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VISTA Spotlight: Laura Narum
It’s that time again. Summer is here! And with it brings a greatly appreciated influx in volunteers. The city of Cedar Rapids is fortunate so many volunteers have green gracious enough to help in the rebuild process since of Flood of 2008. But because Cedar Rapids has drawn so many volunteers, the process of coordinating all of these willing individuals is not for the faint of heart.Enter Laura Narum, Volunteer Coordinator extraordinaire! Laura, a graduate from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI, came to AmeriCorps*VISTA because she had an innate desire for social service. “I always wanted to help with disaster relief but didn’t have a youth group or church to go with.” After applying for a variety of non-profit organizations, AmeriCorps*Flood Recovery reached out to Laura with the hopes that she would fulfill the soon-to-be vacant spot of Volunteer Coordinator.
Upon her arrival in Cedar Rapids, Laura proved she was up to the task by keeping track volunteer groups’ information; locations they would be working, skills and time sheets, and even guiding them through the orientation process. And although that sounds like a handful, Laura didn’t stop there. She also became a certified tax preparer for our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Preparation) program, and took over the role of Photographer by going to VISTA rebuild sites and documenting the great work being done.
Laura has been fulfilling her primary role as Volunteer Coordinator since June of 2009, and will be completing her term of service June 18, 2010. As for the future, Laura plans on moving to Davenport, IA in hopes of putting her MBA, earned from St. Ambrose University to use. Truly a Volunteer In Service to America, here’s to achieving great success in your future endeavors Laura, you will be missed!
By: Kody Thompson