YouthBuilders Volunteer with Bessie’s Hope

For the past eight months, YouthBuild Corpsmembers have volunteered at two senior living facilities through Bessie’s Hope Youth and Elder Program. This program enhances quality of life and creates meaningful volunteer opportunities through life-enriching interactions with nursing home and assisted living elders. Corpsmembers have spent time with the residents creating crafts, playing games, even singing and dancing. It has been an unforgettable and rewarding experience for both the seniors and the Corpsmembers. Abby, a 2013 YouthBuild graduate, shared her thoughts:

Volunteering with Bessie’s Hope impacted all of us. It was challenging at first because we were not used to spending time with the elderly, but I learned a great deal about respect. We all left having learned something from attending Bessie’s Hope. I gained self-esteem, knowing that I can make a change in someone’s life even though they face challenges. I have no living grandparents, so interacting with the elderly made me feel good as if they were my own grandparents. The seniors may not have remembered us after we left, but knowing that you can put a smile on their faces for that day was an amazing feeling. It really was such a meaningful experience for me and the other YouthBuild Corpsmembers.

The YouthBuilders will be volunteering today with Bessie’s Hope for the last time before graduation. We know that these experiences will continue to have an impact even after their term has ended.

Vincent helps seniors fill in their cards during a game of food jingo

Dennis visits while coloring with a senior at an assisted living home

Abby and Maribel put together a puzzle

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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YouthBuild Corpsmembers Prepare for Graduation

In three weeks, MHYC’s YouthBuild Corpsmembers will be graduating from their program.  Since September, these young men and women have been studying for the GEDs and learning new construction skills.  With a few weeks left, ten Corpsmembers have earned their GED and 17 have earned their AmeriCorps Education Award.  Nearly every Corpsmember is within one or two tests of their GED!

I caught up with two of our Corpsmembers, Eloy Gonzales-Martinez and Abby Lopez, about their time at MHYC and what they have planned for their futures.

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What is the most important thing you learned this year?

Eloy:  Both education and college are extremely important.  No one can take those things away from you.
Abby: You can’t get anywhere in life without having an education.

What is your favorite memory from your time at MHYC?

Eloy: My favorite memory is when I went to the Young Leaders Conference in DC.  It was the best experience of my life.  (Read more of Eloy’s thoughts about the YLC here).
Abby: Making it into the program at the very beginning of the year.  I really wanted my GED!

What are you future plans?

Eloy: I’ve been accepted to the Community College of Denver.  I am going to study there for two years and then transfer to a four year school.  I want to study Anthropology and Archeology.  I also want to stay connected with MHYC by doing another term of service.  I already applied for Summer of Service!  (For more information about our Summer of Service opportunities, click here).
Abby:  I am starting at CCD this fall, as well!  I want to become a Pharmacist.

YouthBuild graduation will be held on May 24, 2013 at St. Catejan’s on the Auraria campus.

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MHYC Participates in Global Youth Service Day

April 26-28th marks Global Youth Service Day 2013, the largest day of service in the world and the only service event specifically dedicated to children and youth ages 5-25.  In honor of the event, MHYC took part in five different service projects throughout Denver.  Take a look below to see how our Corpmembers and Staff lent their helpful hands today:

Picking up trash, sweeping, and checking for graffiti at our Adopt-A-Spot location.

Weeding and helping to install an irrigation system for the Boys and Girls Club.

Sorting food donations, preparing pallets of food orders, packing boxes of food orders at Food Bank of the Rockies.

Landscaping and maintaining trails at the Bluff Lake Nature Center.

Helping Denver Urban Gardens lay gravel pathways for an existing community garden.

And check out the video of why our Corpsmembers serve:

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YouthBuilders Return from DC

The 2013 AmeriCorps Conference of Youth Leaders took place last week in Washington D.C. with the purpose of connecting YouthBuild participants from all over the country.  Lawrence Pham and Eloy Martinez were selected to attend the conference which proved to be quite an exciting experience.  Lawrence was elected to be Colorado’s Representative on YouthBuild USA’s Young Leaders Council, a highly competitive and distinguished position.  The Council is a peer-elected body that serves as a voice for the national YouthBuild movement.  He will participate in various leadership roles such as policy-making and advocacy for YouthBuild USA.  He tells us about his experience here:

                 The Young Leaders Conference was fun.  Everyone had a blast.  We did a lot of group activities mainly focusing on team builders.  Everyone had to contribute and make the most out of our experience.  We participated in activities where the staff would spit wisdom into our lives.  Everything at the conference helped us think more positive and accept the fact that there are always bad things that happen. 

                The experience with other YouthBuild members was incredible.  We bonded so well because no one judged and everyone welcomed every single person there with open arms, even the chef.  We talked about life in their communities.  It shocked me how everyone could relate to each other no matter how far apart we live.  Meeting them was a true honor.  We made bonds that I believe will last forever.

                The one and only thing I was really nervous about was giving a speech for the Young Leaders Council.  Every day I was more frightened, not because of all the people looking at me, but because I didn’t know if my speech would be powerful enough to capture everyone’s heart.  The time limit was very strict, so it had to be inspiring and short which added even more pressure.  When the time came, I was shaking, but ready.  They called my name, and I went for it.  After my speech, I felt like I was on top of the world.  Many people came up to me to tell me what a great job I’d done.  It was one of the best feelings.

                After the trip, I felt really empowered.  Love and unity coursed through my veins as I entered the plane.  The energy was great, and I had no doubt it would last past the conference.  Overall, the experience was really powerful and motivating.  Being around 115 youth that were in the same shoes as me and who were taking a huge step in changing, not just their life but the world, helped me realize the potential in these once lost souls.

 

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To read more about the Young Leaders Conference, please visit www.YouthBuild.org.

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders: Spotlight on Eloy Martinez

Mile High Youth Corps is proud to announce that Eloy Gonzalez-Martinez and Lawrence Pham have been selected to attend the AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders in Washington, D.C.  March 18-21.  Before they left on Monday, Eloy gave us some insight into what he’s feeling:

It’s Friday, March 15th, 2013, and I am so excited because we are leaving for Washington, D.C. soon.  I am really happy and nervous at the same time.  I’m nervous about the fact that I’ve never been on a plane before, but with everyone’s encouragement, I feel like I’m ready for whatever is coming.  After joining Mile High Youth Corps, I’ve realized the potential that my teammates and I have.  I’ve had to step up to the plate so many times, giving tours and speeches with YouthBuild.  Going to D.C. should be no sweat, but I am human, so I am extremely nervous.  I guess I will always be nervous.  I’m just glad I’ve conquered my fear of doing new and important things.

On another note, I’m extremely excited to go to D.C.  I’ve personally never been to D.C., but everyone that I’ve told, including Corpsmembers, tell me great things about it.  They’ve even told me places that I should check out.  In particular, I’m excited about the restaurants.  As soon as one of them said there was a buffet, I was sold.  It made it sound like a dream come true.  It’s even more exciting when we start talking about all the different people we’re going to meet.  I’m fascinated to learn about other students’ environments and the differences between our program and others outside of Denver.

But, before I get to learn about new people, I first have to make it through the plane ride.  Some people told me some tricks to stay calm if I’m too nervous.  Others say it’s like riding a roller coaster.  Some tell me to get a window seat, because it looks like the land is nothing but squares.  I think that’s awesome because who wouldn’t want to see the world from the sky?  Overall, I’m extremely excited.  I can’t wait for this great and fun experience.

Stay tuned to hear all about Lawrence’s experience when they return!

Eloy with Lt. Governor Joe Garcia

The views expressed in our blog represent that of the individual and do not reflect the opinion of Mile High Youth Corps.

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Mile High Youth Corps Hosts YouthBuild Guests

Mile High Youth Corps welcomed Wendy Spencer, CEO of Corporation for National and Community Service, Colorado Lt. Governor Joe Garcia, Lynne Picard from DHA, Dusti Gurule from US DOL, and Ellen Golombek from CO DOL to the Mariposa Redevelopment Project site on Thursday.  Everyone was impressed with the hard work and inspired by the tenacity of each Corpsmember.

After touring the site, Wendy shared, “This is working.  This is helping individuals thrive.  It is helping this community to be built.  This is such a clear example of why national service is so important in our country.”

We agree!  A big thank you to Wendy, Joe, Lynne, Dusti, Ellen and everyone who came out to support us!  What a great way to wrap up AmeriCorps week!

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YouthBuild Corpsmembers work to earn their GEDs

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YouthBuild USA was formed in 1990, based off the Youth Action Program developed by Dorothy Stoneman in East Harlem during the late 1970’s.   The organization’s mission is to “unleash the intelligence and positive energy of low-income youth to rebuild their communities and their lives.”  To do that, YouthBuild helps young adults get their GED while developing their construction skills and giving back to their community.  In a little over twenty years, 273 YouthBuilds have been established in 46 states.  Mile High Youth Corps’ YouthBuild program is the only one in the state of Colorado.  Since September, Corpsmembers have split their time between working one-on-one with subcontractors to learn a variety of construction skills (building, electrical work, plumbing, and more) and studying in the classroom as they make steps toward earning their GEDs.

To earn a GED, a person must take five tests in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.  As of today, six Corpsmembers from the Mile High Youth Corps YouthBuild program have earned their GEDs, and every one of them is making great strides toward that achievement!  I recently spoke to three of our Corpsmembers about their progress toward getting their GED.  Vincent Martinoli, Dae’Mon Davis, and Angel Medina are all on their way to accomplishing their goal—Vincent passed his fourth test earlier this week, and both Dae’Mon and Angel only have two tests left to complete.

What made you join YouthBuild?

Vincent:  I wanted to get my GED and make money at the same time.
Angel:  I joined to get an education and for my daughter.

What has been the biggest challenge?

Dae’Mon: Being on the construction site and learning different trades.
Vincent:  Getting focused in the classroom because it’s been awhile since I had to do that.

What has been the most rewarding part of this experience?

Angel:  The sense of accomplishment.  I never had someone say “you did a good job” to me before.  Now I’ve been Corpsmember of the Month, and it means a lot to me.
Vincent:  Getting recognized for my work ethic.  I always knew I was a hard worker, but hearing that from my supervisors has been really rewarding.
Dae’Mon:  Taking steps toward the future and getting close to post-secondary education.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Dae’Mon:  Work and go to college for business.
Angel:  Go to college or become a plumber.
Vincent:  Go to trade school.

All three of these Corpsmembers have helped to build affordable housing with the Denver Housing Authority while studying for their GED tests.  They have done a lot since their arrival in September, and we here at MHYC are proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see what they will do in the future!

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Reflections from a Corpsmember of the Year

Mile High Youth Corps Alumni and staff member Jesse Roehm recently returned from the Corps Network 2013 National Conference in Washington D.C., where was honored as one of the 2012 National Corpsmembers of the Year.  Read below for his reflections on his experience!

Jesse with Representative Ed Perlmutter

I left the Corps Network 2013 National Conference last week feeling refreshed and excited. In addition to touring the White House and seeing some of the sights around Washington D.C., I was able to network with leaders from youth corps all across the country. Through plenaries and workshops I learned more about the vision of the 21^st Century Conservation Service Corps, strategies for tackling the challenge of youth unemployment, and how the state of the recovering economy and sequestration of spending cuts will potentially impact our programs. I was inspired by individuals like Shelton Johnson, a park ranger at Yosemite National Park whose efforts to spread awareness of the history of Buffalo Soldiers has been recognized nationwide, and Joel Holtrop, chair of the Corps Network’s Board of Directors and retired Deputy Chief of the U.S. Forest Service. I also met with Senator Michael Bennett, Representative Ed Perlmutter and Representative Diana DeGette and shared the incredible work of Mile High Youth Corps. To top it all off, I was able to tell my story:

Growing up in a small town outside Indianapolis, Indiana, my passion for environmental conservation started at a young age. In its infancy, this passion stemmed from simply being outside. My brother and I didn’t watch TV or play video games. We tramped around in the woods, dug for worms and fished in the creek. I still remember helping my dad cover our windows with shrink wrap every fall in order to reduce the amount of energy we used to heat our house. Through small acts like this he conveyed to me the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint. Growing up, the concept of environmental stewardship gained further clarity during my time in Boy Scouts. My Eagle project involved spreading awareness of invasive species in my community. I wrote articles for the local paper, had information booths at community events, and led a group of volunteers in a large eradication at a local park.

 

After graduating from Indiana University in May 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and international studies, I needed to move away from Indiana in order to make real changes in my life. Marred by substance abuse, my life had begun to slowly spiral out of control. I needed a fresh start. An opportunity to reconnect with my values. A chance to find myself. The mountains of Colorado seemed like the ideal place to forge a new beginning.

 

I decided that I wanted to dedicate a year of my life to service and dove headfirst into the 10-month AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program at Mile High Youth Corps. We started in the spring by installing energy and water saving measures in low-income properties. I stared poverty in the face and made real and tangible change. I began to relearn the concept of community and feel a sense of belonging to a greater cause. I was elected by my peers to Leadership Council, the Corpsmember-led governing body of the agency. I served as the voice of my crew, enacting policy changes based on Corpsmember input and organizing agency-wide events.

 

In the summer we transitioned to land conservation. I served as an assistant crew leader on a chainsaw crew that thinned forests to protect against wildfire. As a tree hugger at heart, I initially struggled with the concept of cutting down thousands of trees, but quickly came to understand the importance of fire mitigation. I worked harder than I ever had before, setting the tempo for the crew. I led environmental education and teambuilding activities and encouraged seasonal Corpsmembers to go the extra mile and explore the true impact of their service. Brimming with newfound confidence, I felt good about what I was doing and who I was becoming.

 

I just finished my second 1,700 hour term of service with Mile High Youth Corps. As Conservation Alumni Mentor, I provided leadership, support and training for Corpsmembers in our Energy, Water and Land programs. My role was to connect with Corpsmembers on an individual level, ensure that they were engaging in meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences and provide on-going suggestions for improvements in our programming. At its simplest, I maintained and promoted a positive corps culture across the agency.

 

After completing 3,400 hours of service, I joined the Mile High Youth Corps’ staff as a Program Specialist for our Conservation Program in December. I lead the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation crew that I was a part of in 2011, giving me a chance to create an AmeriCorps experience for Corpsmembers that was as valuable as mine. In addition to supervision and program management, I am the primary technical resource for land conservation projects. I am thrilled to be able to continue promoting individual learning, leadership and personal growth among Corpsmembers.

 

While working full-time at Mile High Youth Corps, I plan to use my education awards to begin work on a Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Colorado Denver. Ultimately, I would like to work in a managerial role at a Denver area non-profit focused on community development.

 

At the end of my 2 years in AmeriCorps, the biggest change is who I see in the mirror. I am proud of who I am. I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM! My AmeriCorps experience kindled a passion for service inside me. I learned the value of community, hard work and integrity and now live in service to those values.

I would like to thank the Corps Network for this tremendous honor, but the honor is not solely mine. I’m blessed to be part of an incredible team at Mile High Youth Corps that has provided me with the tools to make a difference in my own life and the lives of others. I think John Irish, a recipient of the Corps Network’s Legacy Achievement, said it best:

“The work of national movements is often described as standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. However, it seems more accurate to describe it as a relay race in which each wave of leaders exchanges the baton with those of the previous generation.”

Well, I have the baton in my hands, and I’m thrilled to push this movement forward.

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Congratulations are in Order (Part 3 of 3)

The final story of this three part series is about Jesse Roehm. Jesse is one of six 2012 National Corpsmembers of the Year. He will be honored this year at The Corps Network’s National Conference in Washington, D.C. taking place the week of February 11, 2013.  Jesse will represent the 30,000 Corpsmembers who serve annually across the nation. Read below or link here to find out more about Jesse’s story and his lifechanging experience with Mile High Youth Corps.

Jesse Roehm

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Over the past two years, Jesse Roehm has come to Mile High Youth Corps with a dedication to sharing his passion for service. Jesse first came to MHYC in 2011 to serve in our 10-month AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation Program. It was evident from the very beginning that Jesse was ready to work hard no matter the project, despite the personal challenges he had to overcome. One Corpsmember shared this story about Jesse:

“At the end of every day I would see him getting back from the day’s work site where he had been cutting down trees for forest thinning. He would always have a smile on his face even though he would crawl out of the van dirtier than anyone else in the van; a strong testament to his ability to work hard all hours of the day while constantly being upbeat and positive. Every day that he comes to work he goes above and beyond what is required of him. His positivity and work ethic are infectious.”

After Jesse’s first term, he was hired as the Conservation Alumni Mentor. In this role Jesse got to continue his work as a positive influence within MHYC as well as the larger community by planning service projects at local non-profits and other community organizations such as Food Bank of the Rockies and ARC Thrift Stores. Jesse took the lead role of coordinating and facilitating MHYC’s first Crew Leader training and implementing MHYC’s Career Day event. He also created and implemented weekly “big picture” activities, helping other Corpsmembers connect to the larger mission of service and see the positive impacts of their service.

Jesse excels at building relationships among a diverse group of peers, showing his understanding of and dedication to the Corps and what it is all about. One of his supervisors says, “Jesse is a true mentor, leader and inspiration to everyone he works with. “

When Jesse’s fellow Corpsmembers were asked what they have learned from him they had to say this:

“He taught me the power of positivity day in and day out and that if you truly care about something to work hard every day to achieve it, you can not only create change in your community but can excite and inspire others to do the same.”

“Jesse taught me to stay positive through thick and thin, keep a level head and always look on the good side.”

“He showed me how to be a great communicator and not to be afraid to step up to the plate and say and do what is needed in a leadership role.”

“I feel lucky to have Jesse as a mentor, I think he truly believes in the influence that Mile High Youth Corps and AmeriCorps can have on young adults, and his belief comes through in his overwhelming concern and compassion towards every single Corpsmember. He has been a key agent in helping me to always see the bigger picture and to understand truly what service means. Jesse had made a huge impact on me and how I have come to view my own term of service.”

Jesse has worked tirelessly over the past two years to help his fellow Corpsmembers recognize the impact they can have on their community and themselves. As a result of his passion for service, dedication to the Corps and exceptional work ethic, Jesse has been hired to continue his work with Mile High Youth Corps as a staff member. He will serve as the Programs Specialist: Conservation and his job duties will include the supervision and program management of the two roles that he filled as a Corpsmember, the AmeriCorps Leadership and Conservation crew and the Conservation Alumni Mentor.

Congratulations Jesse! You have a heart for service and your ability to connect to young adults will continue to inspire us and the nation.

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Congratulations are in Order (Part 2 of 3)

Another of our Corpsmember of the Year was Christian Ndushabandi. Christian was also selected as the Youth Speaker at this year’s CYCA Annual Youth Corps awards ceremony. The Gazette out of Colorado Springs, also published a story about Christian and his journey to becoming a 2012 Corpsmember of the Year (read it now here) and a copy of his speech is available on YouTube (watch it now here).

Christian Ndushabandi

(Corpsmember of the Year from MHYC’s Southern Front Range Region)

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Christian Ndushabandi joined his first crew with Mile High Youth Corps at the age of 18 with a very different story than most of our Corpsmembers.  Christian was born in Rwanda. At the age of one he was saved by his babysitter after his father was killed and his mother was left for dead during the genocide.

Years later, two and a half of which were spent in a refugee camp, Christian and his mom were invited to come to the United States as refugees. Christian welcomed the chance to experience a daily life filled with opportunity and dreams. He enrolled in high school and began learning English. As his English improved and as he adjusted to life in the US, Christian decided it was time to start working. After a couple of jobs in food service, Christian found Mile High Youth Corps.

Christian’s first term as a Corpsmember, taught him a lot and challenged his ideas of American culture. Although he admits that the first 10 day hitch with his camping crew was challenging, he found a welcoming and supportive crew to help him adjust. Christian says, “My fellow Corpsmembers changed the stereotype I had about American teenagers. The members of my crew were curious and they wanted to know about me and my country. They made me comfortable telling my story, and I feel more relieved every time I do.”

Christian has now completed two Summer of Service terms with Mile High Youth Corps and looks forward to using his AmeriCorps Education Award toward a college degree. When asked about the role MHYC has had in his life, Christian says, “MHYC is different from any other job that I have had. It taught me how to work hard and they recognize hard work. I have had fun working and I’ve learned a lot about this culture, how to solve problems and how to make friends.”

Congratulations Christian! You are truly deserving of being called Corpsmember of the Year and your dedication to your own personal growth, your crew and your ability to keep going in the face of adversity epitomize the spirit of the Corps.

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