Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Oak 1 Serves as Positive Role Models at Tanager Place

By Laurie Miller, Oak 1

 

After serving for one month with the Vinton Parks and Recreation Department, AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 1, has begun serving at Tanager Place in Cedar Rapids. Tanager Place is dedicated to successfully serving children and families challenged by social and psychological needs. In order to do so, Tanager operates outpatient programs and in-patient programs, as well as Camp Tanager.

 

Oak 1 is providing maintenance work for Tanager as well as working with the children as tutors and in the intramural sports program. Oak 1 started working at Tanager’s annual Summer Fest. Oak 1 also helped prepare for the opening of Camp Tanager. Currently, they are working on painting the exteriors of three of the cottages.

 

In addition to working at Tanager Place, Oak 1 is performing Independent Service Project hours with the Cedar Rapids Science Station, Camp Wapsie, Vinton Parks and Recreation and the Iowa Children’s Museum.

 

Tanager Place serves a vital function in the Cedar Rapids community and Oak 1 is very excited to be working with such a wonderful program and such committed staff.

 

Caption: Oak 1 team member Kym Copple, painting outside a cottage at Tanager Place