Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps VISTA members dedicate a year of service to help eradicate poverty by building the capacity of the organizations they serve. Two amazing VISTAs are wrapping up their service this month: Jared and Sophie. We are so grateful to them for their commitment to service!
Jared has served as the Shelter with Dignity Development VISTA with Chum. During his year of service, he has supported Chum’s emergency shelter and helped develop the Stepping On Up supportive housing plan. Chum is the largest provider of emergency services in Northeastern Minnesota. This year, Jared has connected with Duluth residents experiencing homelessness, conducted community engagement sessions, helped with fundraising events, and participated in long-term planning to address housing insecurity in Duluth. Jared was a familiar and friendly face at the emergency Warming Center all winter, which provides a safe place for people to sleep during the coldest months of the year.
Sophie has served as the Economic Development VISTA at the Fond du Lac Reservation. During her year of service, she has worked to address planning and economic development opportunities. In her time at Fond du Lac, Sophie has built capacity in a truly impressive way. She was the sole author of four grants, bringing in $520,000 to the Band that included transportation solutions and a full-time grant writer position. Sophie also spoke at the Mayoral Proclamation during AmeriCorps Week, sharing her positive experience serving with the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
Jared and Sophie have made powerful positive impacts at their host sites and in the community. We thank them for all their work and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
If you would like to put your talents to work for the benefit of your community, see our open positions!