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VISTA of the Month/Jan. 2010

January 2010:  David Coward/Shandon Presbyterian Housing Resources (SPHR) 

1. Where are you from?  I was born in Columbia in 1955 and have resided here my entire life with the exception of two years (63' & 64').

 

2. What were you doing before becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA? Before becoming a VISTA I spent 18 years self employed as a technology consultant for mid-market newspapers, printers and advertising agencies.  From 2000 to until 2009 I worked from home and helped care for my three children as they attended middle and high school. 

3. Why did you join AmeriCorps VISTA?  I had spent the years after 2000 doing a great deal of volunteering and community service.  I am considering doing a tour in the Peace Corps after my son enters college next year.  I thought this would allow me an opportunity to gain valuable experience and serve the local community in a meaningful way.

 

4. What are your duties as a VISTA?  I am assigned to Shandon Presbyterian Housing Resources (SPHR).  They are a young non-profit agency which has spent a few years developing houses for the rental market which they rent long term at affordable rates based on income.  Beginning in 2010 they are going to start scaling up to triple or quadruple the rental units available to serve local clients.  I am helping them develop funding sources, volunteer sources and organizational structures to accommodate the growth.

5. What are your goals from your year of service?   It is my intent learn as much as possible about organizing and managing small non-profits so that they can efficiently and securely grow into larger self-sustaining organizations with secure futures.

6. What are your plans after your year of service?  After my year of service is complete it is my intention to spend one tour abroad in the Peace Corps and then return home to Columbia to begin preparing for a travel and service based retirement with my wife.

7. Any special accomplishments?   I have been able to leverage my technology experience to help my agency obtain office supplies and equipment at low to no cost.  The most rewarding experiences have been the personal contacts and relationships I have been able to develop during my time of service.

David is currently assisting SPHR in acquiring new rental units for the upcoming year .  If you have any questions about David's program contact David @ dgcoward1@bellsouth.net.