GET TO
THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013 VOLUME XIX, ISSUE 13
THE POINT THE
NEWSLETTER
OF THE
NCCC
ATLANTIC REGION
THE CORPS IN TRANSITION
Between projects, the Corps comes together for a few frenetic days of debriefing, story-swapping and community building.
Health & Wellness Corps Member Skylar Larson Highlights the Merits of Mental Health First Aid
Team Leader Spotlight What Does a Support Team Leader Actually Do?
CONTENTS
IN THIS
ISSUE 03
Gallery Images from Round 3 Transition
05
Bulletin Board Update of Independent Service Hours & Reminder for POLs
I’m a member of the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps Program.
↑ Raven 1 members
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Louis Brown, Jr.
Kate Skahan, Class XVI
and Meg Wheeler
Southwest Region Corps
pause for a
Member & Class XVIII North
photo during an
Central Region Team Leader
all corps
N-Triple-C members are 18 to 24 and spend 10 months getting things done for America
Alumni Spotlight
community meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
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Health & Wellness
while developing their own leadership. We
The Merits of Mental Health First
serve on teams to help communities prepare
Aid; Corps Members dance in support of Let’s Read, Let’s
for and respond to disasters, build homes,
Move initiative
and help the environment. To learn more, visit NationalService.gov or call 1.800.942.2677
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Team Green Spotlight on Rosslyn Jordan, Unit Support Team Leader
CONNECT WITH AMERICORPS NCCC ATLANTIC REGION Sam McKenzie, Community Relations Specialist (CRS) Phone: 202.528.3755 ● Email: smckenzie@cns.gov
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Project Map Class XIX Teams Deploy for Round 3 Projects
Mona Hillstrand, Assistant Community Relations Specialist (ACRS) Phone: 202.815.4259 ● Email: rhillstrand@cns.gov Ben Dillon, Community Relations Support Team Leader (CRSTL) Phone: 443.995.7940 ● Email: bedillon.guest@cns.gov
About the cover Members of the Moose Unit compete in a “tug o’ war”
Facebook.com/NCCCAtlanticRegion @AmeriCorpsNCCC
against the Raven Unit on All Corps Day, a day of outdoor activities planned by the
NationalService.gov
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JUNE 27, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
Community Council.
GALLERY
All Corps Day — June 19 ↑
(From left) Emma Graves, Ross Rinehart, Meg Wheeler, Gabriella Golzarian and Greg Starling cheer on fellow Corps Members during a “rock, paper, scissors” tournament.
→ With her face covered in whipped cream, Moose 4 member Kiara Gales tries to unwrap a piece of bubblegum with her mouth during a “pie-eating contest.” ↓
Corps Members and staff participate in a “four-legged race.”
GET TO THE POINT | JUNE 27, 2013
3
GALLERY
Round 3 Community Meeting — June 18 ↑ Rico Hernandez, Buffalo 1 Team Leader, announces the Buffalo Unit’s “Corps Member of the Round,” a member recognized each round for exemplary service. → Moose 2 members Cecilia Veloz and Aunesti Dennard, dressed as dwarves, perform a motivational skit at the beginning of the meeting. → Moose 2 member Anthony Requeña, acting as “Handy the Dwarf.” → Denise Jenkins, the recently hired Deputy Region Director of Programming, introduces herself to Corps Members. ↓ With arms outstretched, Raven 1 member Nicole Lomalisa-Allen participates in a wall-sit challenge. The winning members went on for over six minutes.
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BULLETIN BOARD
People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily. –Zig Ziglar
Chandler Ballentine, Operations Support Team Leader, enjoys a moment of laughter during the Round 3 community meeting on Tuesday, June 18.
in the service At the mid-way point has taken a year, the Raven unit the race to commanding lead in mber of nu m imu finish the min ject hours. Pro e vic Independent Ser mplete Percentage of ISP Co 77% Raven: 67. Buffalo: 61.21% Moose: 50.61%
A Reminder for Project Outreach Liaisons! Day of Service Snapshots are due July 5
Field Team Leaders Evan Berry and Meganne Radway, left, and Support Team Leaders Courtney Strother and Stephanie Ferguson, right, enjoy piggyback rides during All Corps Day, June 19.
GET TO THE POINT | JUNE 27, 2013
5
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Kate
Skahan Class XVI Corps Member & Class XVIII Team Leader Story by Moose 5 Corps Ambassador
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JUNE 27, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
W
hen Kate arrived at the Camden City Children’s Garden, I knew that this was a person who understood what the AmeriCorps experience was all about. With her paint-stained Ameri-hoodie, work gloves in her pockets and a beaming personality that showed our Moose 5 team that she was truly motivated, this was going to be a great day for our team. Kate had many memories from her days as a Class XVI Corps Member in the Southwest Region and as a Class XVIII Team Leader in the North Central Region, where current Team Leaders Stephanie Ferguson, Jess Arthur and Ryan Abdelnour, along with Program Associate Megan Hill, were also serving. One of her fa-
vorite projects was when she and her team were deployed to Northern Arizona and assisted with trail maintenance. During that time, her team slept in tents. Kate was very impressed with the beauty of Arizona and all of the hard but rewarding work that her team was able to accomplish.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
“ Although being in a team based setting can be stressful at times, always try to overlook the little things that your teammates do to annoy you… ” Our team got to show Kate around the Children’s Garden while telling all of our stories about what our team went through during this project round and how all of us feel very accomplished with the work that we did at the garden. Kate was very impressed with what our team had accomplished. After our tour, it was off to work. Half of our team went off with Kate into the city of Camden for a day of service with the New Jersey Tree Foundation, where 74 trees were to be planted that day. At the day of service, the mayor of Camden, Dana Redd, came out to assist with the tree planting. We were also graced by an entire second grade class from the Cooper’s Point School who helped with the
tree planting. Kate was impressed with this day of service and how it took her back to her own AmeriCorps days. Now Kate works as a full-time Nanny for a family and is planning to travel around Europe before settling down for a full-time career. When we came into lunch after the morning of tree planting, Kate had some words of wisdom for our team. She said, although being in a team based setting can be stressful at times, always try to overlook the little things that your teammates do to annoy you, because chances are, you also have habits that are annoying to others. With all of the experiences that Kate shared with us, she was able to show us that this year will be a special one.
GET TO THE POINT | JUNE 27, 2013
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Your Move, America By Skylar Larsen, Raven 2 Health & Wellness Liaison
P
icture this: you see an older man running along a path near your work site. You notice him because he appears to be in very good shape; his body looks reasonably toned and he keeps a fast, yet steady, pace. If you were privy to such information, you would know that he is not overweight and his blood sugar and cholesterol levels are both normal. In fact, his physician would tell you that he is in perfect health. What you do not know about this seemingly healthy man is that he can rarely sleep for more than a few hours every night. What the results of his blood tests will not reveal is the dull sense of guilt he felt when he could not even pretend to be excited about the birth of his first grandchild. This man may try to brush off these issues, believing that he is just going through a difficult time, that this is normal, or that he is overreacting. As a result, he may experience these problems and others for years before they are recognized as Continued on page 9 � Infographic produced by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. More information at TheNationalCouncil.org
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JUNE 27, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
HEALTH & WELLNESS Your Move, continued from page 8 symptoms of a legitimate illness. This hypothetical scenario indirectly addresses a widespread problem in our country: the inadequate recognition given to mental health and its illnesses. This year, thousands of people will endure a similar situation, facing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health illnesses. The majority of them will remain untreated because they are either unaware that they have a mental illness or believe that they can simply “get over it.� It is true that we all have our difficult times in life. Situational and personal circumstances can lead to moments of high stress, extreme sadness, temporary insomnia, or even apathy. However, it is important to distinguish between temporary ailments and symptoms of a legitimate mental illness. Mental Health First Aid, formed first in Australia in 2001 and recently introduced in the United States of America, provides a 12-hour training course that teaches people how to recognize and help someone experiencing a mental health crisis or exhibiting symptoms of a mental health illness. While individuals certified in Mental Health First Aid are not equipped to provide professional therapy, they can act as a listening ear or even be the bridge some people may need to pursue professional help. Cozy in our AmeriBubble, we are not immune to mental illnesses or even the mental strain that accompanies the day-to-day life. We live, work, eat, sleep, and play alongside our coworkers and bosses. We work at least 40 hours every week, not including the time devoted to physical training, team building, and specialty roles. It is normal to feel frustration, fatigue, anxiety, or even depression. However, just as we can remedy headaches and coughing before it morphs into a full-blown flu, we could also relieve these mental strains before they harm us on a deeper level. Over Round 2 transition, 27 AmeriCorps mem-
bers were certified in Mental Health First Aid by our own Laura Tuck. These individuals are trained to recognize signs of mental distress, be it an off-day or the signs of an eating disorder. After a frustrating day at work, sometimes simply talking or ranting about it can lift that weight off your chest. Though we all have our close friends to whom we confide, please know that there are also trained peer helpers available as well. With President Barack Obama's endorsement of Mental Health First Aid in 2012, public awareness of the significance of mental health is rising. It is President Obama's hope that eventually, over 20 percent of the American population will be certified in Mental Health First Aid. Besides the 27 AmeriCorps members, the members of Team Green are also certified, bringing the total number of certified individuals to roughly 40 and well over that anticipated 20 percentile. As usual, we of the AmeriCorps NCCC continue to go above and beyond to get things done. It is your move, America.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
LET’S READ, LET’S MOVE
W
hat better way to support the Let’s Read, Let’s Move initiative than to lead by example? Several Corps Members and staff gathered together and participated in the dance that goes with the song, “Move your Body” by Beyoncé. It is a hope to have all of our members learn the dance and to participate in ISPs that follow the initiative’s mission of guiding our nation’s youth to help build fit bodies and strong minds. In this spirit, the Corporation for National and Community Service has again implemented the summer United We Serve: Let’s Read, Let’s Move initiative. By encouraging Americans to serve, the Corporation is addressing summer reading loss and
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JUNE 27, 2013 | GET TO THE POINT
childhood obesity by engaging youth in summer reading and physical activity, as well as providing information about healthy, affordable food. For more information, visit www.serve.gov/lrlm.asp and www.letsmove.gov How can your team inspire the communities where you are living and working to be a part of this initiative? Find a library, where your team can assist with a reading program or a community garden where you can assist with the upkeep. Learn the “Move Your Body” dance and teach it to youth in the community. Remember to take photos and videos and send them to the Community Relations Department!
TEAM GREEN
What Does A Support Team Leader Do?
ROSSLYN JORDAN BUFFALO UNIT SUPPORT TEAM LEADER
The Unit Office Support Team Leader serves as a role model, facilitator, and educator, and performs the highly unique and demanding role of supporting the Unit Leader in the management and support of the unit's assigned teams. In this critical position, the STL will encourage and maintain high standards for both TLs and CMs as she/he works directly with the Unit Leader. Duties of the Unit Support Team Leader:
Meet with Unit Leaders (ULs) and STLs to ensure communication and collaboration across Units
Assist the UL in maintaining TL/CM accountability by tracking member absences and Independent Service Project forms
Why did you want to be a Unit Support Team Leader? I chose to be a Unit Support Team Leader because I had a sense of duty to
Support the ULs in gathering, tracking, and routing weekly reports from the field
support my unit and felt confident in my ability to do the job.
Assist ULs in trainings, team meetings, and overall unit readiness for service
I help my Unit Leader with any tasks she needs done around the office (she is
Assist ULs in coordinating transition week schedules with TLs and teams to include all Corps activities
Provide support for CM team specialty roles, as assigned
When possible, join the Unit Leader on site visits
What is a typical day like for you? a busy lady!). I also keep in touch with the Field Team Leaders to see how their teams a performing, and if they are in need of anything while on spike. What is your favorite part your position? Through some of the tasks that I do, I am given the opportunity to travel to different worksites and briefly visit the teams. I really enjoy being able to see the work teams are doing in all the units, and to get a taste of all the wonderful projects that our members are involved in. Why are Support Team Leaders important? Team leaders need support! The STL is like the middle-man between the Unit Leader and the Field Team Leader, so I am able to help them with all the little
Interested in Serving as a Support Team Leader?
things they may not want to bother the UL with, or follow up on things the Unit Leader and staff have communicated with them. I also help Corp members when they have questions or need something!
Speak with a staff member or a current Support Team Leader for more information. Applications for winter cycle Team Leader positions are open now at my.americorps.gov
What is one of your responsibilities that Corps
The deadline to apply is September 1.
role information/materials, forms, or simply a new pair
Members may not know about? I can be a liaison for you if there is anything you need from the staff. I can also acquire resources to mail to you, whether it be study material for tests, specialty of pants! I am usually very reachable, and if you have any questions I can answer them or find the answer for you.
GET TO THE POINT | JUNE 27, 2013
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Where in the Atlantic Region Are They?
Round 3, Week 1
For Round 3, Class XIX teams are slated to complete 23 projects across nine states. Four projects will focus on hurricane recovery efforts in New Jersey and New York. Five projects will focus on environmental stewardship in recreational camps and conservation areas in three different states. Seven projects will assist low-income or underdeveloped urban and rural communities through housing and facilities improvements.
MAINE
VERMONT
NEW HAMPSHIRE
NEW YORK
MASSACHUSETTS
CONN.
R.I.
PENNSYLVANIA
MARYLAND
NEW JERSEY
D.C.
WEST VIRGINIA
DELAWARE RAVEN 1 Toms River, N.J. Jersey Cares Disaster Services
VIRGINIA MOOSE 4
RAVEN 2
Elkton, Md. Project Crossroad Urban & Rural Development
Kittaning, Pa. Armstrong Conservative District Infrastructure Improvement
BUFFALO 1
MOOSE 1
MOOSE 5
RAVEN 3
Toms River, N.J. Jersey Cares Disaster Services
Wells, Me. The Nature Conservancy Environmental Stewardship
Sudbury, Mass. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Environmental Stewardship
Kennedyville, Md. Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Environmental Stewardship
BUFFALO 3
MOOSE 2
MOOSE 8 (A.K.A. SASQUATCH 1)
RAVEN 4
New York, N.Y. World Care Centers Disaster Services
Bridgeport, Ct. Habitat for Humanity CFC Urban & Rural Development
Andover, Me. Appalachian Trail Conservancy Environmental Stewardship
Lincolnville, Me. University of Maine: Tanglewood Infrastructure Improvement
BUFFALO 4
MOOSE 3
PHOENIX 3
RAVEN 5
Queens, N.Y. Respond & Rebuild Disaster Services
Russell, Mass. Appalachian Mountain Club Environmental Stewardship
Suffolk, Va. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Disaster Services
Bryant Pond, Me. University of Maine: Bryant Pond Infrastructure Improvement