Meet Angela Serwaa-Marfo, a TMA AmeriCorps VISTA Serving with the International Rescue Committee in Baltimore on the Community Engagement Project
Angela Serwaa-Marfo is working to enhance the impact of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Maryland by improving communications, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding outreach efforts. This initiative supports the IRC’s Community Engagement Program, which last year mobilized an average of 400 volunteers contributing 40,000 hours of service and facilitated critical in-kind donations for clients.
PROJECT:
International Rescue Committee in Baltimore on the Community Engagement Project Summary
Angela Serwaa-Marfo’s project focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the IRC’s community engagement strategies and identifying opportunities for growth. By evaluating current outreach efforts and developing new approaches, she is working to ensure that the IRC’s mission and client stories reach a broader audience. Her efforts aim to create sustainable systems that strengthen community involvement, enhance volunteer engagement, and increase access to essential resources for refugees and immigrants in Baltimore.
Through her service, Angela is helping to expand the IRC’s capacity to mobilize volunteers, secure in-kind donations, and foster meaningful partnerships that provide economic opportunities for individuals facing poverty. By refining engagement strategies and building stronger connections with the local community, she is ensuring that the IRC’s work continues to make a lasting impact. Her contributions will help lay the foundation for long-term growth, enabling the IRC to better support refugees and immigrants in their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.
PROGRESS:
Enhancing Community Engagement at IRC-Baltimore
Strengthening Outreach & Volunteer Engagement
Angela Serwaa-Marfo has focused on assessing and strengthening the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) community engagement strategies in Baltimore. Recognizing the importance of expanding the IRC’s reach, she has current outreach methods and has led information sessions with volunteers, and community partners. Angela has worked closely with the community engagement team to enhance volunteer recruitment and retention, helping to build a more engaged and sustainable support network for IRC clients.
Since beginning her service, Angela Serwaa-Marfo has helped streamline volunteer coordination, contributing to an increase in local involvement and expanding the IRC’s network of supporters.
To date, Angela has assisted in streamlining volunteer coordination efforts, making it easier for individuals to connect with meaningful service opportunities. She has also contributed to refining messaging strategies to better highlight the impact of volunteer efforts and in-kind donations. These enhancements not only support the IRC’s goal of mobilizing community resources but also ensure that volunteers feel valued and empowered in their roles.
Expanding Partnerships & Resource Development
In addition to volunteer engagement, Angela has been instrumental in strengthening community partnerships. By identifying potential collaborators and deepening existing relationships, she has helped expand the IRC’s network of supporters. Her outreach efforts have contributed to an increase in local involvement, creating new pathways for businesses, organizations, and individuals to support refugees and immigrants through donations, advocacy, and direct service.
Looking Ahead
As she continues her service, Angela will focus on further refining engagement strategies, increasing volunteer participation, and strengthening the IRC’s presence in the broader community. She aims to develop long-term solutions that will sustain the IRC’s community engagement efforts beyond her service term. By enhancing outreach, partnerships, and resource development, Angela is playing a vital role in ensuring that the IRC can continue to provide life-changing support to refugees and immigrants for years to come.