Current First 5 Service Corps VISTA Members serving in orange county
VISTA Leader:
VISTAs:
Nicole (LaJean) Akridge, OC Stem initiative
Hometown: Upland, CA
Service Term: November 2011- November 2014
Service Project Description: OC STEM is a network of community stakeholders furthering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math among Pre-K-12 graders in Orange County. I will be serving as the Pre-K Specialist looking to expand and develop the current STEM curriculum for Pre-K educational programs. Specifically, I will be helping to develop the OC Connector, which matches educators with industry professionals in STEM to host classroom visits so that children can see the real-life value of STEM Careers. I will also be helping to raise awareness through communications in social media, events, and outreach. The first 5 years of education are the most crucial, and studies show that success in STEM areas is the greatest predictor of success in future education.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA?: I joined AmeriCorps VISTA in order to gain meaningful career experience , in order to apply what I’ve learned in college. It is great to see that the work I’m doing is making a difference in people’s lives.
Interesting Fact: I am a first generation college student.
Service Term: November 2011- November 2014
Service Project Description: OC STEM is a network of community stakeholders furthering Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math among Pre-K-12 graders in Orange County. I will be serving as the Pre-K Specialist looking to expand and develop the current STEM curriculum for Pre-K educational programs. Specifically, I will be helping to develop the OC Connector, which matches educators with industry professionals in STEM to host classroom visits so that children can see the real-life value of STEM Careers. I will also be helping to raise awareness through communications in social media, events, and outreach. The first 5 years of education are the most crucial, and studies show that success in STEM areas is the greatest predictor of success in future education.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA?: I joined AmeriCorps VISTA in order to gain meaningful career experience , in order to apply what I’ve learned in college. It is great to see that the work I’m doing is making a difference in people’s lives.
Interesting Fact: I am a first generation college student.
Virginia Clara, Oak View Renewal Partnership
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Service Term: November 2013-2014
Service Project Description: This year I will be serving Oak View Renewal Partnership to help them narrow the gap between the Oak View community and the rest of Huntington Beach. This will be done through community outreach and by improving community leadership.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA?: I joined AmeriCorps VISTA because growing up I always envisioned coming back and helping the community that shaped me into the person I am today. AmeriCorps VISTA and Oak View Renewal Partnership are giving me the opportunity to give back to the community I grew up in by helping them grow. Therefore, as soon as this opportunity was offered, I took the opportunity without thinking it twice.
Interesting Fact: I enjoy cuddling up with a good book and a warm cup of coffee.
Jamie Ranslow, Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove, ARCHES Program
Hometown: Pepperell, Massachusetts
Service Term: November 2013-2014
Service Project Description: Build capacity and sustainability through funding, marketing, outreach, and community collaborations for vision and mental health services offered at BGCGG ARCHES. Work with Targeted Case Management (TCM) and MediCal patients and programs to bring quality, efficient, and affordable options for health care delivery to those served by the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA?: To give back to a community and those in need of assistance in appreciation and gratitude for all the opportunities I have been given; to become aware of the front-line work that daily serves under- and uninsured families; to gain an understanding of non-profit organizations, their collaborations, and how they work as neighborhood assets to make a difference in the community; to inspire my future career to be rooted in servant-leadership and remain mindful of the needs of all people.
Interesting Fact: I still use an internet-less flip-phone…. and have no intention of giving it up anytime soon!
Service Term: November 2013-2014
Service Project Description: Build capacity and sustainability through funding, marketing, outreach, and community collaborations for vision and mental health services offered at BGCGG ARCHES. Work with Targeted Case Management (TCM) and MediCal patients and programs to bring quality, efficient, and affordable options for health care delivery to those served by the Boys & Girls Clubs.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA?: To give back to a community and those in need of assistance in appreciation and gratitude for all the opportunities I have been given; to become aware of the front-line work that daily serves under- and uninsured families; to gain an understanding of non-profit organizations, their collaborations, and how they work as neighborhood assets to make a difference in the community; to inspire my future career to be rooted in servant-leadership and remain mindful of the needs of all people.
Interesting Fact: I still use an internet-less flip-phone…. and have no intention of giving it up anytime soon!
Miraya Surya, Family Support Network
Hometown: Tarzana, CA
Service Term: November 2013-2014
Service Project Description: I will work with the Family Support Network Board of Directors, Fundraising Committee, to develop a Fundraising Strategy/Plan, set fundraising monetary goals, organize fundraising activities, and implement efforts to bring in unrestricted dollars to the organization. I will also conduct outreach campaigns, including a collaborative video development, in the community to increase awareness of the organization to increase volunteer involvement and individual contributions.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA? I thought this would be a great opportunity to exercise and broaden my skills and abilities, specifically in the areas of fund development and community outreach. This specific position is very important to me because I am able to learn about the healthcare industry, which I knew little to none about, and how it effects the community and society in whole. I believe that after my term of service I will be able to use my experience, knowledge and abilities to better serve other organizations striving to help underserved populations.
Interesting Fact: I had a one-on-one experience with my favorite animal: Sloths.
Service Term: November 2013-2014
Service Project Description: I will work with the Family Support Network Board of Directors, Fundraising Committee, to develop a Fundraising Strategy/Plan, set fundraising monetary goals, organize fundraising activities, and implement efforts to bring in unrestricted dollars to the organization. I will also conduct outreach campaigns, including a collaborative video development, in the community to increase awareness of the organization to increase volunteer involvement and individual contributions.
Why did you join AmeriCorps*VISTA? I thought this would be a great opportunity to exercise and broaden my skills and abilities, specifically in the areas of fund development and community outreach. This specific position is very important to me because I am able to learn about the healthcare industry, which I knew little to none about, and how it effects the community and society in whole. I believe that after my term of service I will be able to use my experience, knowledge and abilities to better serve other organizations striving to help underserved populations.
Interesting Fact: I had a one-on-one experience with my favorite animal: Sloths.