VISTA of the Month/Oct 2010

October 2010:  April Spruell,

Reconnecting Communities Coalition in Richland Two

1. Where are you from?

I am from Summerville, South Carolina.

2. What were you doing before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA?

Before becoming a part of Americorps VISTA I was working temporary jobs.

3. Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA?

I have 2 reasons why I joined:

1. I joined AmeriCorps VISTA because I wanted more from life. Before joining I felt like my career was going nowhere. I was stuck working temporary jobs and I wanted more. Becoming a part of AmeriCorps gave me a sense of purpose and helped me dream again.

2. Since my site assignment area is in public health I thought this would be a great opportunity to finally work in my field and it became a perfect match.

4. What are your duties as a VISTA?

·Establish and coordinate Reconnecting Youth Coalition

·Train youth based on Dover Youth 2 Youth materials

·Assist council in planning activities

·Participate as a full member of the Reconnecting Communities Coalition

5. What are your goals from your year of service?

 Establish and coordinate a youth driven Reconnecting Youth Coalition.

6. What are your plans after your year of service?

I am currently thinking about signing up for another year of service.

7. Any special accomplishments?

*Reconnecting Youth Coalition can be found on all four Richland Two High School District websites-Spring Valley, Ridge View, Blythewood, and Richland Northeast

*Completed and distributed the Reconnecting Youth Coalition member application, basic information form, member manual and recruitment flyer

*Appeared on the Richland Northeast High School Morning News Show on September 16th, 2010 to promote the Reconnecting Youth Coalition

*Created the Reconnecting Coalition social network pages on Facebook and Twitter

*Recruited students to become a part of the Reconnecting Youth Coalition

*Reconnecting Youth Coalition Orientation session is scheduled for October 22, 2010 from 9am-2pm at Spring Valley High School where students will be able to enjoy food, hang out with other youth, plan fun activities, and engage in community matters

*Celebration of Red Ribbon Week October 25-31, 2010- students will recognize retailers who have passed compliance checks on October 29th, 2010 with thank you clings that read “This Business Proudly Supports the Reconnecting Coalition, A Community Partnership to Reduce Underage access to Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs. WE MADE THE DIFFERENCE”

*Currently planning “Sticker Shock” for the month of November 2010-Sticker Shock entails-placing bright stickers on alcohol products. That reads “Out of Their Hands- Know The Law. It’s is illegal to purchase or provide alcohol for anyone under 21”

*Currently serving on the Rise Above It, Lexington Two Community Coalition Youth Initiative Advisory Board Membership Committee

*Currently serving on The Decker Blvd. Business Coalition – business owners and community residents coming together to better the Decker area

April is currently serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA at the Reconnecting Communities Coalition in Richland Two. For information about her project, please visit the website at www.reconnectingin2.org, email her at aspruell@reconnectingin2.org or call 803-807-6670.