When Angela Serwaa-Marfo began her service year as an AmeriCorps VISTA at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Baltimore, MD, she saw an opportunity to build capacity from the ground up. Her mission was clear: make it easier for the IRC staff to deliver essential services to humanitarian immigrants. In the process, her service transformed her into a confident program leader.
Forging the Internal Resource Lifeline
One of the most persistent hurdles the IRC faced was connecting staff with the vast network of community support. Staff had an extensive list of resources, but precious time was often lost searching for specific, up-to-date information on things like food banks or utility assistance.
Angela saw this bottleneck and created a solution: the monthly internal resource newsletter. This was no simple email blast. Angela transformed the process into a meticulous operation:
- She became a resource mapper, diligently calling organizations to confirm eligibility and requirements.
- She synthesized complex data into a clean, actionable summary.
- She curated the content, ensuring it directly met the most pressing needs of clients that month.
Angela’s effort streamlined service delivery, saving staff time and ensuring clients received the help they needed faster. She received consistent positive feedback, which reinforced her personal discovery: she truly excelled at guiding people toward resources. This system she established remains a lasting asset to the IRC community engagement team.
Stepping Up to Lead the Next Generation
Beyond resource mapping, Angela had the opportunity to conquer one of her greatest professional hesitations: program management. Though she had never been on the administrative side of the hiring process, she bravely took the helm in assisting with the IRC Baltimore’s internship program.
Angela didn’t just observe; she was deeply involved in every step: managing intern onboarding, planning vital orientations, facilitating day-to-day intern management, and even hosting a highly successful Lunch and Learn session.
"I think something that I did that year that I don't think I would've ever believed that I could do was help run our organization's internship program," Angela shared. "Jumping into running the internship program allowed me to grow as a professional."
By supporting the internship program, Angela helped secure the pipeline of volunteers and community partners, ensuring the IRC's ability to engage with and support the Baltimore community for years to come.
A Legacy of Growth and Impact
Angela's service stands as a powerful testament to the VISTA mission. She proved that by tackling complex organizational challenges with dedication, an individual can build both institutional strength and personal expertise.
Reflecting on her journey, Angela concluded:
"Doing AmeriCorps VISTA has truly been an unforgettable experience. It truly is amazing what you can accomplish and how much you can grow in a year. Finishing up VISTA is bittersweet but I'm happy that my work will continue to have a positive impact on humanitarian immigrants in the Baltimore area for years to come."
We proudly celebrate Angela Serwaa-Marfo for her transformational service and the enduring legacy she created at the IRC Baltimore!