We asked a few of our National Service Members to tell us what their service has meant to them and to their communities. Brent Sigley, one of our HarvestCorps members, shared his story:
"My name is Brent Sigley and I’m an Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor at Trillium Family Solutions in Canton, OH. AmeriCorps and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks afforded me the opportunity to gain invaluable experience that will further help me as an aspiring social worker.
I have served one full year in fighting poverty and this has been on of the best years of my life. Direct Service is by far my favorite part of being an AmeriCorps Member.
Being able to sympathize and empathize with my clients also helps me be a better advocate for their needs. Knowing that I make a difference everyday in the community gives me satisfaction in knowing that I’m not part of the problem, but I’m part of the solution in this fight against poverty. OASHF has made me realize that the sky is the limit for personal achievement and growth. Within one year I was recognized in the top 10 “Make a Difference Day Projects” out of 1,112 events and my site won The Ohio Benefit Bank's “Site of the Year” award. With hard work, dedication, determination and love, 30 of my colleagues and I have helped 35,000 low-income Ohioans with linking them with government assistance. I would encourage anyone who has a genuine desire to make a difference in this world to join AmeriCorps and the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks, because it would be one of the best decisions you ever made!"
