An AmeriCorps*VISTA member, Kalysta McClaughy, has been assigned to the Boys & Girls Club of Lebanon for the next 12 months.

McClaughy will develop the Club's volunteer program including creation of policies, recruitment techniques, training materials, evaluations and recognition programs. She also will be assigned responsibility for coordination of special events and the creation of procedures to collect and report on outcome data to determine the impact that Club programs have on local Boys & Girls Club members.

McClaughy is a recent graduate of Oregon State University.

&#8220We are very excited to have Kalysta on our team," said Chief Professional Officer Jason Yutzie, &#8220and to be partnering with the AmeriCorps*VISTA program as a host site. Addressing the needs of youth at risk is a community issue, one in which the Boys & Girls Club of Lebanon plays an active role. We are serious about being a resource for all the children of our community, but most especially those from disadvantaged circumstances. Serving the needs of our community is what the Boys & Girls Club does best, and we at the Club feel that this placement will be a significant step in allowing us to meet current demands."

&#8220Building Bridges" AmeriCorps*VISTA is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, a nationwide network of service programs that involves over 70,000 Americans annually to address the critical needs of our country. Members provide service in areas of education, public safety, health, and the environment. They volunteer full-time for one year, immersing themselves in the communities they serve.

McClaughy was assigned to the Boys & Girls Club through the Community Services Consortium (CSC). Two other VISA members have been assigned elsewhere in Linn County.

Jamie Ernst is serving with CSC in Albany, working across Linn County to start the process for a 10-year plan to end homelessness.

Erica Johnson will be splitting her time between Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties to evaluate the Senior Meals Program. She is serving at the Cascade West Council of Governments.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Lebanon, call 258-7105.

For more information about the 'Building Bridges' AmeriCorps*VISTA program, contact Tifani Erpelding at CSC, 541-758-2641.