Welcome to our 2018-19 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America

 
Meet Josh, Abigail, Emma Bee, Nate and Chelsey (not pictured) – the newest members of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 2018-19 AmeriCorps VISTA team. AmeriCorps VISTA – or Volunteers in Service to America - members dedicate a year of service to bring passion and perseverance where the need is greatest: to organizations that help eradicate poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve as a catalyst for change, living and working alongside community members to meet our nation’s most pressing challenges and advance local solutions.
 

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Abigail Cole
Early Literacy Coordinator, Jackson Early Learning Center

Abigail Cole became an AmeriCorps VISTA to give back to her home state of Pennsylvania.

“I have always loved service work, and this is where I’m needed most. The best way I can show thanks is to give back. I am most looking forward to being in a school setting where I can see my programs benefitting the kids and families directly,” said Abigail.

As the Early Literacy Coordinator for Jackson Early Childhood Center, Abigail’s job is to develop and coordinate programs and events to engage the community in providing resources to our Jackson Joeys and their families.  These resources may include books, learning opportunities for parents and students, food, clothing and fun events to engage kids in learning.

Abigail graduated 10th in her class in high school, where she was secretary of the student council and helped run the canned goods fundraiser to provide more than 60 families a delicious meal for Thanksgiving.  Although Abigail’s from a different part of the state, she has quickly fallen in love with the Lehigh Valley.
 

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 Josh Garcia
Allentown School District Chronic Absence VISTA
 
Josh Garcia decided to join the AmeriCorps VISTA program, because he has always been innately motivated to help people.

“I wanted to help children as much as possible from previously working at a Boys & Girls Club. So the idea to help children go to school, so they can receive as much of an education as they should really made me want to be a part of this community,” said Josh.

As the Allentown School District Chronic Absence VISTA, Josh hopes to build a foundation to make the fight against chronic absence a winning one. He looks forward to seeing progress and knowing that he’s doing what he can to help prevent chronic absence while promoting education for children.

Josh holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he was a member of the The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. He has presented research publicly several times including at a National Criminal Justice conference.
 

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Nate Hafer
Challenge 5 VISTA

Nate Hafer recently joined the United Way’s AmeriCorps VISTA team as the Challenge 5 Attendance Awareness VISTA to develop a deeper sense of purpose through community, national or global service.

“I studied Environmental Sustainability at Philadelphia University, which really emphasized the importance of education and literacy rates. Within the three pillars of sustainability - Environmental, Economic and Social, education fits in the social spectrum of sustainability. So, I am happy to be working locally to raise literacy rates through the avenue of attendance awareness in the Greater Lehigh Valley. I know that this is meaningful work and am excited to continue my own learning through the process,” said Nate.

As the Challenge 5 VISTA, Nate’s responsibilities include developing and improving the Challenge 5 toolkit for Community School principals, facilitating the Attendance Ambassador program, initiating the Attendance Awareness Month, coordinating action groups and integrating attendance awareness with local health networks and early learning experiences.

Originally from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, Nate holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sustainability from Philadelphia University and an Associate’s Degree in Graphic Design from Lehigh Carbon Community College.
 

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Emma Bee Schwarz
Community Building VISTA, Thomas Jefferson Elementary
 
Emma Bee Schwarz joins the AmeriCorps VISTA team at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley after being involved with the organization in her hometown of Oxford, Connecticut.
 
“I spent several years as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and it made me realize how much I wanted to do a year of service, specifically in a school setting. I am really excited to build relationships with teachers and students, so that I can best serve their needs. I am so happy there are kids in the building! Their energy is an amazing influence,” said Emma Bee.
 
As the Community Building VISTA at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Bethlehem, Emma Bee will create and maintain relationships with local businesses, organizations, and families in order to get extra support for the school. Her goal is to build a community hub that will help with basic needs as well as enrich the learning and social experiences of students and families.
 
Emma Bee studied Psychology at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated cum laude.
 

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Chelsey Tennis
Community Building VISTA, Northeast Middle School
 
Chelsey Tennis joins the AmeriCorps VISTA team as the Community Building VISTA at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem.

“I want to use this next year to better understand non-direct service and the administrative processes involved in education. I look forward to utilizing opportunities to empower the staff, students, and families in different ways,” said Chelsey.

In this new role, Chelsey will connect families and students with community partners and opportunities. Chelsey's goal is to strengthen the eighth-grade career development initiative and support Bethlehem Arae School District’s goals for trauma-responsive care.

Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Chelsey graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology.

For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact Jennifer at 610-807-5741.