2012-11 Vista Verse

THE VISTA VERSE Volume 2 Issue 11

The Vista

Verse

NOVEMBER 2012 IN THIS ISSUE

VISTA Jennifer describes the art displays for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

VISTA Rose explains the results of the Vulnerability Index

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A VISTA Farewell to departing members Chris & Ally

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Very Valuable VISTA: Melody Storgaard of Weld School District 6

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THE VISTA VERSE | Issue 11 2

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to VISTA members

November 26: Grant Blair of Longs Peak Council, Boy Scouts of America

November 29: Melody Storgaard of Weld School District 6

November 9 – Vista Holiday/Farewell Party

November 13 –A Woman’s Place hosts an Open Mic Night. During this event, one dollar from each SIGNATURE DRINK purchased will go to A Woman's Place. Zoe’s Café downtown Greeley, 715 10th St, 7:30PM

November 16 – United Way Phone-A-Thon, 9:00-4:00, , Weld County Training Center, 1104 H Street.

Last day for November VISTA members

November 22 – Thanksgiving

November 24, 2012 – Holiday Open House and Parade, Downtown Greeley, 10am – 8pm. Come Downtown for a day of shopping and festivities including a "Bingo" game, live mannequins, ride the "Polar Express" and more! Stay for the Greeley Lights the NIghts Parade at 5:30 and then head to Lincoln Park for the traditional lighting of the trees.

Happening in November

November 24 – Saturday afternoon and evening bingo. Bingo Planet, 2700 W. 10th Street Greeley. Join us for big prizes, progressive jackpots, raffles, free give-aways, pulltabs, and lots of fun. We run two sessions. The first begins at 4:00PMand the second begins at 7:00PM.

November 26 – New VISTA members start at the Global Refugee Center.

November 27 – New VISTA Meet & Greet, 4:00PM at United Way

November 29 – VISTA monthly meeting, 9:00AM

Victoria and Rose at one of the Weld Food Bank Cooking Classes


During the month of October, A

Woman’s Place created several art

displays throughout the city to

commemorate Domestic Violence

Awareness Month.

Thanks to survivor artists and their allies, as well

as participating businesses; more of our

community has been able to learn about the

impacts and pervasiveness of domestic violence

as a severe public health problem.

Awareness events like this one also

go a long way toward changing

cultural norms which surround and

perpetuate violence. So if you took

a minute to view the art; pick up a

book, film, or pamphlet; or reflect on the

impact of violence on ourselves, our families,

and our community…

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

by Jennifer Lauer, VISTA, A Woman’s Place

The Vulnerability Index

by Rose Kinane, VISTA, United Way of Weld County

Weld County’s Homeless Coalition has joined the Colorado Counts initiative, part of the national 100,000 Homes Campaign, to find permanent stable housing for the most vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals. The Vulnerability Index, a questionnaire made up of 43 questions, is the method Colorado Counts uses to identify those at risk of becoming homeless. VISTAs joined 40 other volunteers during Weld Project Connect and throughout the rest of the registry month, interviewing homeless and unstably housed individuals. Data gathered from the Vulnerability Index Survey was presented to the community during the Debrief at the Greeley Rec Center on November 1st.

Over 200 surveys were conducted, and all results are self-reported by the individuals interviewed. Thirty individuals that were interviewed reported sleeping the previous night in an emergency shelter, while 15 reported sleeping outside. Some factors indicating the most vulnerable individuals include being homeless for more than six months, being older than sixty, having a history of a cold weather injury, being hospitalized more than three times in the past year, and having serious mental health issues, substance abuse issues, and medical health issues. Fifty-five individuals interviewed in Weld County exhibit at least one of these vulnerable characteristics. Three individuals exhibit four or more of these factors. The hope of the VI Survey is to target the barriers for stable housing for these individuals and work together with the community of Weld County to find solutions for permanent stable housing. The next step for the Homeless Coalition will be to hold a Homeless Summit at the end of November to develop a plan to end homelessness in Weld County.


“And when things start to happen, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along. You'll start happening too.”

I could never have imagined all of the wonderful people I would meet, the amazing adventures I would have, and the amount I would learn and grow after just one year in Greeley as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member. I became VISTA by chance; as a recent graduate, I knew I wanted to work for a grassroots organization that worked on issues I was passionate about, but beyond I had no real clue what direction I wanted to go. After stumbling across the Global Refugee Center’s VISTA job, I found myself accepting the position and agreeing to move across the country to a city I had never heard of. Taking a page out of Dr. Seuss’s Oh! The Places You’ll Go!, I didn’t worry or stew, and soon found myself happening too, all thanks to the wonderful people at the Global Refugee Center and the incredible VISTAs in Greeley.

To everyone at the Global Refugee Center, thank you

for opening your hearts, minds, and organization to

me and allowing me the space, guidance, and support to grow in ways I never dreamed possible. I have learned more this year about myself, my passion for refugee issues, and about the inner workings non-profit organizations, and have found a great direction to pursue thanks to you. This year has been full of unexpected changes, challenges, and unforgettable experiences that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

To the VISTA community in Greeley (past and present), you are inspiring, talented, and unique people—I am so thankful to have had the chance to know you! Your passion and dedication to your work, your support and advice, and your sense of adventure and spontaneity has made this year full of fun, exploration, and glorious friendships! “You’re off to great places! Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!!”

- Ally

Chris

A VISTA Farewell to our departing members Ally & Chris!

VISTA members Ally, Christina, Paige, Rose and Sarah

Chris, Lydia, Jenny and Lisa

Nora, Christina, Lizzie, Ally, Lisa and Jeff


1. What is your favorite quote?

Don't ever mistake my silence for ignorance, my calmness for acceptance, or my kindness for weakness.

2. What is your concept of a fruitful day?

I think a fruitful day is one where things on my to-do list has been replaced with new things and has not gotten any longer. I also think that I need to learn something new as the day progresses.

3. Who has had the greatest influence in your life?

I believe that everyone we meet is supposed to influence our lives for some reason. Yes, some influence is good while others are bad but we still learn from those people and situations.

4. What is your dream job?

My dream job would be one of two positions. A reservist with the American Red Cross in staffing or government liaison. The other position would be with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as a government liaison.

5. When you were a child, who was your favorite superhero/character and why?

My dad was my superhero growing up. As a volunteer fireman I remember him dropping everything to go help people in need. I learned a lot from him growing up.

6. When was the last time you did something for the first time? What was it?

I tried Indian food for the first time when I was in Denver last. I really liked it.

7. Why did you become an AmeriCorps VISTA?

I was in a job that I was unhappy with so I started looking for a new adventure. I looked at many options

and when I got an email about the position at District 6 it was exactly the type of position that would make me happy. The moving to Colorado and living as a Vista was the challenge.

8. What do you miss most about home?

I am close to parts of my family and I miss them the most. Talking on the phone everyday is just not the same. A very, very close second is that I miss water! Lakes, rivers, ponds, rain all of it.

9. What do you love the most about being in Colorado?

I love all of the opportunities that moving to Colorado has brought. The possibility to expand my knowledge of being a volunteer coordinator. Becoming a National Weather Service spotter. The list of associations I have been able to join and professional development trainings I have been able to attend. The time to put into becoming NIMS certified. The ability and friends to explore the new state with. Meeting new mentors and new mentees.

The Vista

Verse

For more information, contact Lisa Monsen | VISTA Leader United Way of Weld County

[email protected] 970-304-6179

814 9th Street | PO Box 1944 Greeley, CO 80632

Very Valuable VISTA: Melody Storgaard, Weld School District 6

Documents

2012-11 Vista Verse