Cali served at the Damiano Center from September of 2022 until the end of August 2023 through AmeriCorps with our Kids' Kitchen and Summer Food Corps program. As we have in the past with our AmeriCorps staff, we asked Cali a few questions about her time here at the Damiano Center, which we share below. We wish you all the best in your future, Cali, and we appreciate your time at the Damiano Center and everything you did during your time here!
1. What brought you to work at the Damiano?
I had the opportunity to serve at the Damiano Center through True North AmeriCorps. I knew I wanted to work with youth, and AmeriCorps helped me find this opportunity at the Damiano Center Kids’ Kitchen
2. What was your favorite part about working here?
My favorite part about serving at the Damiano Center is the strong sense of community. The staff have all been very welcoming and supportive throughout my time here.
3. What is something you've learned during your time at the Damiano?
During my time at the Damiano Center, I learned the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Each day is different, so it has helped me to become more comfortable with unpredictability.
4. What will you miss the most?
The thing that I will miss the most is the meaningful relationships I’ve built with the staff, volunteers, and families here at the Damiano Center. One of my favorite memories is our Global Youth Service Day project. The youth at Kids’ Kitchen made blankets and toys to donate to Animal Allies Humane Society, and AAHS brought in two ambassador dogs to meet the kids when they came to pick up the donation boxes. The whole project was a lot of fun and a great way for the youth to practice leadership and giving back to their community.
5. What is something you would like everyone to know about the Damiano Center?
Something I would like everyone to know about the Damiano Center is how much hard work and dedication the staff and volunteers put into the many amazing programs and services they provide to support community members each day.
6. Where are you off to next?
After completing my service term with AmeriCorps, I will be heading back to the Twin Cities to figure out what I want to do next in my career. Wherever the journey takes me, I am very grateful for the memories I have made and the lessons I have learned during my time in Duluth.