by Rebecca Maine | September 1, 2025
I served as an AmeriCorps Summer Associate in 2024 at the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center to support their Kids Table program. This was my first experience serving with AmeriCorps and it influenced my decision to return as a VISTA member this year. My previous service helped fortify a future I imagined for myself: it helped me form connections in my chosen community and provided fulfilling experiences relevant to issues I am passionate about. Naturally, these benefits have become expectations for my VISTA role as the Campus Food Pantry Network Developer. I am two weeks into my service and I am not sure what this next year will fully look like. I expect challenges along the way, but I keep reminding myself that each will be an opportunity for growth as I strive to make a lasting, positive impact across Montana with my VISTA cohort.