Kathryn Downey is a Catholic Charities NH AmeriCorp VISTA Member

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center is pleased to welcome Kathryn Downey in the newly created position of Volunteer Coordinator.

In her role, Kathryn will act as liaison between staff and volunteers to enhance and expand the current volunteer program. The structured, sustainable program will invite volunteers with various skills and areas of interest to become part of a team that is mutually rewarding to the volunteer and Prescott Farm.

“I have enjoyed volunteering and working with volunteers since I was a teenager,” Kathryn said. “So I know it’s important to provide everyone with an opportunity to feel valued and successful. We have created leadership roles for people who already have the knowledge and skills to get started and we have plenty of opportunities for budding nature enthusiasts to expand their knowledge and skills in a variety of areas.”

Kathryn holds an AA in Studio Arts from NH Technical Institute, a BS in Marine Biology from Unity College, and a MS in Environmental Science with a concentration in Environmental Education from Antioch University. She has been teaching environmental programs and managing volunteers since she was a teenager and has worked with various non-profit organizations throughout her career.

“Education is at the heart of everything we do at Prescott Farm,” Executive Director Jude Hamel said. “With Kathryn’s own volunteer experiences, her commitment and interest in the natural world, along with her studies in environmental education, we know her leadership will create opportunities for volunteers with various interests and skills. We want the community to know they can come to Prescott Farm to learn something new, share their knowledge, and enjoy the wonder of all things outdoors.”

Kathryn comes to Prescott Farm through the Catholic Charities NH AmeriCorps VISTA program and will serve at Prescott Farm for 12 months. Community members interested in learning more about volunteer and service learning opportunities at Prescott Farm can reach Kathryn at kdowney@prescottfarm.org or 603-366-5695.

CCNH Mission:

Grounded in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, Catholic Charities New Hampshire responds to those in need with programs that heal, comfort and empower.

AmeriCorps VISTA:

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a non-profit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, you’ll create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.