By Ericka McKibbin, AmeriCorps Program Manager
This weekend I had the opportunity to participate in a service project with Northwest Florida State College and Farm Share, hosted by Volunteer Florida’s LeaderCorps member Darsey Kelly and VF grantee NWF Environmental Stewards at Northwest Florida State College. LeaderCorps is a new VF program designed to immerse Florida’s AmeriCorps members in leadership development to maximize the impact of national service and advocate for volunteerism and civic engagement in their local communities. The inaugural class of LeaderCorps members is comprised of 21 members, who, in addition to their training, are also tasked with coordinating service projects in their communities.
This LeaderCorps project was held in Defuniak Springs at the Northwest Florida State College Chautauqua Center. In little over an hour, volunteers distributed over 14,000 pounds of food!
Local non-profit leaders noted that, in this rural community, many families struggle to find jobs, lack access to social services, and sometimes experience hunger. Local volunteers were excited about the opportunity to make a positive change, and they expressed hope that projects like this will become a regular event!
I am proud of our LeaderCorps team, local AmeriCorps members, and the many volunteers who served alongside them…they definitely got things done!!
Ericka McKibbin
AmeriCorps Program Manager
Volunteer Florida