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Current VISTAs
  
Jerrell Braden,
South Lansing Community Development
Association (SLCDA):
Jerrell will start his position as
Community Outreach Coordinator at the SLCDA on August 23, 2009. As such,
he will be responsible for helping out with the day to day operations of
the SLCDA and strengthening the organizations growing social media
presence. Jerrell is a graduate of Michigan State University with a
degree in social relations. Jerrell has previous experience as an
environmental consultant, which fits with the SLCDA's mission to
continue the "greening" of South Lansing. After his term of service,
Jerrell hopes to continue his work in the non-profit sector.
Ruth Berger,
Eastside Community Action Center:
Ruth began her service in July '09
and is helping the ECAC with program and resource development that will
allow them to build capacity. She is a recent graduate from Michigan
State University with a B.S. in interdisciplinary social science,
focusing on economics and French. She has always loved volunteering and
being involved with non-profits, especially in the areas of education
and wellness. After her service she plans to pursue work or graduate
school in community and international development and would love to live
abroad.
Maryhelen Harper,
Gateway Community Services:
Maryhelen began her service to Gateway in late June 2009 as their
Director of Community Outreach and Fundraising. She has a B.A. from
Michigan State University in Journalism. Over the next year, Maryhelen
will plan, promote and produce at least two fundraising events for
Gateway, including their 40th Anniversary Event in the spring of 2010.
Her goals are to increase media exposure, capacity and sustain strong,
soulful relationships between our organization, the community it serves
and the sponsors that make its operation possible. After her year of
service, she'll be flying by the seat of her pants in whatever direction
the wind blows her...
Jeana-Dee Allen, NorthWest
Initiative: Jeana-Dee began her year of service as a
Community Building Assistant in July of 2009. She has a strong
background in documentary journalism and non-profit work. She started at
the NWI as a volunteer filmmaker. In her year of service, she will
produce a documentary film about re-entry. She will also work to build
the capacity of programs at the NWI. She plans to continue using her
skills in mixed media to help non-profits gain funding through strong
visual and audio documentation.
Christine Harris,
New
Way In, INC: check back soon for her bio!
Anneli Lucas,
Refugee Development
Center: Anneli will begin her service in
August '09, assisting with English as a second language classes,
supervising after-school tutoring, and helping people learn to drive.
She graduated from Hillsdale College with a major in History, and minor
in Classical Studies, and in the past several years has worked with the
under-privileged in downtown Atlanta, Indiana, and New Orleans after
Hurricane Katrina. This position offers her the chance to continue to
pursue her dreams while living in Lansing--the town of her choice.
Lori Eva,
North
Neighborhood Center: Lori will be
working at NNC, a part of NorthWest Initiative. Lori is an extremely
dedicated volunteer and has been working and/or volunteering with
organizations such as the Impact Initiative System of Care (Community
Mental Health), foster care, and shelter agencies since 1991. Her work
with North Neighborhood Center, a part of the NorthWest Initiative will
include youth program development through Dec. 2009.
Tiffany Chenault,
Haven House: Tiffany will be working with Haven
House, an org. providing emergency shelter and services to families in
need. She is an MSU graduate majoring in Family Community Services. Her
experience includes working as a teacher's aide, direct support care
worker, and MSU intern. Following her service in December 2009 Tiffany
hopes to pursue graduate studies in urban planning or community
services.
Penora Diamond,
South Side
Community Coalition: check back soon for her bio!
Ramona Spencer,
The Garden Project: Ramona is a lifelong gardener and is
committed to ethically grown foods. Her interests include how food
systems connect with people and their inter-linking effects. Ramona
holds a business degree from Davenport University. Following her service
in December 2009 she plans on continuing her fight against poverty and
addressing gaps in service.
Chad Badgero,
Old Town Commercial Association: Chad has M.A. in
Theatre from MSU and has a wide background in teaching and volunteering.
He has also served as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. These
experiences have driven him to pursue VISTA to help restore Old Town
Lansing. Following his service in December 2009, he hopes to stay
involved in community revitalization efforts and continue volunteering.
Jessica Swisher,
Reach Studio Art Center:
Jessica is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a B.S. in
Music Education. She has volunteered extensively working on youth
development and fundraising issues. Her interests include crafts such as
knitting, crocheting and sewing. Following her service in December 2009
she hopes to join National Civilian Community Corps as a Team Leader.
Justin Zeller,
Lansing Teen Challenge:
Justin started with Lansing Teen
Challenge in July '09. He works on volunteer recruiting, organizational
work, fund-raising, and project planning. He is a graduate of Michigan
State University with a B.A.in Psychology. He has worked for the
volunteer organizations: MSU Into theStreets, MSU Alternative Spring
Break, and various other agencies throughout the Lansing area. He hopes
to attend graduate school after his service at Lansing Teen Challenge is
fulfilled. |
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