Farewell!

Hello All:

I will be leaving the PWC VISTA Project as Coordinator on 4/29 to begin a very similar position with the Mott Foundation and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint on 5/9. This has been a tremendous growing experience for me over the last four years, personally and professionally. I am very grateful for all I've learned, the friends I've made and the greater understanding I have of the community and development. As each member comes and then moves on to bigger things I can see pieces of the greater puzzle. I see service etched into their thinking and solving processes, I can see a greater sense of self through community and I can see a deeper connection to the people, buildings and environment around them. Service has so many benefits and I'm proud to have been a part of it. Thank you to all for making this a success. Lansing will always be in my heart and I am carrying with me all these success stories to the new project in Flint. I will be in touch! I am passing this blog and the website off to Sergio Ruiz, VISTA to the Power of We Consortium, as of today. Peace, love and good food to all.

Mary

Thoughts from a Graduating VISTA...

From Chad Badgero, 2nd term VISTA 4/'10-'11:

Before I came to AmeriCorps, I was a teacher and worked in the theatre. I had a strong desire to get more involved in Community Service, and I knew I wanted to contribute more to my community, but I didn't know exactly how to do that. When the Executive Director of the Old Town Commercial Association said they were looking for an AmeriCorps member, I didn't even know what that meant. But after signing on at the OTCA and beginning work in this amazing community, I realized a fulfillment and satisfaction that I never knew. By working with AmeriCorps and Old Town, I have found a passion for community service, felt a sense of satisfaction in revitalizing a community, and seen the tremendous impact one person, one group of dedicated individuals, and one organization can do to better our community and our world. The OTCA relies on their volunteers to make the over 111 events happen throughout the year, and AmeriCorps relies on volunteers in the same way to make our communities and our world a better place. I truly will never be the same after my two years of service with AmeriCorps. Some of my biggest accomplishments are the creation of Old Town's first community garden, the growth of Compassionate Feast (which provides local families with a complete Thanksgiving meal), being part of 4 ribbon cuttings for over 25 new businesses, assisting with the building of Old Town's first community built playground, growing their volunteer database from 800 to 1300+, and my involvement with the Farmers Market.