Press Room
Volunteering runs in the family
The AmeriCorps LINKS program is enjoying a rare opportunity of having a mother and daughter volunteer in the program at the same time. Tina Engelfried, a self-described ‘baby boomer,’ is a Northwest Service Academy/LINKS member, serving a 675 hour term at Tualatin Hills Nature Park, where she is an outreach and education assistant. Her daughter, Rose Engelfried, 17, is serving a 450 hour term at the Oregon Zoo, where she is a Trillium Creek Family Farm assistant.
Tina started last November after hearing about LINKS from Rose, who has been a member since August 2007. Tina’s duties at the Nature Park include creating interpretive signs and other educational materials for installment in area parks and kiosks. She will also be working with a high school group to create and install a permanent interpretive sign along the stream.
“It hadn’t occurred to me that a somewhat older person could also work with AmeriCorps,” Tina said. “I feel that I am following her example, or possibly she is following the example I try to set as a Mom,” she added.
“It’s been fun to compare our two projects. I discovered the program first and I was thrilled when my Mom got involved too,” said Rose.
Rose’s position at the Zoo includes assisting with the daily operation of youth programming at the Trillium Family Farm Exhibit. Her service includes animal care, record keeping, facilitating visitor/animal interactions and designing and facilitating educational activities. She also trains, mentors and supports youth interns and short-term volunteers.
“The Farm is one of the few areas in the Zoo where visitors can actually touch the animals, so it’s an important goal for the Zoo to educate the public about animals,” said Rose.
Both members have one year to complete their hours and Rose is almost finished. She will receive an education award of $1,250 upon completion of her term of service. Tina will receive an education award of $1,800. Tina plans to use the money to take classes about the environment and/or writing.
LINKS is an AmeriCorps program that provides opportunities for individuals to serve with schools, non-profits and government agencies. Each year, more than 200 LINKS AmeriCorps members serve in the greater Pacific Northwest Region.
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| Tina Engelfried with her daughter Rose Engelfried. Both are volunteering for the AmeriCorps LINKS program. |