AmeriCorps Featured Member - Heather

Heather Smith was a member of MACOG’s second AmeriCorps cohort serving with MACOG at Green Bridge Growers. She brought her long background in farming and was eager to try something new: an aquaponic system. Heather co-facilitated, with other AmeriCorps members, daily operations on the farm through this past season, and has been a part of the development and implementation of a farm-to-preK educational program at several preschools in South Bend.

How did you find out about AmeriCorps and what led you to this role?

I found out about AmeriCorps through a former housemate who works at MACOG. I was in a period of change in jobs, and also learning a new hobby (women’s roller derby), and she thought that given my career experience, need for health insurance, and interests in sustainability AmeriCorps might be a good fit. She was right!

Why did you select Green Bridge Growers as your AmeriCorps service site?

I selected Green Bridge Growers as my service site because I was interested in the approach to farming via their mission (to employ adults on the autism spectrum with skills-matched jobs), and I was also excited to learn more about the unique aqua-ponic system that they use to grow lettuce greens year-round.

What AmeriCorps activities have been most meaningful to you? / What
project/event has been most meaningful to you?

I have really appreciated the service days that we spend as a cohort in our local communities. We have learned about some really fascinating and important things going on, like Seed 2 Feed in Elkhart, LEED certified buildings in South Bend, how urban planning for the city works, how our local public transportation system works, how to build a rain garden, and so much more. This information is invaluable as I continue to make decisions for myself that impact my neighbors and community at large.

How has service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in our region impacted your career aspirations?

I was already firmly rooted in South Bend, but my time in service through AmeriCorps has opened up avenues for a solid career path for myself, no matter what changes may come in the future, which makes it even harder to picture myself leaving the area.

What continues to inspire you to serve in this role?

I am continuously inspired by the people that I served with at my service site: fellow AmeriCorps cohorts, my site director, the pre-schoolers learning about soil and worms and plants, and the individuals that I got to serve with at the farm.

What’s next after your AmeriCorps service is completed?

I hope to continue to utilize my experience in farming while learning more about nonprofit management. I’m excited to continue to work at my service site as a full-time employee!

“I am thankful for my AmeriCorps service year because it showed me how to translate the skills that I’ve acquired in my farming career into skills desired for other career possibilities, and has provided me with a really great environment to learn about so many interesting things in the MACOG counties. I feel that I’ve really grown, both professionally and personally.