“When asked why I volunteer with the American Red Cross and why I joined AmeriCorpsVISTA, the only thing I find difficult is deciding where to start,” said Dawn Heusler, a Red Cross Instructor and AmeriCorpsVISTA with the local chapter.
Seventeen years ago, Dawn took the instructor training course through the Onondaga County American Red Cross while she was pregnant with her son.
She thoroughly enjoys being a teacher and believes in the mission of the Red Cross. This is quite evident in her dedication and hours of volunteer work.
In 2005, she interviewed for a position at the Cayuga County Chapter to serve for a one-year term of service as an AmeriCorpsVISTA. This national program can be compared to serving in the Peace Corps, but here in the United States. Dawn has found it to be totally fulfilling in many ways.
She designed and implemented community disaster education programs. She was asked to participate again, but as an AmeriCorpsVISTA Leader with the New York State Emergency Preparedness Project; she could not sign on quick enough.
This scope of the VISTA project is huge, yet individual strengths are used to best bring out the goals of each work plan for the year. Dawn works out of and partners with the Cayuga County Chapter of The American Red Cross, which is convenient for her. She thoroughly enjoys her co-workers and the atmosphere in the office.
Dawn believes being an AmeriCorpsVISTA member is a win-win situation. She receives a stipend for living expenses, medical insurance and additional training locally through the Red Cross and The Human Services Coalition, which enables her to continue to develop her skills. In her new volunteer position which began in December, she supports and guides other AmeriCorpsVISTA in their positions throughout New York helping them fulfill their individual assignments which are part of the New York State Emergency Preparedness Project. Through her time as an AmeriCorpsVISTA, Dawn professes that she has grown both personally and professionally.
“I know that when my term is finished, I will be more equipped to take on other employment due to the position and challenges I have encountered,” Dawn said.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Want to help?
An information booth about opportunities to serve as an AmeriCorpsVISTA member will be set up from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the First United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn. The information booth will be held during a blood drive.
The chapter has hosted three AmeriCorpsVISTA and has openings for two additional positions in the coming months. The local VISTA will initiate and concentrate on community disaster
education projects in Cayuga County high schools and colleges during the one-year service program.
To learn more, contact the chapter at 252-9596 or
e-mail chapter@ccredcross.org.
She thoroughly enjoys being a teacher and believes in the mission of the Red Cross. This is quite evident in her dedication and hours of volunteer work.
In 2005, she interviewed for a position at the Cayuga County Chapter to serve for a one-year term of service as an AmeriCorpsVISTA. This national program can be compared to serving in the Peace Corps, but here in the United States. Dawn has found it to be totally fulfilling in many ways.
She designed and implemented community disaster education programs. She was asked to participate again, but as an AmeriCorpsVISTA Leader with the New York State Emergency Preparedness Project; she could not sign on quick enough.
This scope of the VISTA project is huge, yet individual strengths are used to best bring out the goals of each work plan for the year. Dawn works out of and partners with the Cayuga County Chapter of The American Red Cross, which is convenient for her. She thoroughly enjoys her co-workers and the atmosphere in the office.
Dawn believes being an AmeriCorpsVISTA member is a win-win situation. She receives a stipend for living expenses, medical insurance and additional training locally through the Red Cross and The Human Services Coalition, which enables her to continue to develop her skills. In her new volunteer position which began in December, she supports and guides other AmeriCorpsVISTA in their positions throughout New York helping them fulfill their individual assignments which are part of the New York State Emergency Preparedness Project. Through her time as an AmeriCorpsVISTA, Dawn professes that she has grown both personally and professionally.
“I know that when my term is finished, I will be more equipped to take on other employment due to the position and challenges I have encountered,” Dawn said.
Susan Marteney is executive director of the Cayuga County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Want to help?
An information booth about opportunities to serve as an AmeriCorpsVISTA member will be set up from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the First United Methodist Church, 99 South St., Auburn. The information booth will be held during a blood drive.
The chapter has hosted three AmeriCorpsVISTA and has openings for two additional positions in the coming months. The local VISTA will initiate and concentrate on community disaster
education projects in Cayuga County high schools and colleges during the one-year service program.
To learn more, contact the chapter at 252-9596 or
e-mail chapter@ccredcross.org.
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