Meet the LISC AmeriCorps Members in Indianapolis: Sean Radford, Edna Martin Christian Center

My name is Sean Radford and I am serving as the LISC AmeriCorps member at Edna Martin Christian Center.

Being an AmeriCorps member has given me the opportunity to perform work that I recognize is truly beneficial to others. And I believe that's what interests me the most. In the past, I have volunteered for community-driven events, but I have never been an employee for a company that has the same focus. Daily I have to home in on skills such as empathy, patience, compassion, determination, perseverance and vigor.

Being an AmeriCorps member and serving at Edna Martin Christian Center has allowed me to become more well-versed as a professional. The work I am most involved in is entrepreneurial support, but the work that I value the most is family financial stability. Lack of family structure and financial stability is the leading cause of poverty and many other issues in the world in general. And as someone who grew up with everything I needed, I pride myself on being a tiny part of making that possible for others.

The level of flexibility that comes with the job has surprised me quite a bit. There are times where our team may not be getting a lot of traction and that gives space to work on a multitude of other things. And then there are times where it's literally all hands-on deck with certain deadlines. My role as a community impact specialist has enabled me to utilize certain skills to elevate our free business training here at Edna Martin. I enrolled as a participant in the course because I have been doing pick up hauling as a side hustle. So, enrolling in this program has made me an official business owner! While in the class, I was responsible for other tasks such as documenting the work we did, preparing participant binders, capturing images, etc. Being a part of this program and being able to turn my side hustle into a business through this program, I believe, greatly supports the value of entrepreneurship in our community.

After my service ends, I will continue to finish school but also further grow my business Radford's Haul and All. I am completing my degree in supply chain sciences but since working as an AmeriCorps member, I have a growing interest in civil and political science. That being said, I don't want to close that door by any means. But in regards to leveling up my business after my service is over, I hope to greater develop skills such as time management, leadership, digital literacy, and professionalism. Something I am inspired to brainstorm and hopefully launch is some type of literacy club. I have worked in several different groups such as our Workforce Development program and I have worked with many clients who simply have a difficult time completing certain tasks because of issues that trace back to poor literacy. I want to help build literacy levels in Martindale-Brightwood with a club that emphasizes the benefits of reading and writing through the comradery of others. A club like this would be inclusive and judgement-free, but also goal-oriented.

- Sean Radford, AmeriCorps Service Member for Edna Martin Christian Center