Et cetera : Americorp group speaks to residents at Iowa Juvenile Home

Liz Sprague, Rebecca Bigler, Martha Mickelson

On Saturday, April 6, 2013, the Alpha Psi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma hosted a morning coffee for the residents of the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. The ladies of the organization shared coffee and treats, as well as great conversation with the residents. The group then enjoyed a wonderful program given by three members of the AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), stationed in Vinton, Iowa. Rebecca Bigler of Littleton, Colorado; Liz Sprague of New Burwick, Maine; and Martha Mickelson of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa spoke about their experiences in the NCCC and answered questions from the residents.

Ms. Bigler said, “When I was invited to talk to the girls at the Iowa State Juvenile Home, I didn’t know what to expect. It turned out to be such a positive experience. Everyone at the event, both the girls and the members of Delta Kappa Gamma, were genuinely excited to have us there. The conversation about NCCC didn’t stop after my presentation with my fellow NCCC members either, but continued as we made journals together. What struck me most about the event was that attending was a privilege for the girls, a reward for being good throughout the week. That made me feel very special.

AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women age 18–24. Members are assigned to one of five campuses, located in Denver, Colorado; Sacramento, California; Perry Point, Maryland; Vicksburg, Mississippi; and Vinton, Iowa.

The mission of AmeriCorps NCCC is to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service. In partnership with non-profits—secular and faith based, local municipalities, state governments, federal government, national or state parks, Indian Tribes and schools members complete service projects throughout the region they are assigned.

For more information, please visit: http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp

The morning concluded with everyone participating in a journal making activity. The residents were able to keep the journals as mementos of the morning.