Together We Prepare Members Stay Busy

Happy holidays! I hope you are staying safe, healthy, and warm during this busy month of projects, events, and recent winter blizzard. My name is Misty Youngson and I am a second-year AmeriCorps member with the Together We Prepare program. I serve with the American Red Cross of Northwest Michigan in Traverse City. The Together We Prepare AmeriCorps Program (TWPA) provides emergency assistance to victims and communities affected by disaster and increases preparedness in the areas of greatest need before disaster strikes. Participants in this program recruit, train, and support individuals who will provide community outreach and education through Red Cross service activities focusing on homeland security. Other duties may include serving at blood drives and assisting with Service to Armed Forces casework.

Our Together We Prepare Team has been active throughout the state and around the country providing services and getting things done. In October, three team members were able to assist with the flood relief efforts in Rochester, Minnesota. Samantha of Midland, Drew of Grand Rapids, and Ryan of Saginaw traveled to Minnesota to work as client caseworkers to provide emergency relief to families affected by floods. The American Red Cross can provide emergency food, clothing, and shelter during times of disasters. A caseworker will assess the needs of families and determine their emergency needs.

In November, several AmeriCorps team members from Grand Rapids assisted in the Tree to Table Initiative sponsored by Griffin Properties. The project began with a generous donation of over 300 apples from Leo Dietrich Farm. Ten volunteers worked for nine hours to bake 32 pies. They delivered the freshly baked apple pies to local food pantries and kitchens throughout the city. This was a project of the Heart Work is Hard Work service series. These team members also volunteered to clean up Sigsbee Park in Grand Rapids by painting, trimming bushes, and pulling weeds in October. A very active bunch indeed!

My local team mate, Kelly Teresko, and I have been involved with projects through out Traverse City. I have helped with elementary school music programs and Cub Scout events. Both of us recently assisted the local Planned Parenthood with a large mailing project. We also helped the Goodwill Industries fill the pantries with food stock before Thanksgiving weekend. In February the Together We Prepare Program is planning to attend the Special Olympics here in Traverse City. This will be an opportunity for us to serve and recruit new AmeriCorps members. We look forward to spreading the word about Michigan’s AmeriCorps.