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Bunker Hill Community College utilizes MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA program to institutionalize a full-time position

Lisa Thomas, Director, Community Engagement, Bernon Center Babson College

When Lisa Thomas, Director, Community Engagement, first started working at Babson College's Bernon Center, she found herself too consumed by daily operations to focus on a strategic plan. To help carry out the growing work of the Bernon Center, she hired a graduate assistant. The GA completed a benchmarking project, researching models of civic engagement and partnership development, and in the process learned about MACC and the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. Eager to tap into the statewide network of resources and colleagues, Lisa persuaded Babson to join MACC, and quickly went to work writing a proposal to host a MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA member. From the get-go, she recognized the potential of the MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA program as a resource to expand programs and strengthen service networks while working towards institutionalizing a full-time position.

Josh Stevenson, MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA Alum 2006-2008 and Coordinator, Volunteer Programs, Bernon Center Babson College

In July 2005, Eddy Fava started as the first MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA at Babson. From August 2006 2008, Josh Stevenson continued to build upon Eddy's work by enhancing and promoting student leadership at Babson. This dedicated MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA position allowed for consistent service and expanded interest in existing programs. Serving as the face of the Bernon Center on campus, Josh built connections with various offices and student groups, instilling the importance of civic engagement campus wide. Over his two years as a MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA, Josh and Lisa worked together to expand partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Cradles to Crayons, and in the 2007-2008 year coordinated 22,000 hours of student service.

All of this work led to growing support from campus and community colleagues, and as a result, a full-time Volunteer Programs Coordinator position was created for the 2008-2009 year. With two years of experience as the MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA, Josh was hired to fill the position. Lisa attributes this success, which came only three years after joining MACC, to "a clear plan and vision, and shared goals between the MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA and supervisor. Once we had our game plan, I let Josh run with it. We would not be doing all the great things we're doing today without MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA, and we see tremendous potential as the Center continues to grow."