Hey there! My name is Miranda, and I am the new AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in the Transitional Housing Program at YWCA Missoula. I am originally from Napa, Calif., but I moved up to Missoula for my undergraduate studies in Psychology and
Communications. I started out
volunteering at the front desk about two years ago and couldn’t get
enough, so I went through Advocate training and Children's Advocate training to gain more knowledge and skills and give more time to the YWCA. During my
senior year of college, I had an internship through the GUTS! program, which helps girls identify and use their strengths.
After graduating from college, I decided to join the VISTA program and chose the YWCA as my host site to serve for the next
year. I am not sure what my plans are for the future - perhaps graduate school,
perhaps more non-profit work - but either way, the YWCA is a great experience and
opportunity for me on so many different levels.
Traveling is one of my passions, and as I started to travel
more often I realized that poverty and suffering is everywhere. I hope to go
back to these places and help to end poverty across seas, but it is very
important to recognize the issues folks in our local community face every day
as well. That is why I am here. My other passion is giving and helping out
those in need, whether it be resources, a meal, or even a literal helping hand.
I have a year full of capacity-building and service ahead of
me, including being a part of YWCA Missoula's Brown Bag Lunch Series team, conducting focus groups
for our program participants, working on Project Homeless Connect, doing presentations about YWCA services at other local organizations, assisting with orientations and interviews, as well as outreaching
to the community so that we can improve our services. It has been
such a pleasure being part of the YWCA crew already! It is so comforting
knowing that I work with a group of strong, smart, considerate and giving
women every day and that we are making a difference in countless families’ and
community members' lives.
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| Miranda (left) and Maura (right) are excited to serve YWCA Missoula this year! |
Greetings! My name is Maura, and I am so sincerely happy to
be here at the YWCA as the new AmeriCorps VISTA for the Pathways Children’s
Program. I first came to the YWCA two years ago as a volunteer with the
GUTS! program and was immediately impressed by the variety of services and the
scope of impact the YWCA has in our community.
Working with children has been a passion of mine for as long
as I can remember, and this passion has resulted in many adventures, such as
traveling to China to teach English, as well as discovering AmeriCorps in Spokane,
where I taught children skills to help them achieve success in reading as a
member of Washington ReadingCorps.
Each time I leave Montana, I know it is only temporary because Montana is my home and indeed where my heart is. I grew up
outside of Bigfork, and I am fortunate to be able to continue to go home and
visit my family and pets often. I find peace in the beautiful views of the
Swan Mountains and Jewel Basin, as well as the spectacular night sky.
I attended the University of Montana and received a bachelor of arts in
Psychology with a Philosophy minor, and I also enjoyed many Sociology and Social
Work courses. I am currently taking online classes to become certified in
Non-Profit Administration, and one day I hope to have a position in an
organization like the YWCA, working to help children and adults develop the
skills and tools that will enable them to reach their goals and make their
dreams a reality.
