PAVE New Haven VISTA members volunteer for a service project with NHS of New Haven.

On August 10^th the Community Building & Organizing (CB&O) team at NHS hosted 8 AmeriCorps VISTA members from PAVE New Haven. PAVE New Haven is a multi-site AmeriCorps VISTA - Volunteers in Service to America - project sponsored by the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut through the Corporation forNational & Community Service.

The overall mission of PAVE New Haven is to increase student literacy, college readiness, and ensure that all New Haven students' and families' educational needs are met. Though relatively small, our volunteers were very productive in accomplishing various tasks within and around our Stevens Street Community Garden. 

Volunteers spent a day in the garden, discussing the history of New Haven and its neighborhoods. NHS VISTA member, Hannah Wells, and former NHS VISTA member, Chandel Gibbs, were able to provide these volunteers with resources related to the VISTA experience -- offering guidance and advice. At the Stevens Street Garden, the volunteers moved compost, spread mulch, and pulled weeds along the fencing. In addition, they organized the compost bins, spread new mulch, and watered the trees along the street.

The volunteers were also fortunate enough to work alongside residents who live next door to the garden and speak with various community residents who were simply walking by. The day was very productive and successful, and a lot of work was accomplished in the garden. On behalf of the NHS’ CB&O team, we would like to thank the PAVE New Haven volunteers for their service, and wish them all a very productive and successful VISTA year.