Lessons In Service: A Farewell To Our Intern And Ameri Corps Vista Fellow

Family Promise of Cobb County recognizes the vital role of interns and fellows in furthering its mission to assist families experiencing homelessness. This year, the organization had the privilege of welcoming Ta-Neya Ekunwe, an AmeriCorps VISTA Fellow from Kennesaw State University, and Allison Mimbs, a social work intern from Walden University. As they conclude their service, we reflect on the significant impact of their contributions and the valuable lessons learned.

Ta-Neya Ekunwe, a sophmore at Kennesaw State University, joined Family Promise of Cobb County with a passion for community and creativity. Throughout her service term, she played a crucial role in refining updating communications procedures, creating fun designs for our online merch shop, and conducting research to support future grant applications. Working behing the scenes to enhance our presence, Ta-Neya helped amplify the stories of families we serve, making the invisible visible and the unheard voices heard.

Allison Mimbs, pursuing her social work degree from Walden University, brought a compassionate and empathetic approach to her role. She worked directly with families in our rotational shelter program, providing support in navigating resources, completing necessary paperwork, and accessing essential services. Allison’s work extended beyond day-to-day assistance; she also collaborated with our case manager to develop family-centered strategies for sustainable housing solutions.

The contributions of Ta-Neya and Allison exemplify the power of service. According to a report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps members and nonprofit interns contribute over 1.3 billion hours of service annually, addressing critical community needs nationwide. This impact is mirrored locally at Family Promise Cobb, where Ta-Neya and Allison’s work has left a lasting mark.

Beyond their tangible contributions, Ta-Neya and Allison brought fresh perspectives and youthful energy to Family Promise Cobb. Ta-Neya’s research initiatives laid the groundwork for future campaigns, setting the stage for potential funding opportunities. Meanwhile, Allison’s interactions with families fostered a culture of empathy and understanding, reinforcing our mission to treat every guest with dignity and respect.

Internships with nonprofits provide young professionals with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining practical experience. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, family homelessness has increased by 13% since 2021, making programs like those offered by Family Promise of Cobb County more critical than ever. Interns and fellows play a pivotal role in supporting these efforts, bringing fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and unwavering commitment to community service.

As Ta-Neya and Allison complete their terms, Family Promise of Cobb County extends a heartfelt thank you for their dedication and service. We also invite other college students, recent graduates, and community members to consider joining our team as interns, fellows, or volunteers. Whether you’re passionate about communications, social work, or nonprofit management, your time and skills can make a transformative difference for families in need.

To learn more about internship and volunteer opportunities with Family Promise Cobb, visit our website at www.fpcobb.org or contact us directly at info@fpcobb.org.

Join us in making a lasting impact—one family, one service project, one day at a time.