Meet Nehemie Joseph, HOB’s Americorp Vista Member!
Heart of Biddeford is excited to introduce Nehemie Joseph, an Americorp Vista serving with Heart of Biddeford this year. Nehemie will continue the Vista role of managing the volunteer experience at HOB, with a particular emphasis on gaining job skills and involving youth. She says, “Volunteerism is a great way to remind the youth that everyone helps run the community, no matter the age.”
Moving here from Florida in mid-November, Nehemie’s inspiration to take on the Americorp Vista position this year is tied to her experience as a first-generation American whose mother came here from Haiti. She said she wants to use her background to make an impact on economic opportunity here in Biddeford, sharing things that she’s learned “the hard way.”
Nehemie herself has many years of volunteerism under her belt, working with North Central Florida’s Volunteer Tax Assistant (VITA) program. She found that serving a community and doing what you love taught her professional skills that she uses today.
Nehemie has already been meeting with and organizing volunteer opportunities for students. She remarked that they seem inspired to speak out. So, watch for events this year featuring Biddeford’s Middle School students!
We asked Nehemie what her impressions of Biddeford were so far. Not surprisingly, she said, “Cold.” After we all laughed, she added, “The first thing that hit me even before my plane landed was the cold. After a little while, though, it was the warmth of everyone’s kindness.”
She hopes that through volunteerism with HOB or any organization, locals here will build a stronger network that people can fall back on when times are hard. And, she intends to impart professional skills through community service that will last a lifetime.
Nehemie worked with HOB volunteers during the Downtown Tree & Menorah Lighting on Dec. 7, 2018, all while taking photos and videos. Watch this short clip, reflecting what Nehemie experienced in the Biddeford that night.
Contact Nehemie by email here or call HOB at (207)284-8520.
Welcome to Biddeford, Nehemie!