The Monthly Service Magazine
Success Stories
(Click on the above image to navigate to the Best Buddies website)
While at RWU, Ryan was a criminal justice major. Throughout her life she always wanted to work for the FBI or a police department. However, her junior year of college, when she joined the Best Buddies chapter on campus, she changed her mind. However, at that point it was too late to change her major. "This program was so wonderful it made me rethink what I wanted to do when I left college. I have always been around people with physical or intellectual disabilities my whole life, due to my parent’s line of work. I think it was their positive outlook on what the rights and abilities these individuals had that made me truly want to go into what I do now!" said Toomey. As a result of her newfound interest, she decided to move back home after graduation to continue working with Best Buddies and turn her hobby into a career.
Ryan is originally from Wynnewood, PA. She says, "I used to live in Philadelphia, and the town I live in currently is 3 minutes outside the city limits, so I just tell everyone that I am from Philadelphia. I love Philadelphia!!!" She works for Best Buddies international there in the Philadelphia state office. Ryan manages high school and middle school programs in the Philadelphia area. She directly supports and oversees chapters, as well as provides leadership training for students, "I ensure that the chapters and the buddy pairs are fulfilling the Best Buddies Mission. The vision for Best Buddies is that one day we will be put out of the job because inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities will be a natural thing" says Toomey.
Ryan got the idea to work for Best Buddies because she truly believes in the mission. "I was involved as a student at RWU and was able to see what a wonderful program this is and how it impacts both participants’ lives to the fullest. In college I was paired up with an amazing young woman, she and I will remain lifelong friends." Students don't always realize how much the non-profit world can offer them. Ryan is someone who has discovered all the benefits of helping others on a daily basis. She is a role model to women everywhere. Great job Ryan!
Information on Best Buddies
Best Buddies is an international program that exists in 36 different countries. The mission of this program is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing the opportunity for one-on-one friendship. There are student run chapters at the middle school, high school, and college levels all over the world. There are also job programs, citizen programs and e-buddies. If you would like more information on these programs please check out the Best Buddies website at http://www.bestbuddies.org/.
By Stephanie J. Ingalls
(Click on the above image to navigate to the W.C.D.C. website)
As an AmeriCorps VISTA at the Woodlawn Community Development Corporation (WCDC) and the Woodlawn Community Center, Jasmine serves as the Community Organizer and Fund Developer. Regarding her job, Jasmine says, "The moment I read the job description, I was determined to get involved with the organization. It presented a great opportunity to give back to my neighbors, and peers while increasing my career, leadership and technical skills." As with many community based nonprofit organizations, WCDC aims to help residents find success and self-sufficiency. Jasmine is proud to be serving residents of the Woodlawn neighborhood located in Pawtucket, RI, the community that she grew up in. Her main responsibilities involve writing grants, updating the organization’s website, creating and disseminating the quarterly newsletter, heading the annual appeal and annual fundraiser event, conducting community outreach, solidifying partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and much more!
Jasmine graduated from RWU in May of 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and Spanish double major.
"The language, communication, leadership, research and composition skills that I acquired during my academic and extracurricular experience at RWU has helped me excel in my current position. I learned about the AmeriCorps VISTA program while working with KC Ferrara and Suzy Alba on Community Connections 2005. They raved about the many benefits of the program particularly the priceless career skills gained in exchange for a year of service to needy nonprofit organizations"
says Lopez. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers serve full time for one year with the goal of promoting sustainability and capacity building for the nonprofit site. Jasmine has made countless partnerships over the past nine months and has acquired great tools while directly serving the low-income community. Moreover, she decided to pursue graduate studies in public health as a result of her work with designing and implementing the organization’s Minority Health Promotion Center. "My experience as an AmeriCorps VISTA has been amazing! Anyone with a passion for service and learning should consider becoming an AmeriCorps volunteer" says Lopez. Jasmine has worked very hard to make a different and at the same time found a new passion. She has discovered a career that she enjoys, which is priceless.
By Stephanie J. Ingalls