Brian is a first year member with Luz Social Services, and a Spanish major at the University of Arizona. Brian started his service by tutoring middle school students in Spanish, and has since worked with students in a variety of subjects at Guerrero Middle School and Luz Academy. He is an “amazing role model” and consistently achieves his tutoring goals. He pays attention to individual students’ needs and uses “outside the box” tutoring strategies. Brian goes out of his way to find resources and activities that enhance the tutoring process. Brian's award was accepted by Esperanza Lumm, director of Luz Social Services.

The Corps members from LAYC have shown exceptional cohesion and inclusiveness within the group of members. The members work as teachers’ aides at Harriet Tubman Elementary School during the academic day, and assist with after school tutoring and recreational activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and dance. The Corps has significantly bettered the academic performance of the school’s students and enhanced their overall wellbeing and growth. In addition, the team has organized several service projects, such as a clothing drive, a classroom clean-up, and various field trips. Quoting from the Program Coordinator’s submission, “One of the strongest qualities of this team is the ownership that they have taken over the program. They function as a well-oiled unit that sees the benefit of all members working to their full potential…The know how and when to congratulate each other on accomplishments and just as important they know how to constructively correct each other for the benefit of the team.”

Esperanza is a second year member with Instituto del Progreso Latino in Chicago, and is a full-time student at Loyola University. Her second year of service has been spent at IPL’s Little Village Workforce Center. She works primarily in the Center’s computer lab to assist those looking for help with job searches and improving their computer skills. Esperanza began teaching computer skills classes in Spanish to a group of nine people in February. A few months later, she began teaching a second group of beginners, while taking the original group to the next skill level. She has demonstrated a strong ability to work well with others, and a sincere patience and willingness to share her knowledge with those in need.

Rosalyn is a second year member serving with The Unity Council in Fruitvale, California. Since becoming a member, Rosalyn has become a great community leader, particularly in the eyes of the merchants in Fruitvale who often articulate their needs and concerns to Rosalyn. She is an AmeriCorps ambassador to The Unity Council’s Main Street Program, where she established herself as a liaison between the City of Oakland and the local Fruitvale businesses. Rosalyn is a quiet young woman who leads by example and understands that actions speak louder than words. She is a diligent and responsible person who takes charge in any activity or project assigned to her.

Maria is a first year AmeriCorps member serving with the Latin American Youth Center, but is in her second year with LAYC. She recently immigrated from El Salvador, and has been determined to learn English. She originally came to LAYC to earn her GED, where she took classes while caring for her one-year-old son who was faced with developmental disabilities and illness. Maria is currently still working to pass her GED, and it is a tribute to her strength that she has decided to take it in English. Maria works as a teacher’s aide through the AmeriCorps program, and she has devoted herself to her students. Maria works with newly immigrated Latino students who began the year speaking little or no English. Quoting from the submission, “Her own desire to complete her education has been an example to her students…Maria has earned the respect and admiration of every one of her fellow Corps members and supervisors…Her grace and courage are undeniable.”

Erica is second year member serving with The Unity Council. She is credited with designing and implementing several new features of The Unity Council’s One Stop Career Center, including a resume index and a new filing system. Erica also helps clients one-on-one with extensive job searches, resume development, and filling out job applications, often acting as a translator. Erica is also involved in The Unity Council’s VITA project, assisting with free tax preparations. She is readily available to those needing assistance and is flexible to stay extra hours. Erica is consistently taking on extra organizational responsibilities. Quoting from the submission, “Erica possesses the AmeriCorps spirit, energy, and dedication to help her community in any way she can…What truly makes her outstanding is that she not only knows how to lead, but she knows how to listen and follow when needed.”

Ambrosia is a second year member serving with Youth Development, Inc. She is married and has two children, and she is a full-time graduate level pharmacy student at the University of New Mexico. Ambrosia spent her first year as a member tutoring 10 elementary school students a day, always researching new and innovative teaching methods. She became a parental figure to many of these youth, and makes a tremendously positive impact on her fellow members. During her second program year, Ambrosia was asked to be the “team leader” for her corps. Quoting from the submission, “she has been dedicated to helping other members realize their full potential as AmeriCorps members, students, and people. She keeps members focused on tasks, has organized numerous community service events and fundraisers, and offers assistance when needed.”



Eric is also a second year member, and he serves with Luz Social Services. Eric acts as a tutor, a mentor, and a coach to youth in his community. He tutors and mentors students in the sixth grade, and as an assistant coach he helped lead the Luz Academy boys’ basketball team to its second state championship. Eric has been recognized for his tremendous ability to recruit volunteers. Eric displays a true passion for civic responsibility and service to the community. He has volunteered for two political campaigns, one for his father and one for former presidential candidate John Kerry.

Nunu is a first year member serving with The Unity Council, and she was nominated for this award by her fellow members. The other members recognized Nunu for her ability to communicate with her peers and solve problems. She is always willing to learn in order to better serve local clients, and has come to appreciate the intricacies of the Fruitvale community. She has taken the initiative to research and apply for several grants to benefit The Unity Council. Along with Erica Soto, Nunu has helped keep the Career Center up-to-date by implementing new tools and resources. Nunu is fluent in English and Loatian, and is currently learning Spanish in order to better serve the clients at The Unity Council. Her motivation to learn and her eagerness to accomplish her goals are a model to those she serves with.