July AmeriCorps*VISTA Spotlight: Stephanie Ntim
The Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition consists of 18 AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members sponsored by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (OCCE) at Wake Forest University.
Members are placed in full-time, capacity-building roles with community organizations throughout Winston-Salem in the areas of educational equity, economic empowerment, and health and food justice. United by their passion to make a difference, VISTA members have vowed to complete a year of national service and create meaningful change in Winston-Salem and beyond.
Since August, VISTA members have helped Winston-Salem community partners engage with over 900 volunteers and leverage over 325 thousand dollars in cash and in-kind donations.
This month the OCCE is happy to introduce Stephanie Ntim, the 2020-21 AmeriCorps VISTA with Senior Services; a local nonprofit that helps older adults remain at home for as long as possible and helps them live with dignity.
In her role, Ntim supports the development team by writing grants, conducting interviews to highlight staff and volunteers, and staffing ongoing projects including the vaccine scheduling help line.
Stephanie Ntim, 2020-2021 AmeriCorps VISTA at Senior Services
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Alma Mater: Elon University (‘19), Johns Hopkins University (’20)
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies, Master of Science in Biotechnology
Favorite place in North Carolina: Biltmore Estate
Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA?
I joined AmeriCorps*VISTA because I was motivated by its mission to help lift people out of poverty through nonprofit work. I had volunteered, but never been involved in the nonprofit sector in a behind-the-scenes capacity. I thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to Winston-Salem, a community where I used to live, and also learn skills that could help my career aspirations.
What would you say is the highlight of your 2020-2021 VISTA year so far?
Early on in my service year I interviewed staff and volunteers about how the pandemic had influenced their work. I really enjoyed learning how resilient people have been, and how so many people stepped up to the forefront to take care of older adults in Forsyth County. Being able to be a part of an organization that is supporting those people in need during this unprecedented time in history has been really fulfilling.
What would you want people to know that want to get involved in AmeriCorps VISTA?
You should have a heart for service and care deeply for serving others. Service is the core of AmeriCorps, and is infused in every part of the service year. You may not always feel that the work you’re doing is valuable, but in the long run there are returns on the work that you have done. Making the choice to serve can create a big positive impact on the community and help you develop skills to strengthen your future.