In this episode of The S-Files, we are exploring the service done by AmeriCorps member Kathryn Yang, who served three AmeriCorps terms with the Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services at Pathfinders in Milwaukee and was recognized this year with the Governor’s Service Award as AmeriCorps Member of the Year and the Impactful Service Award at the national Excellence in AmeriCorps Awards. Kathryn describes how she was served by Pathfinders herself after being a survivor of being exploited to human trafficking and bringing this experience to numerous aspects of her AmeriCorps service the last few years. She discusses helping provide a voice for youth experiencing similar circumstances through the Collaborative Rapid Advocacy for Youth (CRAY) group and the Power of Paths (POP) Youth Action Board. Additionally, she describes how she has conducted support groups for women in detention and trainings for police officers and medical staff when working with youth experiencing homelessness and exploitation. Listen in to learn how Kathryn grew in numerous ways during her AmeriCorps service with WAHRS at Pathfinders, including finding her own voice and the ability to speak openly and unafraid conducting street outreach as part of the Street Beat team.
What is The S-Files?
Welcome to The S-Files, which is sponsored by Serve Wisconsin, Wisconsin’s National and Community Service Board. The S-Files is your look into the impacts and stories of AmeriCorps members and volunteers serving throughout the State of Wisconsin. In each episode, we will be digging into their Service Stories, or S-Files, to learn about the people and programs whose service is meeting critical needs across Wisconsin and enriching the lives of the people and communities they serve.