Serving the Homeless on MLK Day

This MLK Day I looked for an opportunity that would be both fun and meaningful. My fellow VISTAs at AAFE and I found these in a service project with Jersey Cares. The service project took place at Rafael de J. Cordero, P.S. 37 in Jersey City, New Jersey, a school with over 680 students, roughly 64% of those are eligible for free or reduced lunch.

When we arrived we found the main objective of the day was school beautification, however, we were given the option to make no-sew blankets for the homeless instead. While two of my fellow VISTA members went upstairs to paint school walls, I opted to make no-sew blankets for the homeless We were instructed on how to make with blankets and given rolls of fleece.

We went straight to work! We laid them out on the auditorium stage, cut two same-sized pieces of fleece cloth together, fringed the sides, and tied the fringes together to create warm, doubled up blankets. I had a lot of fun making creative color combinations and cutting up the fringe. Overall, it was a rewarding day.We know the blankets will be going to those in need at homeless shelters, and it was nice to have finished, tangible results at the end of the day.

-Nelly K.,  AmeriCorps VISTA serving at AAFE

 

“To Improve the Lives of Marylanders by Ending Hunger”

It’s always amazing when I volunteer at the Maryland Food Bank distribution center in Halethorpe, MD, however, there was something magical when I  volunteered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I served with the Baltimore Chapter of AmeriCorps Alums and about 50 other volunteers. Along with a group of about 30 people, we packaged 20,000 pounds of food which included spices, juice boxes, salad dressings, miscellaneous high protein items, and tons of frozen meat: beef, pork, and poultry.This food will later be distributed to hundreds of partners of the Maryland Food Bank that directly serve Marylanders in need.

Volunteers mean so much to the Maryland Food Bank. I discovered that last year’s volunteers served hours that are equal to 14 or 15 full-time staff hours for the food bank. I was in shock and  amazed.= when we were told that a group of 50 people packaged 20,000 pounds of food in only 3 hours. It was such an incredible experience. I look forward to serving again soon.

“To Lead the movement and Nurture the belief that Together we can improve the lives of Marylanders by Ending Hunger.”

-Lauren Stadnick, Baltimore CASH VISTA

A “Day On” in Detroit

When one hears the phrase ‘soup kitchen’, an image springs to mind of men standing in long lines around a building, waiting patiently for a bowl of hastily prepared soup.

Going into my MLK Jr. Day of service, that image was imprinted in my brain. To my surprise as I walked into the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit I was greeted by a large, bright, captivating room that was bustling with activity.

I was assigned to work in the back area, where a large number of foods were purchased by the organization, and not donated. While I mainly sorted different food types and other small duties, I became aware of the impact even the smallest task has on the efficiency and success of the kitchen.

The quality and variance of the food surprised me; a healthy mix of vegetables, protein and carbs – this was much better stocked than my own kitchen!

During my time in the kitchen I heard stories from other volunteers about why they kept returning to the soup kitchen, and how the various services impact those in need. Some community members only came once or twice for a hot meal, others were more like regulars.

It was powerful to share an experience with an organization that was so much more than their name. I believe that Capuchin’s holistic approach is a successful way to empower their community members and help them be autonomous and independent, starting with a fresh, healthy meal.

– Kelsey Budnick,VISTA for the Financial Opportunity Corps, serving at Accounting Aid Society in Detroit, MI.

Helping Mama’s on MLK Day

On January 19, 2015, I decided to serve my community for the MLK Jr. Day of Service. In years past I would read books to children in my community or serve meals on MLK Day, but this year I wanted something different. I wanted something that would expand my scope of volunteerism and challenge me to look at community service from a different perspective.

I was given an opportunity to volunteer with an organization called Helping Mama’s, Inc. Helping Mama’s is a program which partners with local nonprofits in providing donated diapers, wipes, furniture, linens, clothes, baby equipment, furniture and other vital items mothers need to help take care of their families free of charge.

After a little research, I discovered that they provided a service to something I hold dear to my heart—children. I admittedly clicked the “like” button and signed up to volunteer.

I was eager to show up and serve on the morning of January 19th. While we ate breakfast, conversation and laughter flowed throughout the dining area. Smiles radiated on people’s faces, and I was in the midst of joyous people who all shared the desire to volunteer.

Next, I hurried to my location, grabbed a large bag of clothes, and began to sort. As I organized and stacked children’s clothes, I remembered thinking, “It’s the smallest acts of kindness that can cause the biggest reaction.” I felt my duties that day were small, but knew the impact generated by our collective service will have a huge effect on many lives. There will be plenty of children and parents that will feel the positive impact of the services that Helping Mama’s and their volunteers provide. Thank you Helping Mama’s and Dr. King for allowing me to serve on that day.

-Demeka Mozley, FOC VISTA

Two Rounds of Volunteer Training

In a two-day financial coaching training session, the Financial Opportunity Corps VISTAs at Sacred Heart in San Jose, CA brought on five eager volunteer financial coaches.These coaches will partner with and  work closely with clients who are ready to make a change in their financial future.Over the two days the volunteer coaches participated in interactive exercises such as trio-coaching, developing SMART goals, and 1-1 coaching demonstrations.

Day One: We laid out the foundation for the coaches. We explained the COACH model, the differences between advising and coaching and why coaching was so effective.

Day Two: We talked about more technical topics such as interpreting FICO scores, reading a credit report, and other financial fundamentals.

As trainers, we made sure to incorporate homework that allowed the coaches to practice the newly acquired skills and concepts. In addition, we found it was important to give enough time during the training agenda to allow for discussion and questions among the coach trainees.

Overall, the two-part training was a success! The five new coaches left energized with knowledge and confidence to begin working with their client partners very soon.