Assessing Need, Advancing Solutions

Jordan Pyles serves as the Service Area Analyst at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, where she has made important contributions in helping her site better understand and address the needs of the surrounding community. As a VISTA member, Jordan’s primary focus has been on developing a comprehensive Service Area Assessment, designed to gather data that will inform the foodbank’s operational response and improve services for individuals facing hunger.

Reflecting on her service, Jordan believes that one of her most significant professional achievements has been creating the official Service Area Assessment report. To bring this report to its final state, Jordan found herself analyzing data trends and presenting key insights that will be critical for defining the direction of the foodbank’s outreach efforts. The project has provided Jordan a context to develop valuable skills in data collection and analysis, and it has been particularly rewarding knowing that it will directly optimize the Foodbank’s ability to address hunger in the community.

Jordan’s work on the Service Area Assessment has also included building a survey thoughtfully designed to collect key metrics reflecting community need. She has felt grateful to strengthen her skills in survey design, and she believes that the project has deepened her understanding of the value of data in making informed decisions.

Rising to the challenge of completing large and complex projects during her service, Jordan has learned the importance of thorough planning, clear communication, and consulting with team members for input. In the future, she looks forward to continuing to enhance the skills she has built in service.

“Ultimately, these experiences have laid a strong foundation for my career, and I aim to apply them in program development or nonprofit management roles, where I can make a meaningful impact in community-focused initiatives,” she says.

Jordan has also highly valued building her network throughout her service. Having joined a networking group, she has had the chance to connect with other young professionals to exchange ideas and gain insights into various career paths. Through these connections, she has appreciated receiving both guidance and inspiration as she navigates her career.

Ultimately, Jordan plans to pursue a career combining her practical experience with a commitment to environmental issues. Following service, she hopes to either secure a position in environmental sustainability or continue with an additional service term, should the right opportunity arise.

“Professionally, serving those in poverty has deepened my understanding of the complexities of social issues like hunger, housing instability, and access to resources,” says Jordan. “I’ve learned how essential it is to approach these challenges with empathy, while also being strategic and solutions focused. This has made me more committed to pursuing a career in community-focused work, where I can use data and collaboration to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Jordan’s service has also been enriching personally, and she would recommend the experience to others. Her time at the foodbank has made her more aware of systemic barriers contributing to poverty, and she feels it has given her a greater sense of purpose.

“Serving those in poverty has reinforced my belief in the power of community support and the need for systemic change, and it has motivated me to continue working towards making a lasting positive impact in the lives of others,” she says.

Great work, Jordan!