Kristin has served at the Damiano Center from January of 2024 until the end of August 2024 and will continue to serve through August 2025. She is working through AmeriCorps with our Kids' Kitchen and Summer Food Corps program. As we have in the past with our AmeriCorps staff, we asked Kristin a few questions about her time here at the Damiano Center, which we share below. We are all excited to see what the next year brings as Kristin continues to work with the Kids' Kitchen program and Summer Food Corps.
1. What brought you to work at the Damiano?
I felt like the youth in the Kids’ Kitchen program could benefit from having an AmeriCorps member. Our extensive training in Social Emotional Learning and interventions are great for helping kids that are in tough situations recognize and manage their emotions.
2. What are your favorite parts about working here?
My favorite parts are getting to know the kids and finding ways to make their day a little brighter. I also enjoy the staff at the Damiano Center. They have been welcoming and friendly. People are always checking in to see how I’m doing as well as checking in with the program.
3. What is something you've learned during your time at the Damiano?
Poverty affects a greater population of Duluth than I previously realized. The services that the Damiano Center provides are essential to the survival of so many people.
4. What made you want to stay longer?
I like the work the Damiano Center is doing to combat poverty and provide services to those in need. I feel like I am making a difference in the lives of the youth. It is gratifying to see how they grow and are able to use lessons I teach them.
5. What is something you would like everyone to know about the Damiano Center?
There is something for everyone here regardless of your background and socioeconomic status. If you are struggling, there are lots of services to help people. If you are in a stable place in life and want to give back there are opportunities for that as well through volunteering or donating funds.
6. Is there anything you would like to tell us about yourself?
This will be my 4th and final term with True North AmeriCorps. My previous terms were at Hartley Nature Center, Lowell Keyzone and the Damiano Center Kids’ Kitchen. I have been serving since 2021 with a semester break when I used my education award from previous terms to finish my Bachelors in Biology at UMD in December 2023.
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