During AmeriCorps Week we recognize the millions of Americans who have chosen to serve their country through AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors and encourage more Americans to follow in their footsteps in service.

THN would like to thank the following eight THN AmeriCorps VISTA members and recognize their hard work to end poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Over the past year THN VISTA members have served over 6688 hours, recruited 95 volunteers, raised almost $20,000 in cash and in-kind resources, and have enriched their community in outreach and capacity building. 

As the THN VISTA Leader, Cindy Ramirez supports THN’s VISTA members during their service, develops new enhanced processes, and creates new tools for VISTA members and site supervisors. Her work helps community partners expand their efforts to provide housing and other services to persons at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Mallorie Beavers is the THN Communications & Community Engagement VISTA for Beloved Community in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Mallorie is creating sustainability at Beloved Community through funding research and procurement, social media outreach, community involvement mapping, and foundation building.

As THN VISTA Timebank Coordinator at Doña Ana Communities United (DACU) in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Giovanni Cisneros is focusing on extending the reach of DACU’s timebank, a resource where volunteers from all walks of life exchange no-cost services with each other.

Aubrey Fetzer, THN VISTA Statewide Data Sharing Initiatives Associate, is advancing the mission and strategic goals of the Texas Homeless Data Sharing Network (THDSN) by developing grants, securing funding, supporting the operation of the network, and developing marketing and communications materials to publicize and encourage support for the project. Her work will help create the largest statewide homelessness data integration effort in the United States.

Sabrina Field, THN VISTA Coalition and Coordinated Entry Coordinator, is building capacity in Longview, Texas by supporting the local homeless coalition, building and enhancing homeless programs, and facilitating the maintenance of the Coordinated Entry (CE) system. Sabrina’s service allows community partners to more effectively provide housing and other services to persons experiencing homelessness.

As THN VISTA Communications and Community Outreach Associate in Texarkana, Texas, LaKing Harris’ focus is on marketing and building capacity to support and advance Texarkana Doorways Home and the Texarkana Homeless Coalition’s strategic goals, which contribute to the goal of making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in the Texarkana area.

Lori Iles, THN Coalition and Coordinated Entry VISTA, supports the local coalition and the development of a Coordinated Entry (CE) system in Kaufman County, Texas by strengthening partnerships and providing technical assistance to local homeless service organizations, allowing community partners to more effectively provide housing and other services to persons experiencing homelessness.

Araceli Vera, VISTA Social Mapping Equity Coordinator – Doña Ana Communities United (DACU) focuses on outreach to residents and communities in Doña Ana County most impacted by poverty and health inequities, specifically English-speaking individuals with limited incomes, including young families, elders, people with disabilities, and people who have experienced the effects of incarceration.

The impact these VISTAs are making is immeasurable, and their work will leave a lasting mark in their communities for years to come. Thank you VISTA members for your hard work, commitment, and dedication to helping others. Together, we are AmeriCorps.