This year, I have been fortunate to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Friends of Youth, where I worked with youth facing homelessness on the Outreach Team. I was the Volunteer Coordinator who recruited, managed and trained volunteers to connect with our staff and guests. Being a part of this team gave me a chance to see homelessness from a different perspective. I can’t give enough praise and respect to our case managers, after seeing how much they do each and every day. They come in with great attitude, give 110%, and help youth meet their goals. This support and goal achievement gets youth out of homelessness.

My time as a VISTA has opened so many opportunities for me to give back to the community. I was able to share my knowledge and spread my passion about homelessness in East King County. I enjoyed supporting the community at events that United Way of King County coordinated, especially serving at the Community Resource Exchange and Day of Caring, and working with other non-profit organizations such as the YMCA, where I volunteered at the Seattle Seahawks games to promote programming.

The most amazing experience I’ve had as a VISTA has been meeting all of the dedicated individuals who are dedicated to serving others. We are so lucky to live in a community that gives back.