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D/SAOC Staff & AmeriCorps News

Kristi is D/SAOC’s newest AmeriCorps member. She current resides in Fort Dodge with her 2 children. She will graduate in the spring of 2009 with an Associates of Arts

Text Box: About Katie Thompson* (IOWA VOICES PROJECT)

Text Box: Katie Thompson uses her wide range of professional skills and experiences to tackle complex writing projects. Did I say “complex” topics? Try... impossible. Impenetrable. Fuzzy, messy, bewildering topics that only experts understand, but the public needs to know. Example: Commodities trading, now a front-page news subject in business publications around the world. Several years ago, Katie partnered with a top commodities trader to help him explain commodities trading. Some of the results are two new annual publications: The Kluis Commodity Calendar and the Dutch Farmer’s Almanac. Before this, Katie spent five years figuring out how to explain the impact of agroterrorism on the US economy. Result: the agroterrorism novel, Deadstock. More recently, Katie made a partnership with a state non-profit agency to help describe the impact of domestic violence. Result: the interviews of the Iowa Voices Project, which were published in newspapers around Iowa in 2007, a book that will be released in October 2008, and an audiobook that will be released in October 2009. *Biographical information obtained from: http://booksbykt.com/biography.php

NEW Volunteer Coordinator

Keshia has accepted the position of Volunteer Coordinator/Community Liaison. Keshia will be responsible for recruiting, and training volunteers, D/SAOC fundraising events as well as D/SAOC’s resale store. Keshia earned her Associates of Arts degree in 2007 and is currently pursing a double major from Buena Vista in Psychology and Human Services.

Keshia

Volunteer

Coordinator

Kristi

AmeriCorps

Text Box: LEND A HELPING HAND For individuals that are interested in helping, here are a few suggestions: Consider a financial contribution. Consider volunteering at the shelter –light clerical, helping with phones, childcare, etc! Consider becoming a volunteer advocate—training provided! Consider donating seasonal clothing or household items to “The Key on Central”- D/SAOC’s resale store in Fort Dodge Consider donating a day a month, volunteering at “The Key on Central”

D/SAOC is excited to introduce new staff members and staff changes within our organization!

Colleen has finished her AmeriCorps contract and has accepted a part-time position as a Child Advocate. Colleen obtained her Practical Nursing

Degree in 2005 from Iowa Central Community College. In addition to her position at D/SAOC, Colleen also works part-time for the Fort Dodge Police Department as a dispatcher and helps out with the Head Start program as a substitute teacher. In her new position, Colleen will provide child advocacy services in both Carroll and Crawford Counties.

Julie

AmeriCorps

Julie started as an AmeriCorps for D/SAOC in September of 2007. Julie serves Calhoun, Carroll & Crawford Counties. Julie is a recent

Degree in Criminal Justice. She then plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Graduate from D.M.A.C.C. where she obtained her Associate of Arts Degree. Julie currently attends Buena Vista University with plans to graduate in 2009 with a Bachelor Degree in Marketing & Management.