Catching Up

I work in an office with two other VISTAs. The other two VISTAs are funded through the Opportunity Council. It has been really confusing getting that part straight. Our VISTA requirements are slightly different as they are able to have face to face interaction with their VISTA leads. Because their leaders are here they meet once a month in a group setting to talk about their projects and touch base. This is sort of like the conference calls we do as Volunteer Centers VISTAs. Further confusion has occurred over writing blogs and the PPR.

Work at Whatcom Volunteer Center has been pretty heavy. I'm busy alone with my project on top of getting used to what my requirements are as a VISTA. However, I think I finally have a hold of things! A bit late, but better late than never!

Watch out world, here I come!

So! My project is coordinating a furniture bank for people who were recently homeless and been housed through case management. Right now I am reaching out to the community by meeting with neighborhood associations. It is really interesting getting to hear the issues facing each neighborhood. It is also great spreading the word about the furniture bank and getting people excited about the work we do.

It is only 6 weeks in and it is going so fast. Not too much to report now, hopefully next time!

Lisa Hust

House 2 Home Network Coordinator

Whatcom Volunteer Center

Renewing America

"This is President Barack Obama. In the story of America the greatest chapters are moments of challenge when we see people serving their country and one another. Volunteers who step forward in the hospital corridors and church basements, along levees and fire lines. And the next chapter is yours to help right... Lets renew America together" -President Obama


The North Olympic Youth Corps members were recognized for their hard work on April 30th. 13 students were awarded their Varity Letter of Service and 12 received their Presidential Service Awards. Together these 30 teens served approximately 6,350 hours! These are young citizens working together to renew America one hour at a time.


-Taylor Schraudner
North Olympic Volunteer Center
Youth Corps Coordinator

Kick Off

When I was offered the position of Jefferson County Youth Corps Coordinator I had no idea just how the job would pan out. Things are moving forward, but I am still curious and excited to see how this all unfolds. I knew I would be creating and coordinating a varsity lettering program for high school students. I didn't quite realize how much say I would have in all of this. And apparently, it's a lot. "Hey, you go there and you figure out how to create and coordinate it!" Hmmm.... not entirely what I expected, but I won't shy away from opportunity and challenge. There is a so much room for this program to grow and benefit Jefferson County's students and communities.

So far, I've composed a grant to fund a project for my Youth Corps, and I am gearing up for our initial meeting this Thursday. Now to wrangle in the students! This last friday night I had the pleasure of helping the Port Angeles Youth Corps students cook a Friendship Dinner at the Methodist Church. I can only hope that my Corps can evolve in to something so inviting and fun. I've seen the potential for this project and I'm striving to establish something as meaningful in Port Townsend. This time next month should be very interesting.

In other news, VISTA life is treating me well. I am now a Peninsulite (if this isn't a word, it is now) and enjoying it to the fullest. Until next time, be kind, give what you have to give, lend a hand, grow a little and have fun doing it!

- Lee Routledge

Boy Oh Boy

Lemme tell ya, this first month of the VISTA life has been one gangsta whirlwind. I can't imagine experiencing some of this stuff anywhere else...

1. Where else do you have reason to drive 38 hrs. across the country with all your possessions stuffed into your coupe, with no guarantee of shelter, finance or camaraderie upon arrival in his new, strange home?

2. Where else do you live in a hellish, smoke-filled pit with insane old-schoolers because its the only place you can find on short notice (i've since moved out)?

3. Where else are you thrust into service, the nature of which you have little to no experience, with two different agencies, in two different towns, coordinating programs that don't yet exist and, for that matter, have not yet been meaningfully conceptualized? Where else is that considered pleasant news?

4. Where else do you meet some topsy-turvy, rabid-cool, grape-soda-slammin, grandma-pajama-wearin mamma-jammas like Lee Routledge and Taylor Schraudner who make you know you're not as insane as items 1-3 may have made you feel?

5. Where else are you surrounded by natural beauty the likes of which you hadn't before known, and hikes that make you feel like the king of your own little world (for at least one afternoon every week).

6. Where else do you meet old people that are way cool?

I can't think of a place on earth where all of the above apply. This year will be unique.

In conclusion, VISTA is awesome and I'm adjusting well.

Love,
Chase Hill

Officially Living the AmeriCorps Lifestyle

Well team, it's official! I've been approved for food stamps, financial assistance at the YMCA, and trading cleaning duties for free yoga at a local studio (never to conflict with my work schedule, of course). Pair this with my housing agreement of dog-sitting for free rent, along with cheap hair-cuts at the local salon institute and a couple happy hour specials here and there- and BAM! I'm suddenly working the system. ;)

Aside for becoming accustomed to this new lifestyle, my assignment is going well. The program, Youth United, that I am working with at the United Way is preparing for their annual Varsity Letter in Community Service Celebration that is quickly approaching! This year, we have over 300 high school students that volunteered more than 145 hours apiece in the past year to earn their Varsity Letter. Pretty cool stuff. To think that I could have possibly lettered in something and worn that stylish jacket... hmm. But, I digress...

My program consists of myself and my supervisor... SO it's a busy busy time right now! It has been exciting to be given so much responsiblity right off the bat though. We are holding the reception at the Tacoma Dome, expecting about a thousand attendees. I guess that the governor of WA spoke last year! We invited Obama, but he's tied up in Haiti at the moment. Bummer.

After the big reception, I'll begin diving into my VAD a bit more.. working on the alumni portion and a few grants. We have a former Youth United member that will be interning for the summer- so it will be great to work with her on the alumni relations piece.

Aside from learning to live the cheap life and navigating the United Way system, Tacoma has been extremely inviting. The transition from MN went much more smoothly than anticipated. Yes, I could use a few more friends... but I suppose with time... patience is a virtue, right?

Well, I'm off! Enjoy the final day of AmeriCorps week~

Vanessa Fraenkel, Youth United Assistant, United Way of Pierce County

Walter

Walter is my secret weapon. The first time I met him was in our Innovative Services NW Adult Day Health Center amongst a group of clients headed inside the living room area. I saw this gentle looking man who is hunched over, not really moving, barely audible, but whose smile takes over his whole face. He reached up to me and his arms asked for a hug. Who knows how long it lasted, but it was epic. This man needed a hug and knew how to give one. What a character!

From that point on, whenever I brought a potential volunteer to meet the group I would make sure they experienced Walter's long gaze and arms if they were so inclined. It never fails! Warmth just permeates from his eyes to his toes. As I got to know him, I found that his personality was just as powerful.

He sits in the same chair, that happens to be first when entering the center. Setting his walker to the side, just so, he would fall into the familiar arms and let himself sink into that safe space. In fact, I often wouldn't even be able to see him until I turned the corner and entered the circle of chairs. However, I have taken to checking for his walker and then just petting his head and peeking around the corner and embracing his smiling face. He sure seems to love this and holds onto me for dear life. Next, he will undoubtedly ask for a book, by which he means a magazine. If I bring him back the one he wanted, he will immediately will place it into the bag attached onto his walker. This is Walter.

Now one day I was sitting and eating lunch with Walter, when someone called me over to another table. I happen to leave me cell phone on the table for only a moment. When I returned, what did I see but the superhero, this Walter, holding my cell phone in his hand. I had to do a double take! I looked at the phone and discovered that Walter was looking at my calendar. I glanced back up at him and he flashed me a super-smile that was nearly blinding. “Walter, did you take my phone?” I asked. His answer was outstretched arms and I just cracked up.

The next day, I was downstairs with a volunteer and had just handed Walter his magazine when he pulled me in for an extra long hug. As I was lifting myself up, he whispered in his best mumbly voice, “When will you marry me?” Surprised, I responded, “Walter, did you just ask me to marry you?” He smiled and nodded. “Awww, you are so adorable!” So now I know that smile will live with me forever!