Dunbar Farms is a 4-year old resident-identified initiative of Heart of the City Neighborhood Association that was established to create access to healthy food and address challenges faced by residents living in food deserts. The 108-year history of the Dunbar neighborhood reveals the important role of agriculture in community sustainability. The program’s goal is to assure that the long-term plan honors the community’s agricultural legacy, meets current needs, provides economic opportunities and can be sustained by future residents. The Community Farm Development Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA will play an important role in the directing the growth of Dunbar Farms and inclusion of agriculture in the neighborhood plan.
Service Activities
Communications
Writing/Editing
Social Services
Computers/Technology
Team Work
General Skills
Public Speaking
Fund raising/Grant Writing
Non-Profit Management
Community Organization
Community Need Addressed
Inadequate access to fresh foods in the Dunbar neighborhood
Lack of funds to develop youth programs and engagement
Lack of funds for neighborhood revitalization
Position Outcomes
Increase and expand youth programs
Increase access to fresh foods and vegetables
Increase reach of Heart of the City
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Stipend, Student loan forbearance
Teleservice
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served