BY ARIN SHATTO, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT VISTA, THE HUB

A trio of VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) gathered to spend a morning serving the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Morgantown, West Virginia. The organization allows family members to stay close to their children as they receive medical care.

Maddie Ferrell, a VISTA serving with Friends of Deckers Creek, organized the opportunity. The team began by beautifying the landscape that surrounds the Ronald McDonald signage. This included pulling weeds and tending to existing flowers. Afterwards, they toured the exterior of the property and cleared the garden areas of any imperfections. Once supplies were stored and trash was removed, the trio sat together at a picnic table, under a blossoming tree, and reflected on their time together. 

“Volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House was a wonderful experience. It was so nice to be reminded of how many wonderful organizations are here in West Virginia giving back to the community. I also appreciated having the opportunity to meet other VISTAs and learn more about their role and their host organization,” Ferrell said.

Arin Shatto, the Community Engagement VISTA serving with The West Virginia Community Development Hub, felt a personal connection to the organization. “A few of my family members have utilized the Ronald McDonald House Charities in times of desperate need. Staff and volunteers provided a home away from home that was filled with compassion, kindness, and love. It was humbling to be able to give back, in some small way, to an organization that continues to make a difference in our community.”

Now it’s your turn, West Virginia! Take action.

Do you want to make a difference in a family’s life? Learn more about how to donate or volunteer with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc here.

Do you want to give back by building capacity in your community? Learn more about what it means to be an AmeriCorps VISTA here.

Desmond Tutu once said, “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” 

BY KATHRYN RYAN FOR THE HUB

Looking for a transformational year ahead? Serve alongside an amazing community who’s working to revitalize their town.

If spending a year investing in a great small town in Webster County is something you could see yourself doing in 2020, apply to this VISTA position! Cowen, WV, incorporated in 1899 and housing a population of about 500 residents, has spent the past year participating in The Hub’s Cultivate WV program to bring community members together to take on revitalization projects. 

Twenty four community revitalization projects were funded in Cowen as a part of the Cultivate WV program, all focused on great place-making initiatives like health and wellness, downtown beautification, public gathering spaces, public events, and more. This VISTA position will be focused on bringing forward the momentum that was gained in the town during this program by serving with the Town Council to support these projects at the community level. 

Cowen sits on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest and boasts amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, a rich history and fun-loving culture, and most of all, a passionate and inspiring population of community members who care.

Serving the Town to support community revitalization projects, the VISTA will write grants, recruit and engage volunteers, research community resources, and develop new databases of community organizations, volunteers and resources. The VISTA will receive ample support from the Town Council, community groups, and the West Virginia Community Development Hub, including trainings, network-building, and access to a large-scale, diverse array of resources.

Interested? Apply here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=91763&fromSearch=true

Questions? Reach out to me, The Hub’s VISTA Program Coordinator, Kathryn Ryan at k.ryan@wvhub.org. I’m happy to tell you more about this position and answer any questions ou might have about what it means to be a VISTA with The Hub.

BY RACHEL PELL, AMERICORPS VISTA, FRIENDS OF DECKERS CREEK

I’m an AmeriCorps VISTA serving at Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC), and this September marks the end of my year of service. FODC is a nonprofit watershed group in Morgantown, WV whose mission is to improve the natural qualities of, increase the public concern for, and promote the enjoyment of the Deckers Creek Watershed.

But what does that mean?

The best way I know how to explain to you is by example.

Here is what it looks like to be an AmeriCorps VISTA in action. These are my personal top 5 highlights from my year of service:

1. It may sound a little cheesy, but getting to meet so many motivated and selfless people — other VISTAs, all of our volunteers, and everyone else — who are a part of the FODC community!
2. The times when I saw kids get so excited when they found stream critters during our lessons, or hearing about the fish someone caught in Deckers Creek. It never gets old.
3. Transforming a grungy bridge abutment into a beautiful place to sit along Deckers Creek by painting a vibrant and educational mural.
4. Seeing a fundraiser that I took the lead in coordinating turn out a huge success, with everyone really enjoying themselves!
5. Coordinating and helping plant 110 saplings along Deckers Creek.

I am so grateful for this experience and for the opportunity to work with such a welcoming community. My year of service has made me realize that making a positive impact on someone is my favorite thing to do.

Helping someone spark an interest in the environment, or learn something new, or get involved — these things can seem trivial at the time, but they can have a really big impact. All of these small accomplishments over this year have definitely had a huge impact on me. I have grown so much, both professionally and personally, and am walking away inspired and motivated to continue to make positive strides wherever I go.