AmeriCorps Makes A Difference

by Trudy Shuravloff

With the help of Imagine NW! my organization, The Whatcom Dream has been able to receive a grant in the form of an AmeriCorps position for the past year and a half.  John Shuravloff filled this position as an AmeriCorps member.  The requirements of the position are to advance Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) practices in our neighborhood.  John and I live in the Roosevelt Neighborhood of Bellingham, Washington.

Some of the ABCD efforts include:

1.  Helping residents organize and develop a neighborhood poster and calendar.

2.  Supporting and encouraging neighbors to work with local Child Welfare Officials to create a system that allows foster kids from our neighborhood to stay in our neighborhood.  A system that enables kids to remain in their same school, with the support and familiarity of friends and teachers, will decrease stress on the kids while the family is in crisis and foster a sense of belonging and stability for families.

3.  Assist neighbors in organizing local block watch programs.  Every resident was given a free low energy compact fluorescent light bulb for a porch light to help reduce crime in the area.  Roosevelt is no longer the highest crime area in Bellingham.  Community Development REALLY WORKS!

4.  Facilitate a “Citizen Leadership” program in the Roosevelt neighborhood.  This program is patterned after one developed by Imagine-Chicago, a non-profit community organization in Chicago.  This is a structured, on-the-job training that equips local people, young or old, to learn the basics of community organizing.

The goal is for each trainee to form a team of citizens to plan and complete a small project that improves the neighborhood.

John will be facilitating the nominee’s work sessions, which provide them with the necessary tools, information and resources to complete a project of their choice.  This is a wonderful opportunity to provide free leadership development training to residents who are recognized as potential leaders!

Lastly, John can be seen most days out in the community garden – planting, weeding and watering.  When we moved here several years ago, this garden became a huge and exciting gathering point for neighbors to naturally connect and talk.  This benefits the neighborhood by bringing people together through meaningful conversations.  Our neighbors love the produce and the spontaneous chats!

Thanks Imagine NW! for supporting us in our work!  We appreciate your help!  TS