Filling Pantries, Filling Hearts

As the Partner Development Coordinator at Heart Reach Neighborhood Ministries, Carla Robinson’s biggest responsibilities have been to build her site’s volunteer program, source food to increase inventory in 3 food pantries, and expand social media presence. During her time in service, Carla has recruited volunteers, ensuring their effective training and working to retain them. By strengthening partnerships in the community, Carla has also expanded access to food for low-income families and children.

Establishing partnership with churches, schools, and organizations in Mahoning County, Carla has highlighted to them the percentage of children struggling with food insecurity in their neighborhoods. Finding that many of these organizations were eager to help but unsure where to start, Carla held meetings with each of them to communicate the vision of Heart Reach. Ultimately, numerous organizations eagerly joined on as partners in the cause.

“We were able to fill three pantries and serve our community, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need,” Carla says. “The food drive brought in a total of 3,049 non-perishable food items and $600 in monetary donations, a testament to the power of community collaboration.”

In service, Carla has also had the opportunity to participate in various resource fairs, one of which was the annual Hope Conference where over 100 organizations gathered to showcase available resources and rally community support. At this event, Carla had the chance to meet the Mayor of Youngstown and share about Heart Reach’s resource offerings. Connecting with others has proved an important part of service for Carla, and she plans to carry this value forward.

“In the future, I am committed to maintaining a community-engaged mindset and remaining mindful of the challenges in our community,” she says. “I will always strive to be part of the solution. Being an AmeriCorps VISTA has propelled me into my destiny, opening doors of opportunity to serve the people who live on the margins.”

After completing her term of service, Carla is excited to continue in VISTA for a second year at her site! She also is eager to keep learning and honing key skills.

“I have made it my purpose to live in a way that allows those I meet to sense care and concern,” says Carla. “I wholeheartedly believe that we have not truly lived with purpose if we haven’t purposed to live to serve someone else, showing that we care.”

Thanks for making an impact, Carla!