Kissimmee woman gives back through AmeriCorps

Kissimmee woman gives back through AmeriCorps
Amy C. Rippel Special to the Sentinel
July 6, 2008
Sarah Ortiz always felt lucky to get help when she needed it.When a tornado swept through her Kissimmee neighborhood in early 2000, she was comforted by the presence of the American Red Cross.While attending the University of Central Florida, she got financial aid and scholarships to ease the financial burden.When her car broke down, there was always someone there to lend a helping hand.

So when she graduated from UCF in August with a bachelor's degree in biology and health sciences, she wanted a career that would give back. That's why Ortiz, 24, joined AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. It's a 10-month national program that focuses on community service and helping communities in need.

For Ortiz, who will end her stint July 31, it has been a learning experience like no other. She and her team members have worked in Mississippi rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina; in South Dakota at an Indian reservation running Boys & Girls Club programs; in Louisiana helping Katrina victims; and, most recently, in Fort Pierce installing hurricane shutters and ties on homes for low-income families.

"The most rewarding thing about this whole experience is the people you meet, from your project sponsors to your homeowners to the volunteers you work with and especially your teammates," she said.
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