PMSC AmeriCorps member, Imani Vaughn, invests in her local community’s children and families through her service to United Way of Blair County and Blair County Family Resource Center (https://www.uwblair.org/). As an AmeriCorps member, Vaughn is serving the role of “Community Outreach and Impact Associate.”
Ms. Vaughn’s current challenge is “to update the 2-1-1 PA resource and referral database. 2-1-1 PA is where individuals looking for help in specific areas (or if they are just looking for community resource information) can access it all in one place. They are able to call and a call center agent will assist them, or they can text 2-1-1 as well! It is very important that the information in this system is accurate and up to date because it allows a more seamless process for those looking for help. Many people in need of assistance are in crisis situations, so if they are able to receive the help they need as soon as possible, the closer they are to being stable again for themselves and for their families.” Making such incredible impact to assist families in crisis, Imani Vaughn is getting big things done for Blair County’s most vulnerable people.
Not only do PMSC AmeriCorps members benefit their constituents and host sites, but serving in such meaningful positions produces immeasurable growth in individual members lives as leaders and community servants. Vaughn reports that she “was very anxious about reaching out to people on the phone and asking them about their agency information and was a bit worried that I would not be taken seriously. Once I began to settle in though, I realized who I am here representing and that I have an important goal to meet, and that I can and will get things done!”
With such an incredibly positive attitude and willing heart to learn and serve, Imani Vaughn is making the very most of her AmeriCorps experience. “I feel I am growing as a leader and community servant through my service,” says Vaughn, “because in this position I get to truly see where and what the needs are within Blair County and it really makes you think about what can or what needs to be done to help others. I love that I get to be hands-on too and provide direct service to our community. I also will be getting more experience in how to coordinate and manage volunteers which will be a new experience for me!”
As winter approaches the region, Imani Vaughn and the Family Resource Center, a program of the United Way, are “addressing needs of local children with the Toasty Toddler program which provides new winter coats, hats, and gloves to area children from birth to age 5. There have been 550+ children assisted through this program!”
Serving families, making connections, growing as a leader, impacting lives and futures– it seems there is no challenge that Imani Vaughn won’t tackle. Vaughn represents the very best of all that AmeriCorps members do to humbly serve their communities, this region, and America! Thanks, Imani.
You can serve too. Check out open opportunities to serve @ www.pmsc.org/current-positions