AmeriCorps Service Reflections: Rosa Lovo

As my AmeriCorps service year comes to a close, I have many fond memories to look back on. This experience has been full of opportunities for personal growth through both study and service. Serving as the Economic Empowerment AmeriCorps member with ReEstablish Richmond has been a truly enriching journey.

Most of my time was spent on the Newcomer Navigation team, where I conducted workshops in clients’ homes on essential topics like personal finance, digital literacy, Virginia driving laws, and DMV practices. I also had the chance to assist in the Heela Sewing courses as a floating classroom assistant, which added a unique touch to my experience.

One of the things I’ve appreciated most about this year is the freedom I had to pursue professional development opportunities that might not be available in other fields. I worked on improving my Russian language skills and attended online seminars covering nonprofit policy, grant writing, Microsoft Office, and digital marketing. These opportunities have been invaluable in expanding my knowledge and skills.

If I had to choose a favorite part of my service, it would definitely be my time on the new Social Media team. Together, we updated and created policies, planned marketing campaigns, and successfully advertised our events and fundraisers to boost community engagement. This team laid the groundwork for a stronger online presence for ReEstablish Richmond, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.

 Throughout the year, I gained significant client-facing experience, helping clients achieve sustainable, short-term goals like acquiring a credit card or learner’s permit. As an outgoing, observant person, I adapted well to new environments, especially when interacting with people from different cultures. I was always eager to do home visits because no two were exactly alike. Listening to the diverse perspectives of our clients was incredibly fulfilling.

All in all, my time with ReEstablish Richmond through the AmeriCorps program has been invaluable, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward as I continue working in the nonprofit sector. I highly recommend this program to any recent college graduate looking to jumpstart their career and see the impact of their work in the community.