A Window into National Service 

Today's story is written by PAIR's own AmeriCorps VISTA member, Jude Hezbor, as she reflects on her experience in the program and role as a Community Resource Developer with PAIR.

Jude, center, at a PAIR after-school site
After graduating from college, I found the opportunity to combine pragmatism and idealism through the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) national service program, often described as the domestic version of the Peace Corps. Over 7,000 Americans participate in the program annually, making a year-long, full-time service commitment to strengthen the capacity of a non-profit organization or public agency assisting communities in need. 

In Houston, approximately 2,000 refugees arrive each year, generating a need for special programs and services to ease their difficult transition. My extended family still live in Syria, and while I am not able to immediately bring them to safety myself, I find comfort in contributing to the well-being of newly arrived refugees in the United States through my AmeriCorps VISTA service. I relocated to Houston in July of 2015 to work with PAIR and support its mission of empowering refugee youth. Serving as a VISTA has presented a unique set of challenges but also an overflowing amount of reward. At first, it was difficult to navigate managing the VISTA living allowance and executing my first professional opportunity. But since my first day working with PAIR, I have gained valuable knowledge and skills while meeting so many passionate people along the way. I've been able to learn the inner workings of a non-profit and all of the different steps involved in a successful after-school youth program, raising community awareness, and generating support for a worthy cause.

For VISTAs, compensation is the valuable experience gained and the opportunity to increase an organization's impact and service to its community. I hope that more passionate individuals find their own match with the AmeriCorps program and continue its legacy of commitment to national service long into the future. 

You can learn about working with PAIR as an AmeriCorps VISTA here. Apply immediately if interested!
UPCOMING EVENTS


PAIR is seeking volunteers for this year's World Refugee Day celebration! The event will honor former refugees who have made a positive impact on their communities with performances, storytelling, and food from around the world! Volunteers are needed to help with stage set-up, transitions, and tear-down from 2-7 PM, Saturday June 18th at Houston Community College. If interested, click here!

PAIR is joining the HAAPI Film Festival in co-presenting the film Giap's Last Day at the Ironing Board Factory on Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 PM at Harmony Public Schools for the 12th annual HAAPIFest, Houston's largest celebration of Asian American films. Admission to watch is free to the public! Register via the link above.
PAIR IS HIRING!

PAIR is recruiting for two AmeriCorps VISTAs to begin their service late July. The VISTAs will support PAIR's resource, volunteer, and program development efforts and increase its capacity to provide its educational mentoring programs to refugee youth in the greater Houston area. Please share this opportunity with friends and family and apply immediately if interested!
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