support for navigating insurance claims and improving disaster recovery.

Annie Barbour is a Program Liaison at United Policyholders, where she supports disaster survivors through outreach, education, and recovery programs. A survivor of the 2017 Tubbs Fire, she brings lived experience and deep community engagement to her work.

UWBA SparkPoint is a United Way Bay Area initiative that helps individuals and families achieve long-term financial stability through personalized coaching and access to essential services. Clients receive support in areas like budgeting, credit building, career development, and income growth, all tailored to their goals. SparkPoint centers are located throughout the Bay Area.

Elizabeth Maggio is the Senior Director of SparkPoint at United Way Bay Area, where she leads initiatives that help individuals and families achieve financial stability through coaching, education, and access to essential resources. With a focus on equity and long-term impact, she helps to expand opportunities for low-income communities across the region.

Red Cross Readiness & Local Recovery Sources

Red Cross in the Bay Area works to strengthen local partner networks in areas at high risk for extreme weather and existing barriers to resilience. This collaboration helps build capacity among community partners to deliver critical services such as health, hunger, and housing before and after disaster strikes. The most significant recovery needs revolve around chronic health conditions, food insecurity, and the availability of safe and affordable housing.

Nanette Shamieh is affiliated with the American Red Cross in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she serves as a Community Partnerships Coordinator. In addition to her professional role, she actively volunteers and contributes to public outreach, storytelling, and disaster preparedness efforts across the Northern California Coastal Region.

United Way Bay Area (UWBA) works to dismantle the root causes of poverty and build equitable pathways to prosperity across the region. Through initiatives like SparkPoint, 211, and community partnerships, UWBA connects individuals and families to critical resources, financial coaching, and support services. Their work empowers communities to achieve long-term stability and thrive.

Clare Margason is the Director of 211 at United Way Bay Area, where she leads efforts to connect individuals and families with critical health, housing, and social services across the region. Clare brings deep experience in community engagement and systems coordination to help strengthen the Bay Area’s safety net.