Reflections on AmeriCorps Service - Frontier Community Action Agency (FCAA)

Being an AmeriCorps member has different meanings, because there are different host sites. My AmeriCorps host site is with the Frontier Community Action Agency (FCAA).  You come into this job not knowing what you're in for thinking it's another job, but you end up getting to knowing your clients and building a connection. This is my first term as an AmeriCorps member and I hope to go for a second term next year.

 

The best part of working at my host site is when clients tell you how much they actually appreciate the stuff you do for them, when you can see the true gratitude. We offer multiple ways to help those in need. We have Commodities, Welfare Assistance, Energy Assistance, Project Santa, and so many more. When clients come in we assess them which helps us figure out if there is any other assistance we can offer them.

When I first started working at FCAA I thought it was going to be just handing out applications and referring people places since we're the Family Resource Center, but I soon realized it was much more. I really enjoying working with and getting to know the clients.

I've been with FCAA for five months now and I feel that I have come a long way from where I was when I first started working. Being an AmeriCorps member has taught me so much. I have experienced things that I didn't know I could. Being an AmeriCorps member has so many opportunities.

Alyssa

Refelctions on AmeriCorps Service - Nevada Outdoor School

Hi my name is Matt, or as my little campers call me Dinomatt.

My time serving for AmeriCorps has been one fun ride. On the first day of being an AmeriCorps member I started at Nevada Outdoor School. I was not sure what I was getting myself into, but in the back of my head something was telling me just go for it. A month went by and I was learning so much stuff already. I was learning how to become a leader. With the help of my other AmeriCorps members it was getting easier. A couple of months went by and I was having a blast! I was teaching classroom lessons, helping out with the BLM and Nevada Department of Wildlife, leading camping trips, and more! I was growing, meeting new people, and, best of all, I was learning things. Like teaching, leadership skills, planning events, etc. 

One of the things I like about AmeriCorps is how much we are involved in the community. At first I was super shy and quiet. Now I have learned to open up and become an outgoing person. 

I’m glad I signed up to be an AmeriCorps member!