Kristy Chadd is RSAPP's AmeriCorps member for Dolores County, and her students say that "Kristy is the BOMB!" A Dove Creek native, Kristy spent 10 years away from the area, using her finance degree in the corporate world. Kristy and her husband returned to their roots so that their sons Audrick and Aiden could grow up surrounded by extended family. She is super-happy to be back in Dove Creek, and loves serving in the school where both her parents work, too.

      Much of Kristy's time is spent coordinating the STUD group at Dove Creek High School. STUD stands for Students Taking action against Underage Drinking, and it is one of the most popular student groups at the school. Kristy empowers the students to take leadership in the group's activities, which range from mentoring elementary-aged students, to hosting family night activities, to disseminating information about drinking and driving. Kristy brings many talents to the organization, including bookkeeping, grant writing, multi-tasking and networking. She is known for her positive, easy-going attitude. What does Kristy love about being an AmeriCorps member? "It makes you feel good." 

Monday, January 17 was Martin Luther King Day, a national day of service, and RSAPP had an amazing impact throughout the region. More than 1,450 youth participated and 124 community volunteers were mobilized in 7 different service projects organized by RSAPP AmeriCorps members.

Projects were varied and creative: K-12^th grade students created "Dream Journals" compiled in a coordinated effort by Montezuma and Dolores County AmeriCorps members, a "Helping Hands" chore patrol shoveled walks and insulated windows in Silverton, and Pagosa Springs elementary school students skated all day at the Youth Center.

To learn more about MLK Day, and other service opportunities throughout the state, visit the Governor's Commission on Community Service website here.  

            RSAPP Site Supervisor and Pagosa Springs Super-Citizen Joanne Irons was recently named Pagosa Springs Citizen of the Year. Joanne is the Director of the Pagosa Springs Youth Center and the Promoting Prevention Coalition, and has been an active RSAPP partner since day one. Joanne contributes amazing amounts of time, energy, creativity, passion, financial support and chutzpah to her community. She has been instrumental in launching many programs and organizations in Pagosa Springs and beyond, including Loaves and Fishes, Women to Women, and the Pagosa Springs Youth Center. Joanne serves on the school board, Rotary, the Pagosa-area Non-Profit Organization Steering Committee, and the RSAPP Steering Committee. Many of us wonder how she manages to do all that she does - and we are very, very grateful to have Joanne Irons as a part of our community. Congratulations, Joanne! 

          AmeriCorps needs us to speak up! A budget bill that is being considered this week in the House of Representatives could potentially eliminate all funding for AmeriCorps - what a terrifying thought for RSAPP. If you value AmeriCorps, please take a moment to call your representative to urge him to vote no on this bill (for Southwest Colorado: Representative Scott Tipton's number is 202-225-4761.) This is a time-sensitive issue, so please call TODAY! For talking points, check out the AmeriCorps Alumns website.

      AmeriCorps Alums are also organizing a "Save Service Day," next Friday, February 25. Concerned citizens planning to visit their local congressional office en masse to express their opinion about this crucial issue. For more information, or to sign up, check out the Save Service website. 

 

        On February 20, RSAPP AmeriCorps member Soledad Leo will be jumping into the freezing cold San Juan River in order to raise funds for the Pagosa Springs Youth Center. Please consider supporting Soledad in this brave and crazy fundraising endeavor. In order to pledge a donation, e-mail soledad@rsapp.org