FIMRC is thrilled to be hosting nine Ambassadors this summer at four different project sites and HQ: Costa Rica, India, Nicaragua and Uganda.  Everyone has arrived and is acclimating to their new surroundings. 

While the Ambassadors begin to build traction in the communities, structure is provided through the fine tuning of their project proposals.  Members of site staff serve as mentors during this process and connect Ambassadors with community leaders that can provide additional insight and a local vision to the work context.

Jessica Southern, RN, highlighted in May 2011's newsletter, continues to impress site staff and community members alike with her prowess in community health education and high-level support of the Pediatric Health Program.

Jessica Southern, RN - FIMRC Internship Participant (Fellow) - Project Limón, Nicaragua

The most recent project getting off the ground comes from our Ambassador in India, who aims to decrease the incidence rate of upper respiratory infections (URIs) through participatory education targeted at children and adults.  A year's worth of information gathered from monthly reports and FIMRC's health tracking system for Project Kodaikanal was used to identify this project and create a plan of action using FIMRC's community outreach model.  Monsoon season brings a spike in URIs, and with heavy rains fast approaching the timing of this project is impeccable.

On the domestic front, FIMRC HQ is bringing aboard three Ambassadors to manage various projects in Philadelphia.  Primary project areas include involvement with our Chaptership Program, the Global Health Volunteer Program, legal consultation, and public relations.

Interested in participating in FIMRC's Internship Program? Contact us at internshipprogram@fimrc.org.

Do you have a specific question about community outreach initiatives at a project site?  Are you a volunteer excited about your upcoming experience and want to confirm your paperwork?  Or are you already on site, and want to leave some feedback?  Talk with us on FIMRC Live, which will allow you to chat directly with a FIMRC representative and get answers in real-time!

FIMRC Live is currently available on four different portals: Meebo at FIMRC; Google Talk at FIMRC1; YahooMessenger at FIMRC2; and AIM at FIMRC3 -- please friend us!

FIMRC Live will launch on Wednesday, June 15 and will be available from 1 to 3 PM EDT.  We look forward to your questions!

Kaylee Knowles recently wrapped up her tenure in Peru after 10 months of service.   

Kaylee's rise from FIMRC Ambassador to Assistant Field Operations Manager for Project Peru in less than a year speaks to her adaptive nature and capacity to excel in the field of global health.  Kaylee was an integral contributor to the assessment and implementation of Peru's legacy projects that include the Botiquín Comunitario (Community First Aid Kits), Colegios Saludables (Healthy Schools) and Viviendas Saludables (Healthy Homes).  

While FIMRC does not currently have a feeder program for field staff, Kaylee's success story highlights how one's work ethic and extensive knowledge of FIMRC's project sites and beneficiaries can lead to a more permanent role with the foundation.

FIMRC would like to recognize Kaylee for her accomplishments and thank her for all that she invested in Project Peru.