2011-2012 AFACTR AmeriCorps Members

Valerie Ortega

Upward bound resident mentor, Educational Opportunity Program (E.O.P.) student advisor, in class tutor, Camp counselor (to name a few) Activities: The holiday season is my favorite! I love working with families, whether it’s organizing food boxes, toy drives or making and preparing home cooked meals! It’s wonderful to be a part of such festivities. Personal Statement: My name is Valeria and my service site is located in Fortuna, ca. This is my second term serving at the same Family Resource Center. This experience has further enhanced my work skills and I enjoy every moment of it. I take pride in assisting families and rejoice when there is improvement towards healthy and safe homes! Education: Bachelors' degree in Sociology, HSU High school graduate

Amy Termeer

Work History: Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator. Provided case management services and maintained caseload of 35-50 individuals with developmental disabilities. Centerpoint Health-Community Mental health Agency Case Manager. Provided case management services and maintained caseload of 50 adults with severe mental illness. Volunteer Activities: Muscular Dystrophy "Jail breakout" fundraiser. Ladies' Night Out Bingo fundraiser for Susan G. Komen fund. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Walk.  Education: Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of Dayton, Certified in CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI). Personal Statement: I have always enjoyed helping people and knew from a very young age that I would work in social services. I really enjoy working with individuals with mental health diagnoses. I hope to earn my graduate degree in social work or nursing after completing my term with AmeriCorps.

Holly Adam-LaRue

Work History: Previous to joining AFACTR AmeriCorps, I worked with all sorts of people: I worked in nursing homes and assisted developmentally disables adults. I've always been drawn to positions that help people. Volunteer Activities: I have volunteered in all sorts of places; Food for People and Community Gardens. I enjoy hard work and the reward of creating food, or just packing it up for others. Education: I am a high school graduate. I'm excited about the Education Award and looking forward to finally being able to attend college. Personal Statement: I have really enjoyed working with AFACTR AmeriCorps. This opportunity has taught me a lot about the resources available in Humboldt County. My favorite part is working with families that are struggling and watching them grow with a little help and encouragement. I also really enjoy the volunteer opportunities that we have been required to do, although they are a requirement, and I believe that I'll continue to seek out volunteer positions after my term is up with AmeriCorps. The staff and coworkers are amazing and I have made friends that I know will be around for a long time.

Ashley

AFACTR Member Position Description: The AmeriCorps Family Support Aide shall serve as the family’s primary contact within the CWS program. The AmeriCorps Family Support Aide is responsible for developing a relationship with the family and working with the family in their home and/ or community service sites to build upon strengths and to enhance self sufficiency. Work History: Massage Therapist at Kremer Chiropractic and Nutrition in Red Bluff, CA Barista at Coffee Break Internet Café in Arcata, CA. Volunteer Activities: Volunteering in an Orphanage in Nakuru, Kenya (teaching Math and English, cooking for the children, led play groups) Education: Volunteered at Humboldt State University at the Y.E.S. (Youth Educational Services) house with ‘Hand-in-Hand’. Worked with foster children and put together fun activities and trips. Volunteered at the North Coast Resource Center with low income families. Distributed food boxes and fresh fruits and vegetables for the Community. Massage Therapy Certification Bachelors of Arts in Sociology Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Personal Statement: Gandhi really did say it best, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This quote has always been a big part of my life. If I don’t like the way something is being done, I try to set the example that I wish to see. Change really does begin with one’s self. I try to be the change that I want to see in my community. Small groups making big changes! I love making a difference in people’s lives and I’m so happy to be a part of AFACTR AmeriCorps. “Getting things done!”

Sara Faught

Work History: I’ve held several jobs: fast food crew member, restaurant server, childcare provider, after school program director, summer camp director, ticket and identification office member, movie theater attendant and newspaper reporter. I’m currently serving on Eureka High School’s campus. I can do a little bit of anything. Volunteer Activities: My volunteer experience has been directly correlated with the victim advocacy work that I did in college. While with AmeriCorps, I’ve volunteered by providing play care during parenting classes, tabling for AmeriCorps recruitment, helping at Food For People and gardening at various community gardens. Education: I received a B.S. in Psychology and Counseling with an emphasis in Legal Issues from Pitt State in Kansas. I am hoping to get into the MSW program here at HSU. As well, I read anything I can get my hands on and spend all the time I can engaged in conversation with others; I believe that conversation is the greatest educational tool. Personal Statement: I received a B.S. in Psychology and Counseling with an emphasis in Legal Issues from Pitt State in Kansas. I am hoping to get into the MSW program here at HSU. As well, I read anything I can get my hands on and spend all the time I can engaged in conversation with others; I believe that conversation is the greatest educational tool