A Program Director's Hopes for Members

In the face of challenges, recognize strengths and assets:  We know that AmeriCorps members are exceptional at ‘Getting Things Done'. Still, addressing the stark inequalities and health disparities that exist throughout Chicago is no small task. Sometimes the problems and needs can seem overwhelming. However, it is important to recognize and mobilize the immense talents, skills, and assets that already exist in the people and communities members serve. In this way, members have a unique opportunity to learn from those who they seek to help, while also acting as catalysts of change. When members face their own struggles and frustrations the same principle holds true - remember CHC/HCCers, no matter what challenges you face, you have amazing talents and strengths to get you through. When you do need a little extra support, you also have a lot of people on your team to help!

Dream big and celebrate the small successes along the way:  Our AmeriCorps programs have ambitious missions: improving access to health services (CHC) and improving food security, quality, and quantity (HCC) in underserved communities. In the months ahead, I hope that in the day to day (particularly on the more difficult days), CHC/HCC members can keep these lofty missions in sight, while celebrating the small victories along the way - from the patient who was connected to a cancer screening to the kindergartner who tried their first eggplant.  While there is always more work to be done, together, the small victories of members, their host sites, and the communities and individuals they serve, can make a big impact.

Connect big dreams to an even broader context: Members witness firsthand that many people don't have the same opportunities to be as healthy as others, in large part because of circumstances out of their control like where they were born and how much money they make. Recently, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey revealed her ‘big idea' for 2014,'[creating a culture of health] in which each person has the opportunity to lead a healthy life, with adequate housing, educational opportunities, safety from violence, healthy food options, exercise, and of course, affordable, quality health care." Each and every day, our members do their part - in ways both big and small- to break down barriers and bring a culture of health to communities throughout Chicago.

As for me, while I have many of my own personal goals for service, my most important goal is to ensure that our program provides the support members need to achieve theirs!