GreenRoots Leadership Development Program and ReNU: Brought to you by Emily

After a long drive from South Carolina, I'm here in Western New York and working in Niagara Falls!  It's been a fun experience so far and I'm learning a lot about the community here.

As the AmeriCorps ABLE at ReNU Niagara, I've been working with the GreenRoots Leadership Development Program--both with youth and adults.  GLDP aims to empower residents to improve their neighborhood, so I've been learning a lot about leadership education and community development.   The youth of GLDP have been planning a family fun day and wellness festival to take place in August, which will encourage the children of Niagara Falls to get out of the house and play outdoors for a change.  They are using the leadership skills they acquired in the training program to plan the event themselves.  So far on the agenda, we've got an obstacle course, a Kan Jam tournament, face painting, and much more!  It's been great so far getting to know some of the students from Niagara Falls High School and seeing all of their leadership abilities.

The adult program will actually be starting soon with a new wave of residents.  We had a "kick-off" event of sorts on Wednesday night, where we showed the award-winning documentary, Holding Ground: The Rebirth of Dudley Street at the NACC.  The film is about the residents of a Roxbury, MA neighborhood coming together to revitalize their community.  We are hoping to get future leaders of the GLDP and the Niagara Falls community excited about making healthy changes in the area.  A good crowd came out for the film screening (and the delicious refreshments!) and we had a good discussion afterwards.  We even were able to give attendees a free week-long membership to Advanced Care Physical Therapy, Aquatic, and Fitness Center located right here in Niagara Falls, on Main St.  The fitness center donated these passes to be used as an incentive for people to get involved with GLDP and we are very appreciative of their support!  The official start of the leadership program will be on Thursday, July 12 at 6pm.  This event will also be held at the NACC and if you're interested in attending--call the ReNU office at 205-0287 or email me at emily.gru@gmail.com.

So far, working with the GreenRoots Leadership Development Program has taught me a lot about town policies, event organization, and university procedure.  I'm excited to see what the rest of the summer will hold!

Meet the Staff: Jill

As a fun introduction to the members of the ReNU office staff, we've each answered some questions about ourselves.  This week's staff person is Jill, the Executive Director of ReNU.

Jill Shuey

Q: What is your favorite vegetable?

A: It is difficult to pick just one...I love my veggies but this week it is asparagus from my backyard garden.

Q: What is your favorite saying/quote/phrase?

A: "At the end of the day..."

Q: Name something healthy you did this week.

A: Took a stroller walk with my husband and son.

Q: What is your favorite vacation/vacation spot?

A: The Outer Banks NC, this is where I got married.

Q: Where is someplace you've always wanted to visit but haven't yet?

A:  Italy

Q: What is your favorite thing about where you grew up?

A: The blue mountains in Shippensburg, PA.

Q: What is your favorite board game?

A: Sorry

Q: What is your favorite month?

A: Fall.  I know it is a season...Oct/Nov

Q: Where is your favorite place to eat?

A: I love ethnic food... Thai...Indian...Middle Eastern

Q: Do you have any phobias/fears?

A: Roll-a-coasters/mainly open heights

Q: What is your earliest family car?

A: Green pinto--my parents

Q: Do you side with a political party?

A: sometimes...

Q: How old do you hope to be?

A: Old enough to see my son have a family

Q: What is your favorite TV show of all time?

A: Glee

Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A Broadway singing star

Vacant Lots and ReNU: An Introduction brought to you by Natalie

As one of two ServiceCorps members serving at the ReNU office from April to October this year, I (Natalie) must say, the last two months have flown by! I've moved, graduated, and started at ReNU. Life's been busy...but isn't it always?

As a Vacant Lot Coordinator at ReNU, I've contributed to the navigation and formalization of a process for community members to follow in order to obtain a vacant lot in the City of Niagara Falls to reuse to benefit their community. Funding and resources are also of utmost importance for creative projects, and this too has been part of the process. Coordination, collaboration, and cooperation have proved to be essential--and I couldn't be in a better office to learn all about it.

Since the establishment of ReNU Niagara in 2006, government support, Niagara University Investment, and partnerships with community organizations have all co-mingled in dedication to the revitalization of Niagara Falls and meeting the needs of the community.

As the issue of vacant lots surfaced, great potential for community driven use of space emerged. As one of ReNU Niagara’s endeavors, ReNU Talk is the place to follow for information on vacant lot revitalization as our efforts progress.