AmeriCorps alums are everywhere.
Faith Josephs works at the Development and Strategic Initiatives Director at the Latin American Coalition in Charlotte, the largest immigrant rights organization in the Carolinas. The Coalition has been an ACCESS partnership for years. As a current ACCESS Site supervisor and alum, Faith Josephs reflects on her member and her experience.
“We love having an AmeriCorps member because it greatly enhances the services our staff provide to the community we serve.” Faith shares, “our members always bring fresh new ideas that often continue even after the member moves on to new opportunities.” Kendal Thomas, the Coalition’s current member, provides employment and job related support and assistance to immigrants that come into the office.
“We have had two members who were hired after they finished completing their year or two of service, which shows us the positive impact AmeriCorps has had on our organization.”
Faith knows this experience well. Right out of college, AmeriCorps provided Faith with the opportunity to explore her interests and grow professionally. “ I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated from college and choosing AmeriCorps ended up being one of the best choices I have ever made because it put me on a clear career path that I am passionate about.”
Faith served as an ACCESS member from 2009-2010 with the Teen Parent Mentor Program at the YWCA in Greensboro. “Through my AmeriCorps service I started working with immigrants and refugees and have continued to do so through a few different non profit organizations.”
“I love serving this community and have made it my area of expertise.” In her new role, Faith has the opportunity “to uplift immigrant voices and share success stories to increase funds for these critical programs and services. This would never have been possible without my AmeriCorps experience.”