What is TravelersCare?

TravelersCare is a volunteer program designed to support travelers who have been affected by crisis events. When a crisis strikes a traveler, citizen volunteers from TravelersCare respond to help.  Volunteers ensure that travelers are supported during a very difficult time in their lives.

Why TravelersCare?

When a person is emotionally traumatized, support is usually provided by family, friends, and neighbors who rush to the victim’s side.  Unfortunately, when a crisis strikes a traveler those who would normally provide help are miles away.

As a result, the traveler in crisis is often left alone during what may be the worst time in his life. TravelersCare volunteers serve as temporary support until the traveler is reunited with family and friends.

What Services are Provided?

Generally, the TravelersCare volunteer serves as the traveler’s guide from soon after the crisis event until he is safely en route to his hometown. Specifically, the volunteer may provide the following:

• Emotional support and guidance during the long waiting periods at the hospital, hotel, airport . . .      
• Assistance in notifying out of town family members and making local arrangements, if necessary      
• Liaison between the traveler and the emergency response system      
• Practical assistance such as arranging for transportation and making phone calls      
• Protection from the media      
• Follow up contact with the traveler after he returns home

Who Provides the Service?

TravelersCare volunteers are local residents with diverse backgrounds. They are members of the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP), a highly regarded crisis intervention organization. These volunteers are subjected to rigorous training and screening procedures and are experienced in working on emergency scenes.