Volunteer in Service & Capacity Specialist

AmeriCorps VISTA & Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (2009-2012)

Role: Volunteer in Service/ Capacity Specialist

Served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP), focused on building long-term organizational capacity and expanding services for young women experiencing housing instability and other barriers to independence. Contributed to foundational program development, established NYEP’s early digital presence, helped coordinate Washoe County’s first Youth Point-in-Time Count, and participated in community efforts to strengthen the regional response to youth homelessness.

Recognized for service and community impact with the Nevada AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year Award, Governor’s Point of Light Award, and President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Objectives

Build sustainable organizational capacity for a developing nonprofit
Strengthen programming and resources for young women transitioning toward independence
Increase community awareness and accessibility of NYEP services
Improve local understanding of youth homelessness and housing instability
Strengthen youth representation within community planning and service systems
Develop partnerships and community support for NYEP’s mission

Key Contributions and Projects:

Program & Curriculum Development

Collaborated with NYEP’s Executive Director, staff, and a Ph.D.-level consultant in the development of a structured life-skills curriculum for young women transitioning toward independence. The resulting curriculum helped establish the programming framework for NYEP’s Community Living Program, which has since served more than 200 young women.

Youth Point-in-Time Count

Helped coordinate Washoe County’s first Youth Point-in-Time Count, supporting efforts to identify and better understand the experiences of unsheltered and unstably housed youth. The initiative contributed to greater visibility of youth homelessness within the regional service system and developed into an ongoing community effort.

Digital Presence & Organizational Visibility

Established NYEP’s original social media presence and supported the development of the organization’s early website, creating new digital pathways for young people, community members, volunteers, and supporters to learn about NYEP and connect with its services and mission.

Youth & Community Engagement

Served as a connection point between young people, NYEP staff, community organizations, and regional committees. Supported youth participation in community conversations, elevated youth perspectives, and helped connect young people with available services and resources.

Policy & Systems Advocacy

Participated in regional youth homelessness planning through service on the RAAH Youth Sub-Committee and related community initiatives. Contributed a youth-centered perspective to discussions about housing, homelessness, service accessibility, and community responses for young people.

Results & Impact

Contributed to the development of foundational programming that helped shape NYEP’s Community Living Program, which has since served 200+ young women.
Helped coordinate Washoe County’s first Youth Point-in-Time Count, increasing community attention to the experiences and needs of youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
Established NYEP’s early social media presence and supported development of its initial website, expanding the organization’s capacity for digital outreach and community communication.
Strengthened youth representation within community planning through participation in regional housing and homelessness initiatives.
Received multiple state and national recognitions for service, leadership, and community impact.

Awards & Recognition

Nevada AmeriCorps VISTA of the Year | 2011, 2012
Governor’s Point of Light Award | 2012
President’s Volunteer Service Award | 2012

Boards

RAAH Housing Committee — Board Member
New HYTS Youth Sub-Committee — Member
NYEP Fundraising Committee — Member

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