In the heart of Indianapolis, two dedicated AmeriCorps members, Vanessa Sandaire and Kiaora Muhammad, have transformed their vision for community empowerment into remarkable success stories. As recent recipients of the AmeriCorps Equity and Innovation Grant, their journeys exemplify the profound impact of grassroots initiatives driven by passionate individuals.
Vanessa and Kiaora joined LISC AmeriCorps with a shared mission: to uplift underrepresented communities through equitable access to resources and opportunities. Through public service, they quickly recognized the pressing needs within their neighborhoods, including economic disparities and limited access to learning opportunities. The LISC AmeriCorps Equity and Innovation Grants empower service members to develop, launch, and lead a project that could change the circumstances of those they serve—if only they had a bit of cash to make it happen. With so many of the organizations where members serve experiencing ever-tightening budgets, LISC leans into our role as grant maker and community builder to invest in members’ visions and sense of agency.
Kiaora Muhammad, serving at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, received $1,500 for her project entitled ‘Let It Out’ that focuses on having an outlet for people to express themselves in a safe and respectful manner. For Kiaora, “this award means so much to my community as mental health is so important for everyone. I've learned first-hand and I am still learning that being in the right mindset to make important life decisions is the key in moving forward in life. This is impacting my professional development by trying new things I have never done before. With this project I am learning how to listen more and ways to root myself deeper into this community. The skills I am learning will help me grow more in the community development field.”
Vanessa Sandaire, currently serving at Edna Martin Christian Center, was awarded $1,500 for her Read to Succeed literacy project that fosters literacy needs in a supportive environment. For Vanessa, “receiving this grant has been a great opportunity. It allows me to bring my literacy club project to life, focusing on young adults and adults in our community, including our second-chance members who are being re-entered into society after incarceration. With these funds, I will provide structured educational support, including touching on some digital literacy, and offer essential learning resources in a welcoming environment. This initiative is particularly meaningful as it gives individuals, who have often been overlooked, a second chance to succeed and make a positive impact in their lives and communities.” Members of the club will have transportation assistance provided, daily meals and snacks, and a $100 completion stipend.
Additionally, Vanessa is writing a book specifically for this project, which will be a key resource in guiding participants through their literacy journey. The book is designed to resonate with their experiences, offering both inspiration and practical tools for personal growth with a goal of not only increasing literacy skill but also promoting effective communication in and out of the professional environment.
Vanessa and Kiaora’s journeys as LISC Indianapolis AmeriCorps members are a testament to the power of grassroots work, innovation, and dedication to equity. Their stories not only celebrate their achievements, but also serve as an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when passionate individuals come together to create meaningful change. As they continue their work, Vanessa and Kiaora stand as beacons of hope and resilience, inspiring communities to strive for a brighter, more equitable future.
LISC AmeriCorps is a national service program made possible by funding from the AmeriCorps federal agency to inspire community connection and promote community solutions. LISC AmeriCorps members serve an important, three-fold purpose: members serve with organizations to spearhead valuable projects; they engage residents in the revitalization of their own neighborhoods; and they develop skills, experience and insight into community development and the profound value of service.