AmeriCorps Members

Dan Chmelar – AmeriCorps 2007

Four Mounds Adventure Day Camp and the Multicultural Family Center

Coming into my second term of service with AmeriCorps, I thought that I had a pretty good understanding of what I was doing and how to handle kids.  However, as is always the case when working with kids, it is always harder than it looks.  

The majority of my term of service took place at the Four Mounds Adventure Day Camp.  This camp is set up for kids that have limited exposure to outdoor life.

On Monday, kids come to the camp and spend the day at Four Mounds.  Monday is filled with getting to know the kids through hikes and games.  Tuesday is the day the kids head onto the low ropes course.  Here they learn that yelling and screaming is not an acceptable or effective way to complete a task.  We take the canoes out on Catfish Creek on Wednesday and travel to the Maquoketa Caves on Thursday.  On Friday the kids tackle their fears head on with the high ropes course.  All of these activities throughout the week encourage the kids to step out of their comfort zone and explore another side of themselves.

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Danielle Stowell—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Multicultural Family Center

Three months ago I began a journey with AmeriCorps that would take me down the old familiar streets of Dubuque, but I was unaware of the new lens through which I would view the community.  While I had anticipated hard work, long hours, and emotional moments, I was unprepared for the significant role that this experience would have in my life.

Although I was part of numerous programs, workshops, and fieldtrips where I interacted with youth and various AmeriCorps members, the majority of my summer was spent at the Multicultural Family Center.  One of the MFC goals was not only to make the Center a safe place for children of the Washington Park neighborhood to come, but an integral resource for adults as well.

In order to promote and celebrate the success of the Multicultural Family Center, I created a newsletter to be distributed throughout the downtown area of Dubuque and helped plan the 2^nd Anniversary Celebration.  I spent countless hours designing a giant sign replicating the MFC logo that could be seen from anywhere on the Prescott Playground where the celebration was held.

To most of the kids, I was an authority figure, a helper, a mentor, someone to complain to and someone to read to.  With a few select kids, however, that relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship in which we were more like peers or confidants.  I feel fortunate to have been placed at an organization with such a welcoming and friendly environment and to have been under the supervision of the MFC director, Betsy Killins.  

Now when I think of Dubuque, I will not just think of Loras and my college days, the grandeur of the Mississippi River, or my private, personal experiences.  I will think of the Washington Neighborhood, the flats, the kids, the events in which I was fortunate to take part, and, most importantly, the experiences that I’ve shared as part of the community.

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Elizabeth Elsbernd—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Multicultural Family Center, Hoover Elementary, and Fulton Elementary

I could not have come back to a better “job” in the U.S. after spending a semester studying abroad in Spain.  Here, in my own community in rural Iowa, I was introduced to a whole new world—a world in which I could put my knowledge of culture, foreign language, and leadership into action.  My experience as an AmeriCorps member was a time of genuine discernment, a time when “old” strengths were sharpened and new ones were discovered.  In addition to working with children of all different ages and socio-economic backgrounds, I was given the opportunity to meet and work with many people in the community, from former Peace Corps volunteers and immigrants from Mexico and Honduras, to teachers in the Dubuque Community School district and workers at City Hall. 

In addition to helping plan community concerts and events, I worked with a peer AmeriCorps member to design and teach a beginner level Spanish class at the Multicultural Center for children in grades 2-5. We saw the project through, start to finish.  We designed flyers and sign-up sheets; we personally encouraged the “regulars” that came to the Center to participate; and we paid attention to what worked and didn’t work, trying our best to accommodate the different levels and learning styles of our students. We knew we were doing a good job when students who had not initially signed up were pleading with us to let them stay for our class.

My experience as an AmeriCorps volunteer can best be characterized by variety.  I led my own reading group at Hoover Elementary School, individually assisted a struggling student at Fulton, taught my own Spanish class, face-painted at community events, translated flyers and newsletters into Spanish, and even dressed up as Dora the Explorer.  Every day dawned with new challenges and new opportunities.  Recognizing that I made a difference in other people’s lives and knowing that I allowed other people to make a difference in mine made even the days when I was “fixin’ to quit,” as the kids at the Multicultural Center would say, more than worthwhile.

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Emily Tylin – AmeriCorps Summer 2007

St. Mark Community Center

When I came to St. Mark’s, my goal was to make a difference in one child’s life and to reach them in some way.  Something I didn’t expect was that the children really made a difference in my life and really reached me.

At St. Mark’s we provided safe, supportive learning activities for the children.  I couldn’t have asked for a better placement to understand what AmeriCorps does for children and their families.

AmeriCorps this summer was a great experience and as a member I was able to reach out to children, get to know the youth I was working with, and create a relationship with them.

I understand now a little more about at-risk children and what they face everyday.  I feel that working with these children might be something I would like to do for a career.

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Joseph Longo – AmeriCorps Summer 2007 Audubon Playground and Hoover Elementary School

With excitement and apprehension, I looked forward to my summer of service with AmeriCorps.  I knew that my courage, patience, creativity, and versatility would be put to the test.  It is a profound challenge to be asked to fulfill so many different roles, to assume so many different responsibilities, but it is one that is worth accepting.

On the Audubon playground, I enjoyed being a consistent person in the lives of children who deal with much inconsistency.  Through recreation we were able to break down barriers in order to get to know these children.  I learned how strong and resilient they are in the face of much adversity.  Their strength, their laughter, their smiles gave me strength and give me hope for the future.

I take away a greater understanding of the problems that face our Dubuque community and beyond.  In understanding the problem, solutions can be found.  I know that the service of AmeriCorps members is a part of those solutions.

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Kristin Davidson—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Audubon Playground and Fulton Elementary School

During my summer of AmeriCorps service, I worked and led various day camps, taught a reading class to sixth graders, and spent every weeknight on the Audubon playground.  At the playground, we played many games, enjoyed the playground, and created many unique arts and crafts.  The playground had its ups and downs, but it was still a great experience. I had the opportunity to brighten the days of many children who had difficult lives at home.  Many of the kids left the playground in moods a little bit brighter than those with which they arrived.

Leading day camps in the downtown area was a challenge, since it was difficult to get these kids from lower-income families to participate in the science-themed activities and have positive attitudes.  However, I truly enjoyed working with the less fortunate children of Dubuque and providing them with opportunities to expand their knowledge and curiosity during the summer months.  I also enjoyed getting people interested in science when they would not otherwise be exposed to it.

At the end of the summer, I taught reading to students at Fulton Elementary summer school.  The children I taught were wonderful students, and teaching at the Reading Academy was one of the greatest experiences I have had thus far. Even though I had no intention of being a teacher, my three weeks at Fulton prepared me well for instances when I may have to play the role of a teacher.

AmeriCorps has prepared me well for my future career in Social Work.  I have learned patience, understanding of other cultures, and the ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.  With AmeriCorps, I have had the opportunity to Get Things Done for America!

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Lauren Breitbach—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Audubon Playground

AmeriCorps made me realize that no matter where you live there is diversity in race, culture, academic ability, family structure, and/or living style.  More importantly, I discovered that I thrive on interacting with all of these diverse people.

Audubon playground was special because the same kids came every day to play games, make crafts, or just hang out with their friends.  Sometimes they told the most creative and dramatic stories, and sometimes they just wanted to tell me how their day went.  I made many personal connections with these kids, which made it easier for all of us to grow and develop our creativity and cooperation skills.

I loved taking the kids places that they might not have had the opportunity to visit through our weekly fieldtrips. On the trolley rides to our destination, the kids’ excitement was almost tangible.  Hearing the kids share their experiences of the trip on the way back was equally as rewarding for me.

I feel that Kennedy Jump Start Kindergarten Readiness best represents the “Partners in Learning” mission of supporting children’s educational success.  I helped the kids develop skills and habits that will allow them to excel in their classroom, from writing their names to participating in all the fun activities kindergarten offers!

My AmeriCorps experience has taught me so much about myself and my community.  I found my niche in the program, the community, and these kids’ hearts.  I plan on being an active citizen wherever I go! 

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Megan Swenson – AmeriCorps Summer 2007

This past summer, I felt highly accomplished in my work with AmeriCorps.  During this time I have been volunteering at week-long drama camps as well as the National River Museum and Aquarium in downtown Dubuque.  I feel like I have really connected with the community and like I’ve been able to further their understanding of not only their own history, but themselves as well.

Working at the National River Museum and Aquarium was a great experience because not only was I able to learn about the history of our area of the Mississippi, I was able to pass on that knowledge to the members of the community that stopped by the Cownose Stingray Exhibit or the Boat Shop.

During the week-long drama camps, I taught kids how to bring theatre and play-acting into their everyday lives, as well as how much fun it could be.

I feel like my service this summer has been very rewarding.  I was able to work with children and adults, teaching them about the very things I enjoy learning about and doing.   

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Nicole Schonhoff—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Epworth Community Youth Center and Bryant Elementary School

My first AmeriCorps experience was at the Epworth Community Center.  Each day camp that we hosted was attended by 50 kids of various ages.  Despite the challenges the other AmeriCorps workers and I faced in splitting the kids into age groups, developing an effective discipline system, and implementing a consistent schedule, I still feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at Epworth.  During the three weeks there, I planned and prepared activities, solved conflicts, resolved issues with a variety of different people, developed organization skills, and supervised many, many children.  I feel that I grew as a person during this experience and will become a better teacher in the future.

Coaching Smart Start was one of my favorite activities I did this summer. Although I had played but never coached baseball before, I found coaching these children fun and exciting.  Every Saturday we had catching, aiming, throwing, and running stations ready for our four- and five-year-old athletes.  On the final day, we played a game and were pleasantly surprised to see a large number of fans sitting in the bleachers. 

In addition to serving at my formal placements, I also helped out with the Growing in the Garden camp, face painted at various community events, assisted with Operation Military Kids in Peosta, worked the cash register at the 4-H booth at the Dubuque County Fair, and helped out at the Fourth of July Ice Cream Social at the Dubuque Ham House.  

Jump Start at Bryant Elementary School was my last AmeriCorps assignment of the summer.  Although I am majoring in secondary education, I ended up enjoying my time with the kindergarteners and even planned a few of my own lessons.  AmeriCorps has reassured me that teaching is exactly what I am meant to do.  I am very thankful that I was able to participate in this program and make a difference in children’s lives. 

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Sara Dolson—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Four Mounds

Members of AmeriCorps take positions that are challenging and exciting: challenging because the work done is like no other volunteering experience, and exciting because AmeriCorps’ motto, “Getting Things Done,” becomes a reality over the course of one’s service.

My 2007 summer experience has left me with a greater understanding of children and the amazing feats they can achieve when given support from their peers and the adults in their lives.  By working at Four Mounds as an AmeriCorps volunteer, I experienced firsthand the struggle and growth of over 150 high-risk children. Each week brought new challenges as each child brought a new personality.  We made new friendships every Monday and listened to the kids’ amazing life stories of struggle and hardship. 

The Four Mounds Foundation focuses on teamwork and support, two essential elements developed in life that many of these kids do not receive at home.  Often we stopped challenge activities, asked what needed to be changed in order to have the members of a team work more effectively together, and were blown away by how quickly the kids were able to change their methods and cheer each other on.

One boy struggled very much with respecting and working with his peers and counselors.  Throughout the week, I pulled him aside and talked to him about his behavior, and at the end of the week, he brought me a drawing and thanked me for making camp fun for him.

AmeriCorps presented me with a wonderful opportunity to become more involved in my community and experience the power of teamwork.  I’ve learned patience, experienced hardships, and regained an energy only brought on by children.  I thank AmeriCorps and the Four Mounds Foundation for this opportunity and highly recommend—to any person—taking action through AmeriCorps and witnessing your actions take shape as you “Get Things Done.”

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Sara Shanahan—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

St. Mark’s Community Center

This past summer was my first experience as an AmeriCorps member. I was placed at St. Mark’s Community Center, where I was a teacher/teacher’s aide for a summer school program.  St. Mark’s summer school is targeted at “at risk” children in the downtown area of Dubuque.  I was lucky to work with two wonderful teachers and their third grade class.  I could not have asked for a better placement for my summer term!

At St. Mark’s, I had many responsibilities.  The two subjects that I was in charge of were the Giraffe Hero Program and Art class.  The Giraffe Hero Program is a program that teaches the children how to be responsible and how to be a “hero” in their community by doing the “simple things.”  This program was presented twice a week.  Art class took place once a week throughout the entire summer.  Overall, the students enjoyed my Art programs.  We made silly putty, star mobiles, and Thank You cards for the staff, played with the ironing beads, and did many other projects.  One thing that I learned with the silly putty was that children LOVE to make a mess!  That was the messiest project that we did, and it required a lot of clean-up.  However, it was worth it, because the children enjoyed making it and playing with it.

Every Friday, the students were able to take part in a field trip.  We went to the Bell Tower Theater, a Mississippi River Boat tour, and Four Mounds.  The big end-of-the-summer field trip that got all of the students excited was the trip to the Madison Zoo. 

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Tony Breitbach—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Prescott and Comiskey Playgrounds

After an enjoyable experience as an AmeriCorps member in the summer of 2005, I was eager to begin a second term.  My goal was to build off of my previous experience and undertake a more vital role by volunteering to be a playground supervisor.  At the Prescott Elementary School playground in the morning and at Comiskey Park in the evening, I offered a safe and stimulating environment for at-risk youth.  Going to work was a lot easier when I knew that I was actually making a difference for these kids.  Just knowing that the kids were at the playground with me instead of out running the streets unsupervised made the experience worthwhile. 

One of the challenges I faced this summer was coming up with new activities, since there was such a wide age range on the playground.  Finding activities that everyone could participate in required creativity and a lot of trial and error.  My fellow AmeriCorps members and I persevered and made the effort to find activities that would involve as many kids as possible.  Judging on their responses to our efforts, I think the kids truly appreciated that someone actually took the time to come up with fun games and activities for them.

Our weekly field trips to go mini golfing, swimming, and hiking were a way to give the kids the opportunity to experience places outside their everyday environment as well as reward those who were well-behaved on the playground.  It wasn’t always easy to pass judgment on the kids.  I’d always worry about where a kid would go if I took away program privileges for misbehaving.

Serving in AmeriCorps opened up my eyes to the types of problems children face in our society today and taught me the importance of service to the community.

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Tracy Brunsman—AmeriCorps Summer 2007

Epworth Community Youth Center and Eisenhower Elementary School

Throughout my summer as an AmeriCorps volunteer, I provided service at a variety of different locations.  As part of my service at the Epworth Community Youth Center, I was one of two leads for the summer playground program.  Sharing the leadership role with another person was initially very difficult for me, but as the program progressed, I became better at sharing responsibility with another person.  We worked with a wide variety of ages and had to devise a plan of action to keep the kids of all ages interested in the activities we planned.

I also helped with Jumpstart Kindergarten at Eisenhower Elementary school.  I was truly surprised by the amount of behind-the-scene work required each day, but even more astonished at how much all of the students grew during the two-week program.  The students became attached to me quickly; whenever I was out of the room, they asked about me. 

I have learned many different skills as a direct result of my AmeriCorps experience.  One of the main skills was dealing with children at different stages of development.  In addition, I have learned countless games and activities that I hope to share with my own children someday.  I feel that my main contribution to my community was providing a positive role model for many area youth.  Moreover, I contributed to the success and effectiveness of many community events throughout the summer.

AmeriCorps not only allowed me transform my love of community service into a meaningful summer job, but it allowed me to meet new people, learn to do new things, and have a blast all at the same time.   I truly feel that my AmeriCorps experience has changed my life forever, and I will never forget it.

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