The VISTA Verse

Welcome to Team VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTAs: It’s Shiny and New and I Want It! You know how you feel when you get something brand new and you are very excited and just want to incorporate it into your everyday life? Here at the VISTA Project of United Way of Weld County, we feel the same way...about our NEW VISTAs! We would like to start by extending a warm welcome to our two new VISTAs who began their services this month. Kristy Gallegos is the new VISTA member for North Range Behavioral Health. North Range provides professional, culturally competent mental health services for Weld County. Kristy will be working primarily with the SESS (Suicide Education Support Services) program at North Range, which includes services such as: creating public awareness, Suicide Speaker’s Bureau, SAFE TEEN training, Gatekeeper Training, Suicide Survivor Fund, and more. For more information please see: http://www.northrange.org/programs.htm#SESS Jeff Buchman is the new VISTA member for United Way Campaign. United Way connects people in need with the services that can help them achieve stability for life. United Way offers services from assisting in finding child care to ideas to help your teen or family members needing assistance. United Way Campaign helps meet the costs for the needs in the community through fundraising and events as well as getting local community members to volunteer their time and skills. This VISTA is working closely with a partnership with the University of Northern Colorado and Aims Community College to enhance Student United Way Clubs. This group gets students out into their communities and involved. For more information: http://www.unitedway-weld.org/campaign/student-uw Kristy Gallegos at North Range Behavioral Health - I am an undergrad student, born and raised in Greeley, Colorado. I love writing, both technical and creative. I have organized the Greeley Poetry Slam for three years and it is one of my greatest passions. I am mostly thumbs when it comes to sports but played softball for twelve years and tennis through high school. I currently live just off UNC campus with 4 other roommates. I have a 14 year old yellow lab named Daisy. I love being outside, movies and making people laugh. I’m a fun-loving, planner with a passion for community and a flair for detail. I am so excited to be starting my year as a VISTA and look forward to serving my community! Interested in learning more? Contact:

VISTA Project – United Way of Weld County 814 9th Street Greeley, CO 80631

PO Box 1944 Greeley, CO 80832 P: 970-353-4300 ext 2570 F: 970-353-4738 Email: erika@unitedway-weld.org

August 2011

Vol. 1 Issue 9

VISTA Project of United Way of Weld County

Jeff Buchman at United Way Campaign - Jeff is a recent transplant from Upstate New York to Colorado and is currently working as the Campaign VISTA at United Way of Weld County. He enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing. After graduating from Penn State Behrend in 2008 with a degree in history he decided to continue his education by pursuing a Masters in Nonprofit Management at the University of Central Florida. One reason for relocating to Greeley is a love of travel and meeting new people as well as a desire to see sun for more than 30 days a year.

The VISTA Verse August 2011

Vol. 1 Issue 9

We Do BIG Things! "I believe in the spirit of sharing and I believe we are what we are because of those around us." This quote really sums up the VISTA Members of United Way of Weld County’s terms of service and their overall personalities. The VISTAs have completed their six month accumulative progress report and it’s been an incredible six months as well as a continued improvement from the previous term! United Way is appreciative to be part of such an wonderful project with amazing individuals willing to devote their time and skills to making a difference. This is a personal Thank You to all our VISTA members for the work they have done from January 2011 to July 2011! 1. VISTAs created 103 different marketing documents such as: flyers, posters, brochures, blogs, websites, recruitment cards, door hangers, and more. 2. VISTAS have researched, written, and applied to 12 different grants, locally and nationally. 3. VISTAs have created & implemented 62 volunteer orientations and “train the trainer” sessions along with the development of volunteer training materials. 4. VISTAS have created & implemented 8 different programs as a supplement to ongoing programs at their organizations for their nonprofit. 5. VISTAs raised $32,389 of cash resources and obtained $36,029 value of noncash resources for their organizations to aid in reaching their goals and to improve their organization. 6. VISTAs recruited 415 volunteers and had them complete 1409.5 hours of volunteer work! “Just as Robert Kennedy said, 'The future is not a gift. It is an achievement.' What we do today, determines what we have tomorrow. These VISTAs are serving to make a difference and volunteering their skills so that in the future they can look back and see the foundation that they built and how they made it sustainable for the future. That’s something to be proud of.” – Erika Rogness, VISTA Leader

Important & Interesting Dates

August is National Peach, Family Fun, and Golf month! Enjoy!

08/01 Islamic Ramadan Colorado Cares Day in Fredrick 08/05 VISTA Training 10am @United Way 08/07 Friendship Day 08/11 National Health Center Week Health Fair 8am – 11am 08/13 GTH Carwash 10am – 2pm 1206 10th St 08/15 Assumption Day 08/19 Aviation Day 08/20 Connections Annual Beer Tasting Fundraiser 1pm - 4pm at the Meeker House Museum 08/25 VISTA Monthly Meeting 9am 08/26 Women’s Equality Day 08/27 Greeley Transitional House Summerfest Comedy Show - call for more details 352-3215 For more information on these events please email Erika – erika@unitedway-weld.org

August Birthdays

08/21 Alanna Gauthier

It’s Hot – Sweat It Out August is the last extremely hot month of the year in Colorado. I know those of us without air conditioning or non-working air conditioners so we use fans, are happy to hear that. So lay by the pool, enjoy Windsor Lake, or find a nice air circulated location and hang out for the day. Personally, I enjoy the AMC Cinema Saver 6 in Fort Collins: $3 movies and 2 hours of FREE air conditioning! To aid in your cool down, enjoy this delicious, nutritious, and most importantly COLD smoothie! This is also great for those vegetarians who need to get some protein in their diet. Tutti-Frutti Tofu Smoothie 2 cups of ice 2 cups of frozen strawberries ½ cup of pineapple, with juice 1 banana 6 ounces of yogurt 1 ½ ounces of silken soft tofu (Mori-Nu) Feel free to add and subtract fruit. Other fruit options include: blueberries, raspberries, kiwis, oranges, peaches, mangos. Need an Accompanying Snack? Apple Brickle Dip 1 8 oz. package of cream cheese (softened) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 pkg. Heath Bar bits 3 medium tart apples, sliced 1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla. 2. Fold the Heath Bar bits into the mixture. 3. Serve with apples.

V^3: Very Valuable VISTA Laura Kay Hart – Boys & Girls Club Greeley

1.) If you could have any animal companion that was completely trained/loyal to you, what type of animal would you choose and why? A Eurasian lynx because they’re protective, playful, and very soft--the idea of a loyal, large feline has definite perks. 2.) If you could have one canceled TV show come back for one more season, which show would you choose? Stargate: Universe because the last episode left them drifting into space with one of my favorite characters, Eli, facing either solving a technical problem or death. .3.) What is your greatest fear? I am afraid of unfortunate occurrences, i.e. falling from a cliff, because I don't like knowing there are ways that I can lose the people I love & care about to chance. The possibility of loss without control is unnerving. 4.) What’s the best surprise you’ve ever had? I was having a really rough time with transportation and my kids. My godparents gave me their van on the condition that I pay it forward. Hopefully I can give back enough to feel like I've honored their gift. 5.) What’s the best advice you’ve ever given and/or received? "Be Yourself". Life is too short to waste time pretending or convincing someone else that you're someone they're interested in being around. 6.) What personality traits get you in trouble? I have a very dry sense of humor which gets me into trouble. 7.) Why did you become an AmeriCorps VISTA? When I learned I could help in communities to fight poverty, I became very interested. I got called back quickly--I figured that it would be a good way to give while getting back into the workforce. 8.) What do you love the most about being in Colorado? The many instances of rare beauty. The variety of activities with drastic differences between parts of the state make it a truly fascinating place to live. 9.) If you could choose any other place in the United States to live, where would you choose? My heart is torn between Boston, MA & anywhere in Alaska. I love the history in Boston and have loved being there every time I have visited, but Alaska is another place with incredible beauty. I doubt I'll ever have to choose...I do love Colorado.

The VISTA Verse August 2011

Vol. 1 Issue 9

All Events are FREE unless marked otherwise 08/01 Glenmere Park Tour 6:30pm-9pm: Come join us as we tour the Glenmere area, known for its interesting history and architecture and trees! Learn why it was a visionary idea and see rare and significant trees in the area. Starting location: playground on west end of Glenmere Park. 08/04 Boogie On Blowing 9pm – 1am: Live Music at Chipper's Lanes Mark's Midnight Carnival. August 18th The Seers August 25th The Symbols. Doors open at 9 pm ◦$2 Cover, 1st game free ◦$2 games & shoes◦$2 drafts & wells◦$1 slices & soft tacos 08/06 – 08/27 Rio Grande Summer Concert Series - Come out to the Rio Beer Garden every Saturday through summer to enjoy free outdoor concerts from 6-9pm. Here's the lineup: Aug 6-Bill Smith, Aug. 13 - Rob Wilson, Aug 20- Trichome, Aug 27- Ben Pu and Crew. 08/06 Greeley Farmer’s Market at the Depot 902 7th Avenue 7:30am – 12: The annual Greeley Farmers' Market features vendors with seasonal farm-fresh produce, meats, breads and pastries, flowers, great food, local crafts and more. Special activities are scheduled throughout the season including live music and recipe demonstrations. 902 7th Avenue 08/13 Greeley Farmer’s Market 08/13 Girls Fest Greeley Mall 10am – 6pm: Vendors, and entertainment all day! Find everything you need for your next "at home" party. Back to school fashion show! 08/20 Greeley Farmer’s Market 08/20Pig Roast at the Tavern followed by music at the Amphitheatre 5:30 – 8:30pm: Good food and dancing music at St. Michael's Amphitheatre played by D.J. sensation John Cowart. Our cause is to help disabled adults and seniors get the highest quality of care while continuing their independence! The proceeds from the event will go to Eldergarden, a local non-profit. $6 for adults and $3 for kids 10 and under.

08/25 Rocky Mountain Irish Festival Aug 25 6pm – Aug 28 9pm Windsor: Musical groups, dancers, pipe bands, storytellers,

kids areas with rides, stilt walkers and a magnificent family cultural event. Boardwalk Park, Windsor, Co

What’s Happenin’ - August August 2011 Vol. 1 Issue 9

As we transition three VISTAs out of their year of service term and began new terms for two new members, it seems like the best time to review capacity building. Your sites are looking to you to advance the big picture and help improve the kinds of programs and services they are already offering. But remember, it’s not only up to you. It’s about helping the site and staff come together to boost their internal capacity. Try out some of these practices and sit down to talk to your supervisor about them: 1. Altruism - Individuals should be encouraged to use their gifts to benefit the organization. Is there something special you, a staff member, or community member really likes to do? Can it fit into your program of partnerships?

2. Communication - Not just by word of mouth, but a variety of tools- email, newsletters, radio, internet, etc. And communication with site

staff is just as critical as with the community. Do they know about the work you’re doing? Do they know how to get involved?

3. Organization - Each member of an organization needs to have a role in that organization. Do YOU know how your work fits into your

site’s “bigger vision”? Is there a mutual feeling of sense and purpose among staff? 4. Skills - Use your assets! And the assets of those you work with. Find out what people are good at and utilize those skills for the benefit of your site. Think back to your resource mapping- what special talents or skills do staff have at your site? Remember to look for those “unusual suspects” and tap into the assets that we all possess! 5. Trust - Trust in each other and in your site is essential to a strong agency. VISTAs should be building trust with those they work with in an effort to do their work more effectively and vice versa! This also helps develop sustainable practice. Has your site engaged in any team building activities? 6. Unity - Establishing a culture of tolerance in the workplace will increase capacity. You should be celebrating the differences and similarities you share with those you work with as well as those your site serves. How might this be a theme to your next partnership event?

Capacity Building: If You Build It, They Will Come