AmeriCorps in Sitka
Dear Editor: Anastasia the AmeriCorps here again! It has been a crazy three months since the year has started! My new service position with Sitka Counseling Prevention Department has been such a whirlwind of activities, learning, programming, and growing!
Some of the things I have been grateful to be involved in has been the Second Saturday Screenings, helping run some LGBTQ+ support groups, co-facilitating a Social Justice and Racial Equity book club, coaching Girls on the Run, and getting involved with the Decolonization Gathering at the See House.
Along with these things, I am also slowly getting more involved in the community in more macro aspects. For instance, this month I have had the pleasure to participate in Wooch.een and the conversation around the Sitka Health Summit Coalition! As I learn more about the Sitka Health Coalition and everything they have done for the community (creating the teen drop-in center, creating a walkable/bikeable Sitka, the playground by the Sitka Sound Science Center, fish to schools, the Sitka Homeless Coalition, etc.), I feel that it needs to remain an integral part of Sitka! I have learned that they will be having an “info session” open Zoom gathering April 6, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The link to the Zoom meeting will be posted on the KCAW community calendar. They are hoping to recruit more coalition members and teach the community more about what they do and how the community can get involved. I personally plan to attend as an individual living in Sitka and through Sitka Counseling Prevention Department. I really hope that more people gather for the Zoom so that we can continue to tackle this year’s goals of tackling the conversation and action plans for accessible and affordable child care in Sitka and elders support services.
That’s all from me this time. I will write again when I get to participate in more cool things. I am so grateful that AmeriCorps is allowing me to be such an integral part of the Sitka community and that I can leave even a small impact on this beautiful and vibrant town! Unity and kindness,
Anastasia Stefanowicz,
Sitka AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps Experience
Dear Editor: It has been a great experience to have served with Sitka AmeriCorps.
I won’t be here for the awakening of spring but feel that what I did experience was the “real” Sitka – the cold, dark months that were filled with concerts, radio shows, storytelling and classes. I appreciate the hospitality the community has shown me. All efforts were appreciated-offers of rides, donations of fish and much more. Thank you and I encourage you to keep reaching out to future AmeriCorps members.
Jerry Kellrooney,
Sitka AmeriCorps
