High Point University is hosting three individuals to serve as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) for the 2015-2016 academic year. The VISTAs work through North Carolina Campus Compact. Their mission is to bring together local universities with local nonprofit organizations to fight poverty.
Shannon Barr
High Point University alumna
Lexington Park, Maryland native
As a VISTA, Barr’s responsibilities include supporting educational programming and community revitalization on Washington Street in High Point, as well as coordinating the Community Writing Center in partnership with Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Kirkman Park Elementary School. She will also serve as a coordinator for the HPU Bonner Leader Program. This is Barr’s second year as a VISTA.
“In my time as a VISTA, I have had incredible experiences and met the most inspiring and compassionate people,” says Barr. “I am continuously humbled by the open hearts that have welcomed me as a member of the Washington Street community, energized by the kids at the Community Writing Center and their desire to learn, and inspired by the Bonner Leaders and their dedication to being positive agents of change in our community. I am excited to continue to challenge myself and grow as a citizen of High Point.”
Erin Karpovich
High Point University alumna
Ramsey, New Jersey native
As a VISTA, Karpovich is responsible for working with West End Ministries on various projects, including the Bountiful Harvest Garden that will provide fresh, healthy food to residents in the area who may not otherwise have access. She will also serve as a coordinator for the HPU Bonner Leader Program.
“I saw the tremendous efforts that last year’s VISTAs were doing to build partnerships with the city and university and wanted to be a part of it,” says Karpovich. “These are programs that will change people’s lives and enhance their quality of life. There is much to be done right in our backyards and I am excited to continue these efforts.”
Victoria Binder
High Point University alumna
Pleasanton, California native
As a VISTA, Binder’s responsibilities include working to increase the availability of healthy food by assisting in the efforts to start a community garden as a part of the Washington Street Project, and attend the Greater High Point Food Alliance and Urban Agriculture meetings to collaborate with community members who are also working to alleviate hunger in High Point. She will also serve as a coordinator for the HPU Bonner Leader Program.
“This position is important to me because I can implement my passion for helping others by educating people on local issues, as well as empowering students and community members to work together in order to create long-term, sustainable change,” says Binder. “The previous VISTAs did an outstanding job last year and their efforts have been crucial to the ongoing progress we make as AmeriCorps VISTAs.”