Recruiting, Organizing, and Making a Difference
"This project has been a huge undertaking, and I am very proud of it!”
As the Resource Development VISTA member at Home for Families, Orazia Loebsack’s main focus has been on volunteer management and recruitment. She has researched, selected, and implemented a new volunteer software that better suits the needs of her agency and has led recruitment efforts for all volunteer events. The impact of establishing these policies will be felt by the organization for years to come. Recently, Orazia has also turned her attention to her site’s Holiday Joy program, which she would consider one of her greatest service achievements so far.
“I have successfully matched 193 families (almost 400 children) with family sponsors, and have been the main liaison between our sponsors and the agency,” she says. “I have recruited volunteers to assist with receiving donations and sorting gifts and am much looking forward to seeing these items be distributed to families in need in December. This project has been a huge undertaking, and I am very proud of it!”
Although Orazia had no previous experience with planning non-profit events, her service at Home for Families has been a great learning opportunity, as well as a way to enhance her future resume. Often working on multiple projects simultaneously, she has learned important skills of time management, which she hopes to carry forward into her career.
Prior to her service, Orazia had worked in social services. However, she had never served in an indirect role, and being a VISTA member has provided new experiences. She acknowledges that it can sometimes feel challenging to tangibly see her impact while playing a behind-the-scenes role, but she has also experienced key moments that have reaffirmed the importance of her service.
“For example,” she says, “I recruited/managed volunteers and helped coordinate donations for our Harvest Food Giveaway, but I didn’t see the true impact of my work until I saw how many families received food assistance as a direct result of my work (143!).”
Following service, Orazia is excited to pursue her Master of Social Work degree. She also plans to remain in the social services sector and continue making a difference.
Thanks for your service, Orazia!
