Allen Neighborhood Center’s Gardening Educator, AmeriCorps member 

 

Established in 1999, Allen Neighborhood Center (ANC) is a hub for neighborhood revitalization and for activities 

that promote the health, safety, stability, and economic well-being of residents and other stakeholders in the 

northeast quadrant of Lansing, MI. ANC’s work in “comprehensive and integrative community development” has 

resulted in signature projects, such as the Hunter Park GardenHouse. This program and many others have emerged 

from ANC’s frequent and inclusive neighborhood forums, designed to address emerging issues, including food 

security and food access, and ensure the development of pioneering, resident-driven strategies for community 

improvement. 

 

Member Activities 

This member will serve as the Gardening Educator of the Hunter Park GardenHouse/Urban Farming Program. 

Specific duties include: 

• Collaborate with the GardenHouse Director to develop and promote a robust gardening program throughout 
  
• the Eastside (link neighbors to resources, assist with planning, promoting, and facilitating of garden 
  
• education offerings including home garden visits, workshops, and Urban Gardener Certification Program. 
  
• Collaborate with Youth Programs Coordinator to develop, promote, and facilitate Youth Service Corps 
  
• program for 11-17 year olds. Specific youth projects include: Garden-in-a-Box, Edible Park, and Fruit Tree 
  
• Project. 
  
• Provide guide-by-the-side instruction/mentoring to GardenHouse volunteers and visitors during 
  
• GardenHouse open hours. 
  
• Thoroughly document the effectiveness and impact of GardenHouse programs through dot and paper surveys 
  
• (# served, % increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables, etc.) 
  

Minimum Qualifications 

• Commitment to serve 1700 hours from October 14, 2014- September 18, 2015. 
  
• High school degree, GED certificate or agree to achieve GED within the year 
  
• Minimum of 18 year of age, US citizen or permanent resident status 
  
• Desire and ability to engage with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income 
  
• distressed neighborhoods 
  
• Ability to function independently and in a team environment 
• 1+ years’ experience in urban gardening/farming (seedling care, soil, compost, pest & disease control) 
• Computer skills, Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  
• Flexible availability required (some night and weekends) 

Member Benefits 

A full time AmeriCorps member is expected to serve 1700 hours from October 14, 2014 - September 18, 2015. Full 

time AmeriCorps members receive training, a living allowance of $12,100, an educational award of $5,645 after 

completing the service term, and loan forbearance for qualified student loans. Full time members receive health 

insurance. Members attend a mandatory orientation when service begins, and are invited to attend monthly trainings 

and meetings by the Power of We Consortium. Allen Neighborhood Center will also make additional training 

opportunities available. 

 

Cover letter and resume due Tuesday, August 12. 

 

Please send submissions to Rita O’Brien and Isaias Solis: 

Rita O’Brien, Hunter Park GardenHouse Director 

Allen Neighborhood Center 

1619 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912 

517-999-3910

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Isaias Solis, Coordinator 

Power of We Consortium 

5303 S. Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48911 

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