Staff Spotlight: Summer Interns
Staff Spotlight: Summer Interns
The Villages’ staff is grateful for the support of our interns! This summer, four fantastic college students have given their time to help the staff in our Indianapolis Office. From planning special events to working directly with the children we are privileged to serve; these young women are making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, and gaining valuable educational and professional experience.
The Villages’ 2013 Indianapolis Summer Interns (from left to right):
Kristin Jones, Kylee Reeves, Kaitlyn Frische, and Sophie Stevens
Kristin Jones
Kristin will be graduating from Ball State University’s School of Social work on July 20th! Kristin hopes to work for an agency where she can help victims of domestic violence and their children. We recently asked Kristin a few questions about her summer internship at The Villages…learn more about what she said:
The Villages: Why did you choose an internship at The Villages?
Kristin: I chose an internship at the Villages because I wanted experience working with domestic violence cases. In addition, I wanted to get some experience with children in foster care and adoption. I really wanted to see whether or not I would prefer working with children or adults.
The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had during your internship?
Kristin: One inspiring event that I have experience at my internship is being able to work with the Kinship Caregivers. I think it is a great program and I love the support that is unconditionally extended to those caregivers. The expression’s on their faces after attending retreats or support groups is absolutely priceless.
The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you worked with this summer?
Kristin: As far as the children I worked with this summer, my wish is for each and every one of them to find peace within their hearts. I would like for them to enjoy their childhood while they still can without constantly worrying. My wish is that they all stay on the right path despite their obstacles and grow up to be successful adults. All in all, I would like for them to prosper in life.
Kylee Reeves
In two weeks, Kylee will be receiving her Bachelors of Social Work from Ball State University! She would love to continue working with vulnerable children and families by working with a foster care or adoption agency. We asked Kylee a few questions about her summer internship…take a look at what she said.
The Villages: Why did you choose an internship at The Villages?
Kylee: I chose The Villages with the help of Ball State staff. I was looking for a foster care and/or adoption agency to intern with. The Villages stood out to the staff at Ball State.
The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had during your internship?
Kylee: Every time I met with a foster family, it was an inspiring experience. They were always so nice and really empowered me to keep doing what I was doing. The most inspiring experience though was the Kinship Retreat on June 15th. I met the most amazing people at this event. Whenever I talked to them about my internship, they had nothing but amazing, kind words. The stories they all told were so inspiring to listen to because of everything they have gone through.
The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you worked with this summer?
Kylee: My wish for the children I have worked with this summer is to do well in school and keep progressing. My wish for the foster families I have worked with is to keep doing what you are doing because it is making a huge difference to so many lives. I have been able to see this in the short months that I have been here.
Kaitlyn Frische
Kaitlyn will be a senior at DePauw University in Greencastle. She is planning to get her Masters in Education, and hopes to be a school counselor after graduation. Take a moment to learn more about Kaitlyn’s experience at The Villages.
The Villages: Why did you choose an internship at The Villages?
Kaitlyn: I have a passion for serving kids, and knew this organization does an excellent job of doing just that!
The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had during your internship?
Kaitlyn: Through my work in the Development office, I have realized how much dedication and perseverance it takes to raise the critical funds The Villages needs to provide programs to the kids we serve. It has truly been an honor to be a part of the team that organizes the fundraising events that raises such important funding. Although I don’t necessarily have direct contact with the children we serve, I know I am doing my part by helping raise money to provide our kids with the best possible services.
The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you worked with this summer?
Kaitlyn: I wish The Villages the best in continuing its efforts in championing families for children, because after all, the children of today are our leaders tomorrow! I hope all the children The Villages serves gain a loving, nurturing, supportive family that allows them to grow to their full potential!
Sophie Stevens
Sophie will begin her senior year at Indiana University this fall! She’s not exactly sure what she wants to do after graduation, but she enjoys event planning and helping children; and her summer internship with the Development Office has given her plenty of experience doing just that. Learn more about Sophie…
The Villages: Why did you choose an internship at The Villages?
Sophie: I chose to do an internship at The Villages because I wanted to help families and children in need. Being a development intern was the perfect fit for me because it combined my want to help families with my liking of event planning.
The Villages: Please share one inspiring experience you had during your internship?
Sophie: Being able to plan and work The Villages’ Family Night at Victory Field was really inspiring because I could tell that the families had a great night at the ballpark doing something that they wouldn’t have gotten the opportunity to do if it wasn’t for The Villages.
The Villages: What is your wish for The Villages and/or the children you worked with this summer?
Sophie: I wish that The Villages will continue their services and grow to become an even bigger organization, helping more children and families in the community.