Name: Laura Halley 

Hometown: Milwaukee, WI 

Age: 23 

Alma Mater:  Alverno College 

Favorite Books: A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Mountains Beyond Mountains 

Hobbies:  Dancing, crocheting, telling jokes, people watching 

What attracted you to GSV?
I was attracted to the mission of GSV and its commitment to serving women and children.  GSV offered many opportunities to work directly with underserved populations and a strong support network for its volunteers.

 Where are you serving?
I am at Euphrasian Residence: a diagnostic residential center for 12-17 year old girls in New York City.

 Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
My site placement has challenged me everyday, and as a result I am continuously working on effective service strategies.  Taking time to reflect on my work has helped me better understand adolescent girls and my strengths in working with them.

 What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
I was surprised by the living arrangements for my community, but we love the setup and the opportunity to enjoy NYC.

Name: Denise Straka 

Hometown: Montague, NJ 

Age: 22 

Alma Mater:  University of Scranton 

Favorite Books: The Narnia Chronicles, Harry Potter 

Hobbies:  Traveling, Broadway, dance, laughing, trying new things, interior design, challenging myself everyday 

What attracted you to GSV?
I wanted to spend my year after college doing meaningful work that would positively impact the lives of others.  GSV had the program and support I was looking for. 

Where are you serving?
I am serving at HandCrafting Justice, a great fair-trade economic justice program.  

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
Within a few weeks I had seen a growth in my ability to live in an intentional community.  Through my experience, I am growing socially, emotionally and intellectually. 

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
Everyday is a new experience.  I am given so many great opportunities to go to exciting places and meet people from all walks of life.  GSV has expanded my horizons and possibilities.

Name: Sarah Jane Simons 

Hometown: Marshaltown, IA 

Age: 23 

Alma Mater:  University of Northern Iowa 

Favorite Books: Harry Potter, Pride & Prejudice, Lies My Teacher Told Me

Hobbies:  Reading, Crocheting, Exploring NYC! 

What attracted you to GSV?
I was attracted to GSV because of their emphasis on the four pillars and because of their supportive and caring staff. 

Where are you serving?
I am serving at McMahon Foster Boarding Home in the Bronx.  We work with adolescents in foster care on life skills and permanency planning.  

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
I have learned how to be more independent and how to depend on my community for support when I need it.  I’ve also learned a thing or two about mass transit…

 What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
The best part is getting to explore New York City with my community and through my job.  I’ve gotten to see such a wide variety of neighborhoods that I would never get to experience in good old Iowa.

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