Congratulations, Laura! Michigan AmeriCorps Member of the Month, August 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 10:59PM 
By Megan Sargent, Michigan Community Service Commission
Laura Herrick is the type of person who truly believes in helping uplift others for their own benefit, and not for the praise she will receive for her good deeds. This is one of the many reasons Laura was so effective in her position as a full-time AmeriCorps member with the Campaign to End Homelessness AmeriCorps program. Through her site placement at the Community Action House, Laura served the homeless population in Ottawa County.
Laura was responsible for screening homeless individuals and families for the Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP), but that was only the beginning of what she did. Laura provided ongoing case management for families already in the HARP program, as well as provided support services and referrals to persons in need of housing. She focused, in particular, on finding housing for the unsheltered homeless. Laura made referrals to housing programs and maintained regular contact through phone calls and office visits.
At the beginning of her AmeriCorps term of service, Laura had two primary goals: ongoing client interaction and encouraging client input. One of the ways she addressed these goals was to create a Consumer Satisfaction Survey to help determine the needs and challenges facing individuals and families in the program. Through this tool, Laura was able to access valuable information and follow up on concerns expressed through the questionnaire. This allowed her to engage with clients and work with them to meet their expressed needs.
Laura also used the survey to gauge interest in a Consumer Advisory Board. The purpose of the Consumer Advisory Board is to encourage input on existing housing programs, as well as to identify gaps in services in Ottawa County. Laura created an agenda and facilitated the first meeting, which led to future meetings for the group to discuss how to fill the identified gaps. Lyn Raymond, who is the Coordinator for the Ottawa Area Housing Coalition, saw the impact of Laura's service on the community. "Since day one, Laura has been committed to providing the best possible service to the homeless in Ottawa County. Her thoughtfulness and dedication is very valuable to those she serves."
Laura also created a monthly newsletter for HARP participants, full of valuable information and resources. It also serves as a monthly reminder that Laura is available to help with challenges a family might be facing. "Laura ranked among one of the most thoughtful and intelligent members in our program," stated AmeriCorps program director, Melissa Grant. "I enjoyed talking to her about a variety of things, not just those related directly to her service. However, her exemplary service is what really marks her as someone who deserving of this honor."
Laura received a BSW from Hope College and speaks Spanish. She has spent time abroad and has a special interest in working in Latin America.
For more information about the Campaign to End Homelessness AmeriCorps program, contact Melissa Grant at grantm2@michigan.gov or 517.335.3213. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit americorps.gov.
Notes: Work completed by Laura Herrick benefits all of Ottawa County; Community Action House serves as host site. Laura recently ended her term with Community Action House, however, a new AmeriCorps volunteer, Cara Zerbel, will be joining the team in November 2011.
Reader Comments (1)
Congradulations Laura. Being homeless is not easy. The burden is lighter knowing there is someone who cares and is there to support and encourage.