My name is Melissa Grant and I'm the Program Director for Michigan's Campaign to End Homelessness AmeriCorps Program. While this blog is for the thoughts of my members and not my own, I felt compelled to talk a bit about the start of our new program year and some of the things we have in the works.
Our new members began officially on October 24th, save for Corey Saylor, who returned for a second year of service and started a bit earlier. I'm pleased to share that Corey will be serving as our LeaderCorps representative for the 2011-2012 year. If you'd like more information about LeaderCorps members and their greater role in National Service, check out their blog.
October is an incredibly frantic month for me as I plan orientation and try to balance the needs of my new members and site supervisors. Orientation also makes me nervous. I have to select what information is important enough to cram into two and a half days of intensive training and what can be reserved for later; I have to hold a good event in a decent venue while still being cognizant of our small budget; and I have to teach a group of strangers with radically different levels and styles of learning. Some years, orientation is a runaway success; other years, not so much.
I'm happy to say that this year's event was overall quite successful. This year's group of members is impressive in their level of intelligence and ability to dialog with me. I received some great ideas on how to tweak things for the future and also got some ideas on things I had never considered. Idea sharing, I think, is one of the unsung virtues of involvement in a National Service program such as ours. I have one way of doing things, one way of thinking, one way of interpreting; thanks to my members, our program can improve because we now have 20 different ways of thinking through things.
Now that orientation has drawn to a close and things are returning to a more manageable pace, there are a few other things of note coming up for our program. First, we're in the midst of re-competing for our federal funding this year. If you're not aware, AmeriCorps programs such as ours are federally funded; if we apply for competitive funding and receive it, we have guaranteed funding for three years. The program year that just began is the last year of our first three year cycle and so writing a new federal grant has been another task of mine this autumn. We should know toward the end of this month whether or not we've made the cut at the state level and will be invited to apply on the federal level for funding. I believe strongly in our program and the service our members provide, but I'm also a worrier and so I wonder about our prospects. As I've gotten older, I've learned to temper my irrational paranoia some and try to be cautiously optimistic when it comes to such things and so that will be my mantra until we find out next year whether or not we received the money. Deep breath and...ahh...cautious optimism.
We won't find out about funding until May 2012 so let us speak of more immediate things. The AmeriCorps Member Celebration hosted by MCSC will be happening at the Lansing Center on November 17th this year. The Member Celebration is a great one-day event for Michigan AC members, giving them the opportunity to network with members from other programs and attend professional development workshops. For whatever reason, our program has usually had a poor turnout at the event but this year we have a decently sized group going. I'm doubly pleased because this year, we'll finally have a picture in the slideshow! For those not in the know, MCSC has a slideshow that plays during the even featuring photos of members in action. Because of our program's nature and privacy concerns, our members can't exactly take action shots of their daily service. This year, I made sure to get a photo of everyone standing on the Capitol steps after our tour.
If you'd like to see the photo and won't be present at Member Celebration, head on over to our Facebook page and "like" us! One of my goals for this year is to greatly increase our social media presence (I refuse to Twitter though) and one of the ways we'll be doing this is through the Facebook page.
I believe I've prattled on enough and so would like to sign off by saying thank you to all of our program's supporters and the wonderful members that make our program possible. Here is to an excellent year of service!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
A Year Of Service
My name is William and I've been serving the Lenawee Emergency and Affordable Housing Corporation for almost a year now. The mission of this non-profit is to end homelessness. It's a lofty goal but then again, most noble causes are.
Now that my service is coming to an end, I have a chance to sit back and reflect on all of the projects that I've assisted on and the number of people that my service organization has helped. It's mind boggling to see the amount of good that this agency has done. The number of people that they've helped is staggering. The people that receive services are grateful and most of them begin to look for a way to give back to the community that gave them the critical help that they needed so desperately. It almost feels like a pay-it-forward system. It truly is amazing to see how people interact and respond to these situations.
To me, homelessness is not a "challenge" as some might say. I believe homelessness is a problem. "Challenges" are something to overcome, problems are something that won't go away until there is a permanent fix. For the most part, if we lose a challenge, we just try again next time and if we decide that we don't want to try that challenge again and try a new one, it's no big deal. Most challenges don't have a lot of negative side effects. Problems on the other hand, aren't as easy to dismiss. If you have a problem and it isn't fixed, there is almost always negative repercussions. I look at it like this, a challenge is something like "I couldn't finish that 5K race, I'll try better next time!" and a problem is more like "If you don't change that circuit box, the building could burn down due to an electrical fire." That might be a little bit exaggerated but that's kinda how I feel about.
AmeriCorps is a great program to help address this problem. When I started I wasn't sure how well I would be able help combat such a tremendous foe or if I'd even be any help at all. The staff that orientated us at our first meeting really dug in and showed us what we could do to help. It seems so impossible in the beginning but as my service year started to get underway I was involved with the November Needs Drive and then in January, Project Homeless Connect. It didn't take much time to see that ANYONE could help if they were given a little direction and the facts behind the problem.
The experiences and knowledge that I've gained from my service have been outstanding and irreplaceable. I also have gained a new appreciation for everyone that works in human services. It takes a special kind of person that has a lot of heart and patience to do what they do. The determination and convection to the job that they have is unwavering. I salute all of them.
In the end, I would like to thank AmeriCorps and LEAHC for an unforgettable year of service and experiences. I am truly grateful for everything and wish the best to all that fight to end this problem. I'll remain as a volunteer for the organization that I was serving. I hope other AmeriCorps members do the same.
My name is William Willnow, I fight to end homelessness.
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Real World
The Real World: As my service year ends, I am able to reflect and look upon all that I have learned and accomplished. I think AmeriCorps provides its members with more than “service” experience to the community but also gives us working knowledge and expertise in the community that we are 'working for". Nowadays, getting into the work force takes more than a college degree. It is also very important to get working experience and develop good connections. I have always had a “heart for service” but the reality of the world told me that I needed more real world knowledge. AmeriCorps provided me with this knowledge and experience in addition to allowing me to provide services to a community "in need". I am thankful for being able to serve my community in a very “real” way while attaining life long experience. I am so thankful for being part of such an immeasurable force that has touched so many lives.
-Soyini-
-Soyini-
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
My name is Erin Connolly, I am currently finishing up my service with Goodwill Industries in Traverse City as a housing assistant in Housing Support Services. Goodwill Industries in Traverse, is comprised of a variety of programs ranging from the retail store, to a homeless shelter, to a paper studio, as well as this program that assists individuals in locating housing and becoming successful and self-sufficient in their own housing.
In my position I have been exposed to a variety of different experiences. My service began with assisting homeless "guests" at the Goodwill Inn, and community members in finding either temporary or permanent housing. This aspect of my service could be very frustrating and disheartening at times. The realities of working with these populations is that often there are not the resources available to help, or they do not have the resources themselves. As we all know, MSHDA HARP HCV's are currently frozen and in Traverse City, other housing vouchers and subsidized and low-income rentals are on waiting lists of up to a year. The housing market in Traverse City for market rate rentals is very expensive. On average a one bedroom apartment ranges from $595-700 dollars, for a family, these numbers can be anywhere from $675-1000 dollars depending on the size of the family. Many of those served by Goodwill, have little to no income, or it is very sporadic. One of the most frustrating and devastating aspects of my service has been having to explain to individuals and families that it could be over a year before they find something appropriate, and that there are very few temporary options. If someone has no income, it could be even longer. Many individuals expect that I will have a magic solution, however, without adequate funding for housing assistance, and with little to no growth in the job market, my hands are often tied, and it becomes an issue of brainstorming what is the best possible solution for the time being. Probably, one of the most difficult times of my service was in the late spring when the hotels began to raise to their summer rates, and families that had been staying there all winter came flooding into my office, most often with not enough resources to house their families. Initially, I found this very emotionally overwhelming. I have a champion poker face, that often does not give away how I feel but there were days, especially during this time that I went home fairly devastated by not being able to come up with any adequate solution. I have become better at being able to turn it off when I go home, but I think the empathy I feel for these individuals is one of the things that makes me well suited for this line of work. I have an unconditional positive regard for the people that I meet with, and always have the main goals of assisting them with what is best and right for them.
On a lighter and more positive note, there isn't a better feeling than when I am able to assist someone in locating a rental that is affordable for them. Often an individual has not had their own place in a long time if ever. In many of these cases, Housing Support Services at Goodwill assists them in being successful in their housing. The case management services provided here are often extensive, with contacts ranging from assisting to paperwork, to organizing their homes, to finding activities for their children, the possibilities are endless. HSS has contracts with two local subsidized apartment complexes. Within these complexes, case management services are provided as well as educational classes that an employee of Goodwill and I have developed to enhance the skills and experiences of residents at these complexes. We have held classes on nutrition, organization, stress management, routines, and have also had social gatherings, such as an ice cream social, a holiday party, and an upcoming cook out. Often the attendance is low, but those that attend on a regular basis report gaining valuable skills and often enjoying the time that they spend with their neighbors as well as Goodwill staff.
When people think of Traverse City, they often think of a wealthy lake side community. One that is associated with boating, wineries, golfing and the Cherry Festival. This aspect of the town is wonderful and thriving, however, there is a side that many overlook or don't see. There are estimated to be nearly 600 people in the Grand Traverse area on any given night. When people think of homelessness they don't think of low populated rural areas, they think of urban settings, but homelessness is a reality for many of those in our northern communities. They face the same hardships as those in cities however; there are few shelters and very harsh winters. Except for college, I have lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, and had no idea that there was anyone that was homeless in the area. I may have been naive, but it is also an issue that is not talked about and kept out of the public eye. I learn more everyday about the differences in the life experiences of individuals.
Oncorps says that I have 6.24 weeks left of my service. As of right now, I'm not sure what this fall holds for me, I won’t lie, I’m nervous. This is a pretty scary time to be unemployed in Michigan. However, I will be beginning my second year of graduate school, and am more sure than ever in my decision to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. This experience has been life changing and priceless. This year has changed and bettered me as a person. I have been exposed to so much that has opened my eyes to both the suffering and joys of those struggling with poverty and have become stronger because of it. In the past, I have struggled with searching for "meaning," and I have found not greater "meaning" for my life than doing my part in assisting others in difficult times in their lives. I am excited about what my future holds, but will miss this particular experience. I have developed relationships with both people at the agency as well as those that I work with on a regular basis. My two years of experience in the AmeriCorps have been wonderful and beneficial for myself as well as those I have had the pleasure of serving. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have been able to serve at Goodwill.
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In my position I have been exposed to a variety of different experiences. My service began with assisting homeless "guests" at the Goodwill Inn, and community members in finding either temporary or permanent housing. This aspect of my service could be very frustrating and disheartening at times. The realities of working with these populations is that often there are not the resources available to help, or they do not have the resources themselves. As we all know, MSHDA HARP HCV's are currently frozen and in Traverse City, other housing vouchers and subsidized and low-income rentals are on waiting lists of up to a year. The housing market in Traverse City for market rate rentals is very expensive. On average a one bedroom apartment ranges from $595-700 dollars, for a family, these numbers can be anywhere from $675-1000 dollars depending on the size of the family. Many of those served by Goodwill, have little to no income, or it is very sporadic. One of the most frustrating and devastating aspects of my service has been having to explain to individuals and families that it could be over a year before they find something appropriate, and that there are very few temporary options. If someone has no income, it could be even longer. Many individuals expect that I will have a magic solution, however, without adequate funding for housing assistance, and with little to no growth in the job market, my hands are often tied, and it becomes an issue of brainstorming what is the best possible solution for the time being. Probably, one of the most difficult times of my service was in the late spring when the hotels began to raise to their summer rates, and families that had been staying there all winter came flooding into my office, most often with not enough resources to house their families. Initially, I found this very emotionally overwhelming. I have a champion poker face, that often does not give away how I feel but there were days, especially during this time that I went home fairly devastated by not being able to come up with any adequate solution. I have become better at being able to turn it off when I go home, but I think the empathy I feel for these individuals is one of the things that makes me well suited for this line of work. I have an unconditional positive regard for the people that I meet with, and always have the main goals of assisting them with what is best and right for them.
On a lighter and more positive note, there isn't a better feeling than when I am able to assist someone in locating a rental that is affordable for them. Often an individual has not had their own place in a long time if ever. In many of these cases, Housing Support Services at Goodwill assists them in being successful in their housing. The case management services provided here are often extensive, with contacts ranging from assisting to paperwork, to organizing their homes, to finding activities for their children, the possibilities are endless. HSS has contracts with two local subsidized apartment complexes. Within these complexes, case management services are provided as well as educational classes that an employee of Goodwill and I have developed to enhance the skills and experiences of residents at these complexes. We have held classes on nutrition, organization, stress management, routines, and have also had social gatherings, such as an ice cream social, a holiday party, and an upcoming cook out. Often the attendance is low, but those that attend on a regular basis report gaining valuable skills and often enjoying the time that they spend with their neighbors as well as Goodwill staff.
When people think of Traverse City, they often think of a wealthy lake side community. One that is associated with boating, wineries, golfing and the Cherry Festival. This aspect of the town is wonderful and thriving, however, there is a side that many overlook or don't see. There are estimated to be nearly 600 people in the Grand Traverse area on any given night. When people think of homelessness they don't think of low populated rural areas, they think of urban settings, but homelessness is a reality for many of those in our northern communities. They face the same hardships as those in cities however; there are few shelters and very harsh winters. Except for college, I have lived in Northern Michigan my entire life, and had no idea that there was anyone that was homeless in the area. I may have been naive, but it is also an issue that is not talked about and kept out of the public eye. I learn more everyday about the differences in the life experiences of individuals.
Oncorps says that I have 6.24 weeks left of my service. As of right now, I'm not sure what this fall holds for me, I won’t lie, I’m nervous. This is a pretty scary time to be unemployed in Michigan. However, I will be beginning my second year of graduate school, and am more sure than ever in my decision to pursue a Masters Degree in Social Work. This experience has been life changing and priceless. This year has changed and bettered me as a person. I have been exposed to so much that has opened my eyes to both the suffering and joys of those struggling with poverty and have become stronger because of it. In the past, I have struggled with searching for "meaning," and I have found not greater "meaning" for my life than doing my part in assisting others in difficult times in their lives. I am excited about what my future holds, but will miss this particular experience. I have developed relationships with both people at the agency as well as those that I work with on a regular basis. My two years of experience in the AmeriCorps have been wonderful and beneficial for myself as well as those I have had the pleasure of serving. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have been able to serve at Goodwill.
"Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sustainability?
Hi everyone!
My name is Sandra Holt, and I am a part-time member serving with Every Woman’s Place/Webster House Youth Services in Muskegon. I want to start out by saying that this year has been a real eye-opener! I decided to apply for this position after interning with this agency last summer. It has been a great way for me to develop in skills in other areas (previous experience was working with delinquent youth and adult victims of domestic violence/sexual assault) and help address this social injustice. I am very proud of the accomplishments I’ve made this year, and more importantly, the people that I’ve helped. It has solidified my notion that I want a career in the social work field, and I’ll be attending a social work graduate program in the fall.
At this agency, Tenant Based Rental Assistance helps assist homeless families and youth with long-term rental assistance. By providing funding for apartments, we hope to set up clients for successful, sustainable housing after the program phases out. While in theory, this program makes a lot of sense (and with some clients it definitely plays out well), I’ve noticed a lot of our clients haven’t been able to sustain housing once rental assistance was over. This is disheartening because we work hard to try and motivate them for their own benefit, but sometimes clients can’t find jobs or just aren’t interested in making the extra effort. This isn’t always the case… We have clients who flourish and really make strides during their time in programming. We provide casework services and attempt to link them with other services in the community, but I guess I am wondering if any of you have had similar experiences with clients, essentially, falling apart and becoming homeless again? We try to teach them life skills and set them up for success by being a support system and resource guide, but it doesn’t always work out. Anyone have any thoughts or insight on this?
-Sandra Holt
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Walking Wikipedia
Hi everyone! My name is Corey Saylor. I am serving my AmeriCorps service with the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team (MCREST). Like most of you, I can't believe that our service is almost over for the year. I am happy that AmeriCorps survived the budget cuts and will proudly be serving another year starting in October. I hope that many of you will as well!
As I look back at the time I have served with AmeriCorps and MCREST I get overwhelmed by how much I have learned in such a short time. I feel like I am a walking Wikipedia for the agencies and their roles in Macomb County.
Serving the homeless cause has proven to be such a rewarding task. I have met so many beautiful people in the last nine months. I have been truly blessed. The perseverance of not only the clients but of the case managers that do everything they can for them is something I truly admire and strive for.
AmeriCorps has opened up so many doors for me. It has given me the opportunity to give my future career a test run. I am glad to say that my choice to become a social worker is a permanent one! AmeriCorps has also allowed me to network with those in Macomb County and at times those in Wayne and St. Clair County. Let us not forget that serving as an AmeriCorps member looks pretty wicked on a resume! I believe this will be very beneficial when I seek employment in the social work field.
Although I am very proud of my service and I look forward to next year, I fear that history will repeat itself. We were all on edge for a few months when the government was making budget cuts. We all know our service has a positive impact on the communities we live in. I am glad the government made the right decision to keep AmeriCorps going; for how long is the question. Also, I fear the snail like pace grants are accepted and approved at. MCREST has not had sufficient housing assistant funds since January 1st. How are we to end homelessness or prevent future homelessness without the tools necessary to do so?
During my service this year I have learned a few valuable lessons; do not back down, voice your opinion, and there is always, always a loop hole in the system. The most important lesson I have learned is education is the key. Every volunteer I have encountered at MCREST has a light bulb go off during their service and they get it. They understand that the people MCREST help truly have no one and no place to go. The clients I have encountered are unaware of all the resources available to them. Many believe DHS is the first and last stop. When I signed up for AmeriCorps I did not expect to become a teacher of the homeless epidemic, but I am glad I am able to do so. I encourage all of you to educate those you encounter about the agency you serve at, AmeriCorps and homelessness in general.
I wish you all a great summer and look forward to serving with you in the future.
As I look back at the time I have served with AmeriCorps and MCREST I get overwhelmed by how much I have learned in such a short time. I feel like I am a walking Wikipedia for the agencies and their roles in Macomb County.
Serving the homeless cause has proven to be such a rewarding task. I have met so many beautiful people in the last nine months. I have been truly blessed. The perseverance of not only the clients but of the case managers that do everything they can for them is something I truly admire and strive for.
AmeriCorps has opened up so many doors for me. It has given me the opportunity to give my future career a test run. I am glad to say that my choice to become a social worker is a permanent one! AmeriCorps has also allowed me to network with those in Macomb County and at times those in Wayne and St. Clair County. Let us not forget that serving as an AmeriCorps member looks pretty wicked on a resume! I believe this will be very beneficial when I seek employment in the social work field.
Although I am very proud of my service and I look forward to next year, I fear that history will repeat itself. We were all on edge for a few months when the government was making budget cuts. We all know our service has a positive impact on the communities we live in. I am glad the government made the right decision to keep AmeriCorps going; for how long is the question. Also, I fear the snail like pace grants are accepted and approved at. MCREST has not had sufficient housing assistant funds since January 1st. How are we to end homelessness or prevent future homelessness without the tools necessary to do so?
During my service this year I have learned a few valuable lessons; do not back down, voice your opinion, and there is always, always a loop hole in the system. The most important lesson I have learned is education is the key. Every volunteer I have encountered at MCREST has a light bulb go off during their service and they get it. They understand that the people MCREST help truly have no one and no place to go. The clients I have encountered are unaware of all the resources available to them. Many believe DHS is the first and last stop. When I signed up for AmeriCorps I did not expect to become a teacher of the homeless epidemic, but I am glad I am able to do so. I encourage all of you to educate those you encounter about the agency you serve at, AmeriCorps and homelessness in general.
I wish you all a great summer and look forward to serving with you in the future.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Eye Opening Experience
Hi! My name is Chennelle Dismond and I am an Americorps Member serving at Metro Community Development in Flint, MI. I have been afforded the opportunity to serve in such an awesome organization addressing the housing needs of the community in a dynamic manner, surrounded by individuals who truly care about each and every client that walks through the door. The programs housed in this agency signify that “Partnering to Build Strong, Vibrant Communities” is not just the opening phrase in Metro’s Vision & Mission statement, but it is a sentiment that is woven into the very fabric of the agency and as a whole.
Before coming to serve at Metro as an Americorps Member, I had my own ideas about what homelessness looked like and what some of the causes could possibly be, however I never could have imagined many of the cases and/or causes that I have encountered over the past 7 months. Moms and their children living in cars, parks, or even abandoned buildings getting up going to school and work each day, not knowing where they would end up that night or how about the senior citizen taking care of a handicapped elderly sibling forced to decide on medication or paying the heat bill in the middle of a Michigan winter? Many of the faces of homelessness looked like me, to my amazement. To see an individual all made up, dressed in office attire, and revving to go; all the while sadness and wonderment locked behind their eyes and a cloak of pride to hide it all as the face of homelessness, left me in complete awe. I could have never imagined the many stories and faces of homelessness in our community and those abroad, that simply don't fit the bill of what homelessness used to be or what many still seem to think.
The upside to this is that there are agencies partnering and initiatives put in place to eradicate this seemingly growing epidemic. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow man and community in the capacity which I have. The services offered to every client that comes through our doors are not just tangible windows of opportunity, but also access to mental tools for success, by way of information. The consistent encouragement to attend every and any training and outreach that is pertinent to the success of the population we are working with is one of the many focuses of the agency where I am serving. Sometimes just the passing on of a little information can knock down barriers of most any size and/or origin. I have always been taught that "Knowledge is Power" and I know for a matter of fact that it truly is. Assisting clients in need of emergency services and linking them with the available community resources has been one of the most rewarding elements in my service. To see the sheer relief in a mother's face that her pending eviction has been thwarted and her babies' home is safe, or to receive a bear hug from an entire family because now they get to have heat in their home, or even to meet an expectant mom who's been couch surfing for over a year and be able to tell her that we can help get you into a home and also help you to stay there are just a the tip of the iceberg of rewarding experiences I can now claim in my life. These individuals and their circumstances, amongst many others I've met along the way, have not only "Opened My Eyes" in a new way to the world around me, but have begun to reshape my views on service, community, outreach and resources. I believe that because of my service as an Americorps Member serving in such an agency as Metro Community Development I am not only becoming a much better more informed person, but a far more effective and productive one in my community as well and for those reasons and this opportunity I am and shall always be grateful to Americorps and Metro Community Development.
Before coming to serve at Metro as an Americorps Member, I had my own ideas about what homelessness looked like and what some of the causes could possibly be, however I never could have imagined many of the cases and/or causes that I have encountered over the past 7 months. Moms and their children living in cars, parks, or even abandoned buildings getting up going to school and work each day, not knowing where they would end up that night or how about the senior citizen taking care of a handicapped elderly sibling forced to decide on medication or paying the heat bill in the middle of a Michigan winter? Many of the faces of homelessness looked like me, to my amazement. To see an individual all made up, dressed in office attire, and revving to go; all the while sadness and wonderment locked behind their eyes and a cloak of pride to hide it all as the face of homelessness, left me in complete awe. I could have never imagined the many stories and faces of homelessness in our community and those abroad, that simply don't fit the bill of what homelessness used to be or what many still seem to think.
The upside to this is that there are agencies partnering and initiatives put in place to eradicate this seemingly growing epidemic. I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to serve my fellow man and community in the capacity which I have. The services offered to every client that comes through our doors are not just tangible windows of opportunity, but also access to mental tools for success, by way of information. The consistent encouragement to attend every and any training and outreach that is pertinent to the success of the population we are working with is one of the many focuses of the agency where I am serving. Sometimes just the passing on of a little information can knock down barriers of most any size and/or origin. I have always been taught that "Knowledge is Power" and I know for a matter of fact that it truly is. Assisting clients in need of emergency services and linking them with the available community resources has been one of the most rewarding elements in my service. To see the sheer relief in a mother's face that her pending eviction has been thwarted and her babies' home is safe, or to receive a bear hug from an entire family because now they get to have heat in their home, or even to meet an expectant mom who's been couch surfing for over a year and be able to tell her that we can help get you into a home and also help you to stay there are just a the tip of the iceberg of rewarding experiences I can now claim in my life. These individuals and their circumstances, amongst many others I've met along the way, have not only "Opened My Eyes" in a new way to the world around me, but have begun to reshape my views on service, community, outreach and resources. I believe that because of my service as an Americorps Member serving in such an agency as Metro Community Development I am not only becoming a much better more informed person, but a far more effective and productive one in my community as well and for those reasons and this opportunity I am and shall always be grateful to Americorps and Metro Community Development.
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