Three years later, she still goes back to volunteer. That's how deep service runs for Shelbie Simmons.
Shelbie served as an American Connection Corps Fellow in Clay County, Kentucky — one of the top 25 poorest counties in the US — tackling digital equity, broadband access, and literacy in a place that's often overlooked. She built coalitions across three counties, co-created Little Free Libraries, taught senior digital literacy classes, and launched a "Seniors for Seniors" program pairing high schoolers with senior citizens. (Miss Helen now takes selfies. 📱)
Today Shelbie works as a philanthropy officer at Reset 180, a nonprofit supporting women leaving human trafficking situations — and she's still going back to Eastern Kentucky at least once a year to serve.
Her message is simple but powerful: you don't need an official name tag to volunteer. Helping a neighbor, sharing a skill, showing up — that's the spirit of service. And it doesn't have to be grand to matter.
"You don't have to be an AmeriCorps member to embody the pledge." — Shelbie Simmons
#StillGettingThingsDone
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🤝 This episode is part of a special series produced in partnership with
250&Beyond: Our American Story and our partners:
The National Museum and Center for Service — A national organization developing a truly national museum and center dedicated to honoring and inspiring service in ALL its forms.
Independent Sector — The only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive.
WETA — Founded in 1961, WETA is the leading public broadcasting station in the nation's capital, serving their community with educational, cultural, news, and public affairs programs and services.
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AmeriCorps Connections lifts up real stories of AmeriCorps alumni — 100+ featured! Honest, unfiltered truth about national service. These alums aren't just reflecting — they're still getting things done! We believe these voices deserve to be heard, and we're just getting started!