support services

Mountain Area Information Network

Location:
Ashville, NC

MAIN is a nonprofit community network using integrated media technologies to expand the local public sphere and to support:

participatory democracy
citizen access to media
independent journalism
local cultural and artistic expression
locally-owned businesses
social and economic justice
and environmental stewardship

Pillsbury United Communities

Location:
Minneapolis, MN

Pillsbury United Communities is a nonprofit organization working to create choice, change and connection for people from all walks of life. With multiple locations in Minneapolis’ inner city neighborhoods – including four neighborhood centers and a professional live theatre – Pillsbury United Communities is positioned to address the complicated issues and concerns faced by the more than 35,000 people who walk through our doors each year.

Staff manage a growing number of services in six common focus areas:

Innovations in Early Childhood Development
Innovations in Youth and Teen Development
Innovations in Adult Education and Skill Development
Innovations in Civic Engagement
Innovations in Essential Resources
Innovations in Wellness

Pillsbury United Communities builds better communities by helping individuals find the means to help themselves.

Video Production Training and Technical Support

VISTA Name: 
Laura Craig
Program Start: 
8/2003
Program End: 
8/2004
Project Description: 

Trainer/Technician Workplan

Within One week of employment:
- fill out all necessary forms with the Community Media Center human resources department.

- familiarize herself with the employee manual and the responsibilities of her job

- tour and become familiar with the MoLLIE workspace(s)

- be introduced to MoLLIE and CMC staff.

- familiarize herself with the mission, policies, routines, and schedule of the MoLLIE program

Within One month of employment:
- become proficient operating digital video equipment and accessories

- become proficient with the i-movie editing program

- begin field work with clients - schools and NPOs

Within Two months of employment
- understand and accept the responsibilities as team captain

- provide proficiency training for new hires

Project Outcome: 

Laura’s year with the Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education (MoLLIE) was characterized by a continued maturing of the of the project, both in its partnerships with area schools and its facility with linking MoLLIE efforts to the area mandated curriculum. Relationships that were begun with area teachers in our first two years of operation continued and thrived. Those teachers that utilized MoLLIe in the first year actively promoted the MoLLIE project to their colleagues leading in turn, to an expanded clientele of teachers in a broader selection of schools.

Further relationships developed that Laura was crucial to: In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN) program, Laura facilitated the efforts of local youths at neighborhood associations and community centers in writing, shooting, performing, and editing their own Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the subject of gun violence prevention. Another partnership that developed this year in which Laura played a key role was a six month project with Wedgwood Christian Services of West Michigan. Similar to PSN, the Wedgwood project involved providing at-risk teens with the tools, training, and means of transmission to create their own mini documentaries and PSAs focusing on substance abuse prevention. Laura demonstrated a particular facility in getting young women to open up and tell their personal stories in a manner that they might not with male trainer/technicians.

Laura’s final, and perhaps most lasting project, done in conjunction with VISTA volunteer Nate Diedrich, has been the production of an eight-episode instructional module series on the MoLLIE method of video production.

Laura Craig went on to work full-time at Portland Community Media in Portland, Oregon, where she supervised the work of Digital Arts Corps Member Nickey Robare.

Impact Quote: 

Laura performed superbly in all aspects of her job with MoLLIE. I am particularly pleased that she is being considered for employment as the project manager of a new MoLLIE-like project in the Pacific Northwest. The VISTA program should be very proud to have Laura Craig-Bennett as an alumna just as we are proud to have had her as an employee and team mate.

Video Production Training and Technical Support

VISTA Name: 
Nate Diedrich
Program Start: 
8/2003
Program End: 
8/2004
Project Description: 

Nate contributed to the MoLLIE project (Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education) as trainer/technician . MoLLIE provides area teachers and schoolchildren with the training, tools, and means of transmission, to write, shoot, edit, and cablecast their own curriculum-linked video presentations. Nate had worked with MoLLIE prior to his tenure as a VISTA volunteer and was very familiar with the staff, procedures, equipment, and mission of the program.

Workplan

Within One week of employment:
- fill out all necessary forms with the Community Media Center human resources department

- familiarize himself with the employee manual and the responsibilities of his job

- tour and become familiar with the MoLLIE workspace(s)

- be introduced to MoLLIE and CMC staff.

- familiarize himself with the mission, policies, routines, and schedule of the MoLLIE program

Within One month of employment:
- become proficient operating digital video equipment and accessories

- become proficient with the i-movie editing program

- begin field work with clients - schools and NPOs

Within Two months of employment
- understand and accept the responsibilities as team captain

- provide proficiency training for new hires

Project Outcome: 

Nate’s year with the Mobile Learning Lab for Information Education ( MoLLIE) was characterized by a continued maturing of the of the project, both in its partnerships with area schools and its facility with linking MoLLIE efforts to the area mandated curriculum. Relationships that were begun with area teachers in our first two years of operation continued and thrived. Those teachers that utilized MoLLIE in the first year actively promoted the MoLLIE project to their colleagues leading, in turn, to an expanded clientele of teachers in a broader selection of schools.

Further relationships developed that Nate was crucial to. In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, Nate facilitated the efforts of local youths at neighborhood associations and community centers in writing, shooting, performing, and editing their own Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on the subject of gun violence prevention. Another partnership that developed this year in which Nate played a key role was a six-month project with Wedgwood Christian Services of West Michigan. Similar to PSN, the Wedgwood project involved providing at-risk teens with the tools, training, and means of transmission to create their own mini documentaries and PSAs focusing on substance abuse prevention.

Nate’s last and perhaps most lasting project, done in conjunction with VISTA volunteer Laura Craig-Bennett, has been the production of an eight episode instructional module series on the MoLLIE method of video production.

Impact Quote: 

With his ready wit and disarming personality Nate easily wins over our student clients. Nate has developed into an outstanding teacher, through a conscious effort on his part to constantly look for better techniques and a continual honing of his own considerable teaching skills. He has excellent instincts in the classroom.

Boat People SOS - Atlanta, GA

Location:
Doraville, GA

We are a national Vietnamese-American community-based organization with the mission to “empower, organize, and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity.”

Since 1980, one in 10 Vietnamese Americans has received assistance from BPSOS while still in Vietnam, on the high seas, in a refugee camp, or after arriving in the United States.

Through our 18 office locations in the U.S. and four office locations in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, we provide a web of services to support individuals, families, and communities.

Boat People SOS - Washington, DC

Location:
Washington, DC

We are a national Vietnamese-American community-based organization with the mission to “empower, organize, and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity.”

Since 1980, one in 10 Vietnamese Americans has received assistance from BPSOS while still in Vietnam, on the high seas, in a refugee camp, or after arriving in the United States.

Through our 18 office locations in the U.S. and four office locations in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, we provide a web of services to support individuals, families, and communities.

Boat People SOS - Virginia

Location:
Falls Church, VA

We are a national Vietnamese-American community-based organization with the mission to “empower, organize, and equip Vietnamese individuals and communities in their pursuit of liberty and dignity.”

Since 1980, one in 10 Vietnamese Americans has received assistance from BPSOS while still in Vietnam, on the high seas, in a refugee camp, or after arriving in the United States.

Through our 18 office locations in the U.S. and four office locations in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, we provide a web of services to support individuals, families, and communities.

The Timothy Smith Network

Location:
Roxbury, MA

The Timothy Smith Network (TSN) is a member organization established to build the capacity of Greater Roxbury’s Timothy Smith Centers. The mission of the TSN is to increase the capacity of the Greater Roxbury community of Boston to effectively use and access technology by providing technology-related services, educational programs and resources as well as strengthening and supporting the individual TSCs. As of 2008 there are 34 active Timothy Smith Centers.

Timothy Smith Centers provide comprehensive community-based technology services to children, adults, families, adults, and senior citizens. Timothy Smith Centers provide open access to technology and the Internet for many residents. The agencies in which the Timothy Smith Centers are located address a broad range of economic, therapeutic, health, educational, training, human and social services needs of the community.

The TSN will strengthen the Timothy Smith Centers by assisting them to implement strategies for developing and sustaining their operations and for improving the efficiency, scale and quality of their programs.

Sand Point CTC (LIHI)

Location:
Seattle, WA

The Low Income Housing Institute develops, owns and operates housing for the benefit of low-income, homeless and formerly homeless people in Washington State; advocates for just housing policies at the local and national levels; and administers a range of supportive service programs to assist those we serve in maintaining stable housing and increasing their self-sufficiency.

Founded in 1991, LIHI has grown to be one of the most productive affordable housing developers in the Northwest. LIHI owns and/or manages over 1,700 housing units at 50 sites in six counties throughout the Puget Sound region. Eighty percent of LIHI housing is reserved for households earning less than 30 percent of the area median household income.

LIHI provides a variety of supportive services to help residents maintain their housing and develop self-sufficiency. Our efforts include providing residents with case management, life skills training, technology access and training, financial literacy training and savings programs, and activities for some of the more than 500 children in LIHI housing.

LIHI also owns and operates the Urban Rest Stop, a much-needed hygiene facility for homeless individuals and families located in downtown Seattle, serves approximately 5,000 unduplicated individuals each year. The URS is designed to serve a wide range of people including homeless adults, families with children, youth and the elderly. Urban Rest Stop patrons include disabled persons, veterans, non-English-speaking individuals and people of color.

LIHI believes that affordable housing does not mean poor quality housing. We believe that innovative partnerships, creative project development and sustainable design features in affordable housing makes for a healthy, strong, and committed community.

MAAC Project

Location:
Chula Vista, CA

The Mission of the MAAC Project is to promote self-sufficiency for low and moderate income families and communities of Southern California through advocacy for, and delivery of, social, educational, housing and employment services.

MAAC will pursue our mission by offering the various communities in San Diego County a helping hand, by bridging the path to self-sufficiency, and by building and enhancing self-esteem.

About MAAC

The MAAC Project is a multi-purpose social service agency with a successful 45 year history of serving various communities throughout San Diego County. In 1965, MAAC Project opened its doors to serve San Diego’s disadvantaged. One million clients later, MAAC is still acting as a catalyst to help individuals and families become self-sufficient. MAAC provides a spectrum of unique programs designed to assist clients by engaging them in the enhancement of their own lives through lifestyle changes. The programs strive to improve clients’ economic standing as well as their ability to access resources available to them.

As one of the most successful social service agencies in the county, MAAC has continuously assisted low-income clients in achieving a higher level of self-sufficiency. Our clients want what everyone wants, a sense of security, viability and self-reliance. MAAC exists to help them achieve it.

MAAC serves over 35,000 individuals per year and over the past 43 years has touched the lives of over 1,000,000 clients. Employing over 300 personnel, MAAC staffs 35 sites bringing to its constituents empowering social services, health components, a state of arts charter school, technology centers, economic development, affordable housing…building community. MAAC maintains and continues to instill in every program under its umbrella the object of its mission…the achievement of self-esteem and self-sufficiency.

MAAC has become one of San Diego’s most distinguished and comprehensive social service agencies. MAAC serves San Diego County families through HeadStart/FirstStart, nutritional programs, low-income home weatherization and improvement, two notable and culturally specific recovery homes, award winning affordable housing complexes and a charter school.

The availability of secure and attractive homes and the development of a community, which provides access to childcare, pre-school, recreational activities, computer training, job referrals, and services designed to enhance the livability and viability of the neighborhood, builds pride and self-respect. In turn, this leads to self-development, respect for others, and citizenship participation. These are MAAC’s goals. This is the path and direction on which MAAC has embarked.

Transmission Project