Name and Year served: Kelly Engbersen 2009-10, 2010-2011
What are you up to now? I am currently working as an Associate Family Services Worker with the Prince William County Department of Social Services in Manassas, Virginia. I work in the Permanency Dept., which includes Child Protection Services Treatment and Adoption cases. This past Novemeber, I had the opportunity to help organize Prince William County's 10th Annual National Adoption Day celebration. We honored the 18 children adopted from the Prince William County foster care system in 2013, setting a new state record! As of yet, I have not used my education award, but I plan to put it toward a Master's in either Social Work or Clinical Counseling soon.
Did your AmeriCorps experience have any influence on what you are doing today? My AmeriCorps experience definitely had an impact on my current position. From my placement with Health Care for the Homeless while serving with the Pittsburgh Health Corps, I was able to learn skills in motivational interviewing, case planning and networking with community agencies, all of which I still use today.
In 3 words, describe your AmeriCorps service year! Challenging, Demanding, and Rewarding.
What was your most memorable AmeriCorps moment? I have many great AmeriCorps moments, but during my first term I was able to attend the National Health Care for the Homeless Conference in San Francisco. I will always remember that experience.
What advice would you give current members as they plan for their "life after AmeriCorps?" Network as much as possible before you leave AmeriCorps. Also wear your gear around town. I've met many alumni from other programs just because they've recognized the signature grey sweatshirt!
Your favorite quote about service: "Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." -- Martin Luther King Jr.
