Grace Ortez took a short break from studying for the LSAT a cold November Friday to talk to me about how she found AmeriCorps VISTA, why she values national service, and how her view of her hometown has expanded through service. Grace grew up in New York City and now serves in NYC as part of the Defending Communities in Service at the New York Office of the Appellate Defender to expand community partnerships. Throughout our conversation, her passion for her city was apparent in every answer.
Wonder how NLADA VISTA members actually expand holistic defense? Interested in becoming a host site or a VISTA member yourself? Read on to learn more about the day to day of our program and host sites.
Latest from VISTA
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Graduating College is a big transition and you’re probably wondering what to do next. If you’re passionate about social change and want to serve your community; AmeriCorps is a wonderful opportunity. It is a great way to make positive change in the world starting with our communities. AmeriCorps can be a foot in the door leading to a career that you are passionate about. AmeriCorps VISTA members share their experience with graduating and wanting to make an impact out of college which led them to AmeriCorps service.
Monday, May 13, 2019
I studied social work and anthropology because I love listening to people. All of my research projects, my internships, and my previous jobs were thinly veiled excuses to talk to people, learn about their lives, and sometimes, analyze and comply the data from our conversations. I’ve gotten to learn and get to know wonderful people from all over the globe this way.
Friday, April 26, 2019
Kameryn, one of our DC VISTAs, completed her year of service yesterday. We're grateful for the heart and hard work she's put into being the Data Systems Coordinator. Kameryn will be continuing public service and joining the Peace Corps! We already miss her. Below is her final reflection on her year of VISTA service.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
It's Public Defender Week so we're highlighting some of the awesome directors of our host sites! Read on to hear about Steve Hattori, the Executive Director of the Guam Public Defender Service Corporation. Carly, our VISTA member in Guam, and Hattori talk about the history of public defense in Guam with humor.
"On a quiet Tuesday afternoon, I sat down with Guam Public Defender Service Corporation Executive Director Steve Hattori to discuss his nearly twenty years of service as a public defender on the island that raised him.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
At our annual conference, we all agreed upon a set a values to guide our service. Building bridges resonated with everyone and this month, we reflected on how we have built bridges in service. Below are some of the unique ways we've built bridges together.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Today Amanda, our VISTA member in Santa Barbara, California shares how partnerships changed the life of a client.
For many who have never talked to a person experiencing homelessness, “the homeless” are living a lifestyle choice, content to live in squalor and depend on the kindness of non-profits and strangers, but the reality is far from it.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Joining AmeriCorps means taking on a variety of unforseen challenges during your year of service. You commit a year of your life to serve in underprivileged and marginalized communities, educate yourself on communal issues, and work to provide sustainable solutions. As an AmeriCorps member, you have to learn how to adapt to those challenges and #GetThingsDone for your project. When our D.C.
Monday, January 28, 2019
VISTA members come from all walks of life, and bring with them a variety of experiences that have helped shape their passion for service. Our VISTAs experiences have served to both strengthen their resolve for justice and have proved invaluable to the Defending Communities in Service program. Join us as we explore how our members turned life lessons into action as they dedicate themselves to a year of service.
Monday, January 7, 2019
Thank you all so much for being a part of Defending Communities in Service this year. We've had such an incredible first year and we couldn't have done it with out each of you. Over the course of the last twelve months we've launched our project, doubled in size, served for more than 11,000 hours in communtiies across the country, and learned so much. As we move into 2019 we can't wait to continue this journey and to bring you along with us.
Best wishes for the new year,
Emily, Kameryn, and Anna
The NLADA VISTA Team
