Summer Planning

As we conclude the 2011-12 year, there are so many wonderful achievements, friendships, and memories to reflect upon.  I'm so grateful for the amazing work done by our AmeriCorps members, staff and volunteers on behalf of the CalSERVES programs.

 

 

As we move into the new year, planning is underway!  Here are some highlights of what we are working on for next year.

After School:  We are excited to welcome our 35 new Classroom Leaders who will join the CalSERVES staff at our Santa Rosa school-based programs to provide leadership to each of our after school classrooms.  We will also be including Service Scholars interns who will bring focused, inspiring instruction to youth in one of four areas of specialty: Art, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), PE/Nutrition and Literacy.  We are excited to increase the depth and breadth of our services to students next year.  If you are interested in any of these positions, contact us at recruitment@calserves.org.

Healthy Behaviors:  Our PE and Nutrition program continue to bring vital services to thousands of youth in Sonoma and Napa Counties.  We are currently reviewing curriculum so we can provide the highest quality daily nutrition and PE lessons.  We will be focusing on goal setting next year, working hard to improve the health and fitness of all our students.

AmeriCorps VIP:  The VIP program staff is working hard this summer on expanding webinars and providing additional online training curriculum for AmeriCorps VIP Fellows around the State so they can be as effective as possible in supporting high quality volunteer programs.

AmeriCorps VIP Coordinator Lauren Serpa with VIP Leaders Patrick Link and Nikki Maci

While there is a lot going on this summer, I hope everyone takes time to relax and enjoy as well!

Impact of the Cesar Chavez Day Health Fair

 

Participants of the Health Fair answer the question:

 

What was the impact?

 

 

A rainy day couldn't stop the 1,500 community members who attended the Cesar Chavez Day Health Fair which took place Saturday, May 5 2012 at Meadow View Elementary School.  The Fair provided free medical and dental screenings, vital health information, free bags of fresh fruit & vegetables, free hair cuts, bike safety & repair, and so much more...

 

There were amazing giveaways for everyone! — Martial Arts Academy

People are getting the help they need. — Redwood Empire Food Bank

It brought together a community spirit & unity to change things for the better. — National Latino Peace Officers' Association

 

Parents received valuable information and New Parent Kits. — First 5, Sonoma County

 

 There are wonderful services/information to benefit the public. — St. Joseph's Health System

 

The health theme every year is so valuable. — City of Santa Rosa

 

The AmeriCorps volunteers were very helpful. — Community Action Partnership

I want to thank the hundreds of community volunteers &

AmeriCorps members who made the Fair a success!

It Was a Day On

 

Dr. Martin Luther King said Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' During this weekend honoring Dr. King, I set about to document the many ways this question was being answered.

My Martin Luther King Jr. weekend got off to a great start on Friday evening at Kawana elementary school, where the after school program students sang, danced and spoke their understanding of the values of Dr. King.

Each after school class did a wonderful MLK themed performance.

This young student gave a speech about the need for a safer and more loving environment at school.  It was very moving....

he then entered into the welcoming embrace of Dad, who was so proud!

On Monday, I visited four projects organized by Jerry Noviello and the CalSERVES team to improve services for foster and homeless youth.

First, I visited Catholic Charities, Family Support Center which is a comprehensive shelter program for homeless families where AmeriCorps members cooked and served brunch.  These AmeriCorps members decorated the room with student artwork which delighted the crowd.

A very busy kitchen...breakfast burritos anyone?

Ready to serve!

Ready to eat!

Student artwork from R.L. Stevens decorates the dining room.

Next I went to the V.O.I.C.E.S. where they were moving the entire office down the street!  V.O.I.C.E.S. provides a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental community where youth transitioning from all systems of care can utilize peer-based resources, feel connected, and build a foundation for their futures.

Taylor & Lauren having some fun!

The leaders of V.O.I.C.E.S, Diana and Jessica were so excited to have the help.

Our wonderful Home Depot volunteers building planter boxes.

Lots of furniture to move!

On to the Living Room, a daytime drop-in center in Sonoma County that specifically serves homeless and at-risk women and their children, where AmeriCorps members spread out throughout the facility cleaning and painting.

Organizing the book shelves

Making way for more yard waste

Cleaning outdoor furniture and toys

Painting, painting, and more painting

Now off to TLC a non-profit in Sebastopol where they were painting and beautifying this facility that serves over 600 children who have been abandoned, neglected, abused or who are apart of a growing population of children facing mental health challenges.

Home Depot volunteers were painting masters!

Emily Mann leads the charge on a quilting project.

Kitchen walls get a coat of paint...

and murals are created to brighten the walls.

All together, over 100 CalSERVES AmeriCorps members and volunteers provided 400+ hours of service to four organizations, which provide essential services to the same children and families we serve every day.  Thank you AmeriCorps members and our service partners for all you do...

You have all answered Dr. King's most persistent and urgent question.

Thanks Giving

I am thankful for many things including the amazingly committed people who serve as AmeriCorps members in the CalSERVES program. 

The VIP AmeriCorps Fellows are an amazing group of individuals, who work tirelessly to build volunteer programs in non-profits and educational organizations.  They engage over 100 volunteers each bringing thousands of hours of services to children and families.

I asked the VIP Fellows serving in Sonoma County to share their inspiration to serve.  Enjoy and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Sonoma County VIP team at the 2011 VIP Conference in Sanger, CA

Lauren Loeffler, Wright Charter:  Life is a privilege; I want to earn my keep.

Richelle Andrae, Taylor Mountain:  I trust that adults investing our time and sharing our passions with youth is the only way to make the world a more beautiful place! I am reminded each time a challenging kid smiles at me, or asks me how I'm doing.

Melissa Collins, Kawana Elementary:  It is a part of my DNA. For as long as I can remember I have always had the need to help people, and put their needs before my own. It is something that comes naturally.

Holly Cumbie, Meadow View:  It makes me a better person.

Patrick Link, Leader:  I desire to learn more about others beyond my comfort zone. I enjoy the way that service challenges me through exposure to diverse populations. Whether it be children, co-workers, or community members, I enjoy learning about others' cultures and styles of work. I find that so often it is easy to retreat when exposed to something different, but while serving I wasn't given that option--and that has made it all the more rewarding and satisfying.

Jaime Leimkuhler, Extended Child Care:   it is my passion. We are all put here on this Earth to serve in one way or another. Talking with people, being apart of a community is what makes me feel whole, makes me feel alive. I serve, and have been served. I am inspired to serve because I am living.

Tyler Rockey, R.L.Stevens:  I tend to feel good when I help other people...Perhaps I am just fortunate that doing what makes me feel good also happens to be that which society describes as serving.

Kelsey McBride, SCAN:  There are many things in this world that we have no control over. Therefore, the most important thing one can do in life is try to help someone else get through the things in life that just happen.

Julianna Whittaker, Bellevue Elementary:  I can't imagine doing anything else. My parents raised me to always help out when I can, and taught me to do so by example. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity help others, and I am so glad that my position allows me to share with others how they can make a difference as well.