Every year, AmeriCorps enrolls more than 270,000 individuals to serve organizations making a difference in communities across America. We were very lucky to have Kathryn Slomski serve as a VISTA and Olivia Stewart serve as a Public Ally - read below to learn more about their time here!

 

What was your role with Westminster?

Kat: I was the Food Pantry Coordinator with Westminster, working to both expand the pantry program and help the whole Westminster team become better partners with other organizations.

Olivia: I was presented with the task of expanding our middle school program and developing a high school program that will support our students as they transition to secondary education.

 

What was your favorite part about working here?

Kat: I really enjoyed helping run the food pantry! Especially during a time when so many of us were searching for extra human contact and support, I appreciated getting to know many of our neighbors and being able to check in with them week to week.

Olivia: My favorite part about being at Westminster has been getting to know our students and their families. 

 

What did you learn during your time at Westminster?

Kat: I’d like to think I’ve learned how to be a better communicator…Checking in with others, whether about Westminster happenings or life in general, is so important!

Olivia: I have learned the importance of serving families through a holistic, all-encompassing approach. By ensuring that our neighbors needs are met, we can empower and equip them with skills and resources that can help them succeed in life. 

 

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Kat: I found it inspiring to see the transformative impacts that building donor relationships could have on our neighbors and decided to explore a career in development myself.

Olivia: I have been incredibly moved by our students and their abilities to learn, persevere, and support one another.