Growing Community, Growing Career
"National service gave me a place to belong when I was searching for a way to make a meaningful impact."
As an Urban Greens AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer serving with the Muskingum Soil and Water Conservation District, Abriana Newsom has spent her service term expanding access to fresh options while empowering community members to grow their own food.
Abriana’s site manages six community gardens throughout the area, each serving a unique purpose. Two urban garden sites offer free raised beds that residents can reserve to grow their own food. The other sites support various initiatives including a local high school's summer lunch program and educational programming for large-scale food production. Through her role, Abriana has strengthened these spaces while connecting more people to fresh, healthy food.
During her service, Abriana has collaborated with local organizations, volunteers, and community partners to increase participation in these food security initiatives. She has also built the capacity of community gardens that provide fresh produce to local families and food pantries.
One of her proudest accomplishments was leading the planning and coordination of a raised garden bed rebuilding project, which improved community garden infrastructure and expanded growing capacity. She also managed the construction of community compost stations, promoting sustainable waste management and educating residents about healthy soil practices.
Through these projects, Abriana developed valuable project management, leadership, and collaboration skills that she plans to carry into her future career.
Like many AmeriCorps Volunteers, Abriana also faced challenges that became opportunities for growth. Throughout her service, she learned to adapt to changing circumstances while focusing on what she could control. In particular, planning the raised bed rebuilding project strengthened her problem-solving abilities as she learned firsthand the importance of estimating material costs, managing timelines, and remaining flexible when plans evolved.
After completing her service, Abriana will graduate in December 2026 with a bachelor's degree in business and a certificate in project management. She hopes to pursue a career in community development or with a local nonprofit organization, where she can continue creating positive change.
Reflecting on her service, Abriana believes her greatest impact has been expanding Urban Greens' reach through partnership development, volunteer engagement, and bringing revitalization projects to life. More importantly, her experience has reinforced her passion for serving others.
"Working with those facing poverty has ignited something in me to want to continue helping those in need and work in a sector that makes a positive impact on the greater good," she shared. "I've realized the importance of meeting people where they are and empowering them to succeed."
When asked what she would tell someone considering AmeriCorps, Abriana encourages them to take the leap.
"National service gave me a place to belong when I was searching for a way to make a meaningful impact," she said. "When I joined AmeriCorps, I had no idea how strong my community was or how many organizations were working together to improve people's lives. Being part of something larger than myself has changed my perspective and reinforced the value of service."
Thanks for your service, Abriana!
