VISTA of the Month/Sept. 2009

September 2009:  Jessica Martin/Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia (BBBSGC)

1. Where are you from? Wichita, Kansas

2. What were you doing before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA? I graduated from college and was a Manager at the local science museum.

3. Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA? I wanted to put my psychology degree to work, relocate to South Carolina, learn something new, help people, and of course have a hand in addressing America's poverty issues.

4. What are your duties as a VISTA?  I match Little Brothers and Little Sisters with Big Brothers and Big Sisters as mentors, and then I check in on them regularly to watch their progress and support them during their match.

5. What are your goals from your two years of service?  My goal as a VISTA are to maintain ongoing Big Brother Big Sisters Site-Based programs through relationships with volunteers, children, families, and school staff. 

6. What are your plans after your years of service?    I hope to continue working in a similar environment.

7. Any special accomplishments? Yes, I have been able to develop new relationships and build existing relationships within the schools, community and especially between Bigs and Littles.  I have also improved the number of Site-Based contacts and family involvement. 

Currently Jessica is organizing existing matches for the new school year, visiting Littles and Bigs at their schools to discuss safety and other topics of support, interviewing new volunteers for BBBS Site-Based program, talking to teachers and counselors about new referrals, and getting ready for BBBS Fall '09 orientations at USC .

If you would like more information on Jessica's project or would like to become a BIG contact Jessica Martin @ (803)691-5700 ext. 220 or jessica@bbbsgc.org.