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PROGRAMS

LISC AmeriCorps

LISC AmeriCorps
 Since 1994, LISC has been designated as a national sponsor for the AmeriCorps program, which is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The LISC AmeriCorps program connects civic-minded and community-based members with nonprofit community development organizations and other grassroots organizations involved in community development activities. The objective of the program is twofold. First, the program provides human capital resources to local organizations to support and promote the expansion of their community development initiatives. Second, the program introduces individuals to the field of community development and prepares them for careers in the field. According to a recent longitudinal study, more than 60% of AmeriCorps alums go on to work in non-profit or public agencies.

Eight local  organizations are hosting LISC AmeriCorps members during the 2007-2008 service year.  AmeriCorps members are working on service projects that increase affordable housing, provide safe spaces for children, increase economic opportunities, promote community building, and recruit and coordinate community volunteers.

We are pleased to announce the following organizations will host members for the upcoming service year beginning in September:

Casa Familiar, City Heights CDC, El Cajon CDC, International Rescue Committee, Townspeople, and the YWCA. 

If you would like more information on how your organization may benefit from the LISC AmeriCorps program, please contact Emily Kohl at ekohl@lisc.org.   

LISC AmeriCorps for Members
LISC AmeriCorps: Getting things done!

The LISC AmeriCorps program is now recruiting for the 2008-09 service year!

The LISC AmeriCorps program allows members to make a difference in San Diego neighborhoods and gain valuable work experience. Members make a direct impact by working to:

To view a flyer about the LISC AmeriCorps program, click HERE.  Contact Emily at ekohl@lisc.org to find out more information on LISC AmeriCorps opportunities or to apply, send a resume and cover letter to the same address.

You can also view service descriptions and contact the organizations directly:
Casa Familiar

International Rescue Committee

Townspeople

Profiles of the 2007-08 LISC AmeriCorps members:

Victor Alcala
MAAC Project

As a Community Organizer I am attempting to unify a neighborhood and teach them how to be self sufficient. I organize neighborhood meetings and speak to local businesses about how they can better connect to the community were they are located.  I am also assisting MAAC Project with the different services they provide to the city of San Diego such as rental assistance, VITA tax service, and community development activities.

Nara Alvarez
El Cajon Community Development Corporation

I choose to join El Cajon CDC because their mission statement and history of community development has stood solid.  I have been given the opportunity to have an impact on the community and learn from my team.  My experience thus far, has allowed me to assist families in the purchase of their first home and obtain skills that I can take with me. What I enjoy the most is that when I encounter any challenge someone is always here to assist me or answer any questions, which results in me being more productive.

Jeremy Cullimore
El Cajon Community Development Corporation

I am serving at the El Cajon Community Development Corporation as the Community Development Assistant.  Prior to my entrance into LISC AmeriCorps I had an internship at the El Cajon CDC in the economic and community departments.  Our mission as an organization is to revitalize and ensure the economic vitality of Downtown El Cajon. We seek to increase community pride and ownership by beautifying downtown neighborhoods through monthly neighborhood clean-ups and by forming neighborhood associations and meetings ranging from the clean-ups to block parties and neighborhood watches.  We are carrying out a “Listening Campaign” to get input from the community and identify local leaders. We hold a major event every 18 months called Lend A Hand Day where we have around 500 volunteers perform minor home repairs and rehab such as landscaping, roofing and paint.  I chose LISC AmeriCorps because I wanted to be a part of a local community working to build stronger relationships and better lives for the community, in every way and form.

Sasha Duran
Community Housing Works

I am serving as a Community Building Coordinator in a cooperative and leadership program at Community Housing Works in Escondido.  I serve at the Orange Place and Eucalyptus View Learning Centers with resident committees and board members to help them move up in the world.  As a CBC, I will be a great support for the children who attend the Learning Center not just for homework help but as a role model.

Danielle Goldman
MAAC Project

As a senior in the Urban Studies and Planning department at UCSD, the opportunity to serve as an AmeriCorps member on the Neighborhoods First Project in Logan Heights was offered to me through the MAAC Project.  MAAC is a nonprofit organization, and I serve in the Housing and Real Estate Development department.  This has been a great opportunity to gain grassroots experience in a low-income community while also giving me exposure to community organization.  In addition, my service also informs my senior research project, in which I am studying quality of life based on resident perceptions.  This has been a very eye-opening and instructive experience for me, and I feel that it will open great opportunities in the future.

Alana Howell
City Heights Community Development Corporation

I serve as a community outreach assistant for the City Heights Community Development Corporation in San Diego. I’m in the field of resident services and provide resources to low-income families living in affordable housing complexes. I do a lot of outreach in the community by speaking with residents and explaining the options they have and how the community development corporation can assist them. I spend much of my time in a learning center working with youth, providing tutorial assistance and helping the students to plan events and organize programs to hold in their center. My hope is that the students gain leadership and organizing experience through their participation in the center’s youth council and other programs. I also assist the residents in forming a parent council to meet to identify and resolve issues in their community. I hope to establish this council so that it may be self-sustaining in the future. I am very excited to see the positive effects of my service on this community.

Serena Ip
City Heights Community Development Corporation

My name is Serena Ip and I grew up in San Francisco but am currently living in San Diego while attending the University of California San Diego. I have a double major in Sociology and Urban Studies and Planning. I became involved with AmeriCorps in November 2007 because it is a great opportunity that combines both of my majors as well as my career interests, which include working with people for community development and empowerment. Currently I am serving on the Neighborhoods First Project and am organizing the survey components for the neighborhood of Colina Park.

Jared Rayburn
Wakeland Housing Development Corporation

As an AmeriCorps member, I am serving with Wakeland Housing Development Corporation (WHDC) as a resident service leader.  In my year of service I hope to complete the goals I have set out.  At the site I plan to provide a safe environment for the children as well as the residents.  I hope to get the residents more involved in neighborhood watch activities to help strengthen the safety in the community. I love being with people and kids, so this year of service should be awesome!

Katey Shanahan
South Bay Community Services

As a Community Development Associate, I provide financial literacy workshops to low-income families and individuals. I also help clients with landlord/tenant issues by letting them know their rights and referring them to the appropriate resources when necessary. I also give presentations on various Fair Housing issues to low-income individuals and families throughout the community. In addition, I will act as the site coordinator for the agency’s EITC program and recruit, organize, and oversee other volunteers. I would like to increase awareness of these programs and other resources that are available to the public. I also hope to develop a summer program for children in our affordable housing units. I am proud of being accepted as an AmeriCorps member, where I have the opportunity to directly help others and really feel as if I am making a difference in the community.

Catalina Trejo
Casa Familiar

I am serving with Casa Familiar in San Ysidro California. I am going to open and operate a teen center at the newly acquired Villa Nueva Apartments.  The families at the complex are mostly Spanish speaking Latinos.  I serve approximately 398 families and about 500 youth from ages 13-18.  I would like my teen center to focus on future goals, whether they are academically focused or not.  I will start with programs like a homework time, youth leadership, and artistic expression.  I also plan to coordinate a youth council to be a liaison between the complex management and the youth community.