A YEAR OF SERVICE
AmeriCorps VISTAs serve nationally to build capacity at local organizations that serve low income communities. At Turning the Page (TTP) they are fundamental to strengthening relationships with families and school staff and by developing long-lasting partnerships with local organizations, museums, and universities. VISTAs play a unique role in most aspects of TTP programs including volunteer outreach, development, communications, student curriculum development, and supporting Carpe Librum bookstores. Our latest VISTA Spotlight shines on Development and Operations VISTA, Liz Ferry.
Hometown: Eldridge, Iowa
Favorite hobby: Playing board games!
Favorite childhood book: The Westing Game
Hats I wear at TTP: I’m the Development and Operations Specialist which means I help research, write grants, and organize fundraising campaigns. I also work with Carpe Librum and run the Chicago social media.
Why I chose to serve with AmeriCorps VISTA: In college I volunteered as a literacy tutor for the Boys & Girls Club. I loved working with the kids and the program was run by the most amazing AmeriCorps VISTA member. Graduating in the middle of a pandemic derailed my original post-grad plans and I was looking for new opportunities. I had wanted to work for a nonprofit and remembered my experience as a tutor, so I decided to serve as a VISTA member, both to gain experience and to help communities in need.
Most interesting aspect of my service with TTP: I love how creative I’m able to be when I’m coming up with marketing campaigns for our various events, from creating social media posts to writing blurbs.
What I’ve learned about myself through service: I’m discovering how much I love planning events and connecting with people in the community. Being able to meet people at Carpe Librum sales and talk to them about the work we do is so fun and rewarding!
What I hope to gain from my time with TTP: I hope to build my skills in grant writing and fundraising to prepare myself for a career working for nonprofit organizations.