Our past interns

Internships are a vital part of building a career and ACC values every intern we've had the pleasure of working with. Being a nonprofit, ACC has a wide range of projects available for our interns--from webdesign to casework to projects our interns come up with themselves! For more information about our internships available, including an application, please click HERE. We are always looking for interns for fall, spring, and summer sessions.

Hillary Okpabi

Role in ACC: Caseworker

Growing up in Nigeria, I was privileged enough to receive an education and live a comfortable life, but this never shut my eyes to the reality around me. If anything, it served as a reminder of the stark disparities in wealth and living standards. I witnessed firsthand the struggles of those living below the minimum wage, and I felt the urge to make a difference. Major problems existed in the community: many walked the streets begging for change; public schools were set up with a lack of amenities such as restrooms and printers; and orphanages were starving during holidays like Christmas. We needed programs such as ACC, where their only mission was to help provide these people with stability. 

I took it upon myself to create The Community Changers (TCC). Our initiative was to support the neighboring communities in Agbara, Ogun State, by completing several SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). I poured my heart into our projects, leaving people in the community with a better life. My ability to directly impact the community was cut short due to my move to the States, but I made sure this movement did not end with me. This move, however, provided a new opportunity to be a ‘Changer’ elsewhere. 

A vast number of communities around the world require the same assistance, further reinforcing my commitment to continue this work beyond Agbara and my immediate environment. ​​My experiences have equipped me with a unique set of skills and perspectives that will be invaluable as a caseworker. Serving as the secretary of TCC honed my organizational and administrative skills, while my role as a volunteer crisis counselor developed my ability to work with diverse groups of people, manage tasks effectively, and remain composed under pressure. These experiences have instilled in me the empathy, patience, and commitment required to work with the members of the community. With these attributes, I intend to approach each case with an informed and compassionate perspective.

I spend most of my free time reading novels, mostly psychological thrillers. I would say my favorite book of all time is Inferno by Dan Brown. I enjoy learning how to make new meals, especially Nigerian cuisine, and working out. This summer, I joined a running club, and I finally completed a 5k! I also love traveling to new places and creating memories with those I love.

Rebekah Hong

Role in ACC: Caseworker

In search of her life’s calling, Amherst College junior Rebekah Hong found herself introspecting about her interests. She realized her interests were symptoms of two missions:

1. She sought the beauty of life by indulging in her senses—seeing through microscopes what her bare eyes couldn’t; feeling her muscles launch her into tennis serves; grieving through playing Chopin Nocturnes. 

2. She sought meaning through understanding narrative—connecting the tangible and abstract through poetry; following the scientific method; telling stories with music composition.

Yet, while she was entertained by these missions, she still grappled with her larger purpose: How could her missions work together to help others? With this question in mind, she recounted her most fulfilling moments helping others. Between providing music therapy for a hospitalized friend, teaching tennis to a girl with autism, and helping her sister manage her eating disorder, her calling came into focus: to help people find beauty in the face of trials, embrace their stories, and stand strong with them. The people who needed this support most, she realized, were the homeless, the poor, disabled, incarcerated, and disenfranchised—people she could most directly reach through Amherst Community Connections. 

Upon starting work at Amherst Community Connections, Rebekah Hong found her prior service experience particularly helpful. In high school, she was the President and Founder of International Students Club, whose mission was to help international students at her high school feel “at home.” She was also an active member of Amherst Chinese Christian Church, where she served the underprivileged at the local food bank. These were some activities that helped Rebekah serve with empathy, compassion, and humility. 

Rebekah’s compassion for listening to the underprivileged’s crises also comes from her passion for the “human story.” She finds that listening to narratives from all walks of life helps her understand the themes that underlie the human experience—What hurts us most? How does love (or the lack of it) shape our self-image and actions? What brings us fulfillment? 

These are also the questions that inspire her to write poetry and compose music in her downtime. Since age 12, she’s been writing a poem every time she learns something profound about the human experience. These poems are snapshots of her maturity at a given moment, and their chronological compilation (52 pages so far!) form her memoir: “On Growing Up.” Furthermore, she’s been working on an album called “Movements Through Years,” a musical exploration of how aging affects the human understanding of purpose, love, and loss. 

Rebekah is excited to apply her experience and passions to her work in the office!

Isabel Brown

Role in ACC: Caseworker

The work of the ACC is that of unwavering dedication to serve some of our communities’ most vulnerable members which is what initially attracted me to this organization. Not only a bastion of hope, empowerment and support, the ACC’s principles and commitment has undoubtedly led to real, everyday change which is something that has always been incredibly important to me. The desire to create tangible differences in people’s lives is one that can be fostered at the ACC while simultaneously translating belief into action. Ultimately interning at this community center would allow me to channel my energy and skills towards supporting those in need. 

Moreover, the rich tapestry of diversity found at organizations like the ACC offers a unique learning opportunity for interns like myself. By immersing myself in such an environment, I aim to broaden my understanding of the complex issues facing our society and cultivate empathy and cultural competence—a crucial skill set that I will utilize for the rest of my life. Additionally, interning at a community center aligns with my academic and career aspirations. As someone who’s interested in both the political and the public health sphere, this experience would offer invaluable hands-on experience and insights into the practical application of theories learned in the classroom. This opportunity would enable me to hone essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, setting a solid foundation for my future professional endeavors. 

Previous volunteer work as well as my formal work experience has fostered my passion for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. I feel that these opportunities have only further dedicated my desire to challenge systemic injustices and advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness, equality, and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. Specifically, my time working with low-income students demonstrated to me just how inequitable certain systems can be and how without help, overcoming these barriers becomes incredibly difficult. What was most discouraging about these experiences, though, was the resignation of authority figures who had the chance to help some of our struggling students. This taught me that I desperately want to avoid this c’est la vie attitude and instead use the privilege that I have to address problems as they arise and support those who face these challenges. Furthermore, volunteer work at low-income vet clinics enabled me to meet and connect with people from all walks of life and of entirely different backgrounds which will only help me to better serve our local community and I am eager to be able to leverage these skills to assist marginalized individuals. Finally, through these experiences I was able to develop communication skills that I believe will enable me to provide holistic care and empowerment to those who require it.

Hobbies 

If I can, I take my dogs for a walk around the park or go for a bike ride with my little brother. This has also been really important for me recently as it’s just an easy way to relax for a little bit. There’s a lake at my school and at my local park back home and for some reason I seem to gravitate towards these areas. So, I’ve also been spending a lot of time reading or just hanging out at the lakes. Audiobooks have also become a recent favorite of mine on my walks to the park and I’ve been participating in a local book club in my town which has also been incredibly fulfilling. Overall, I feel that my free time is best spent when I get to connect with other people and or nature. These elements of connection have always been a pretty big part of my life and so to be able to engage with them is always gratifying.

Anurima Chattopadhyay

Role in ACC: Case Manager

Anurima began working at Amherst Community Connections (ACC) in June of 2021 as a Grant Writing & Strategy Intern. Since then, she has assumed a variety of roles within the organization including Manager of the Housing Innovation Project, Caseworker, Case Manager, and more. She believes strongly in ACC’s mission: to advocate for both families and individuals struggling with homelessness in Hampshire County. From providing support in acquiring affordable housing, food stamps, and other benefits to meeting more specific needs—including those related to mental health and well being—Anurima is grateful to be part of an organization and movement that seeks to implement change and address these goals in a formative way. She appreciates ACC’s holistic approach to caring for those in vulnerable positions and is proud to be part of a community committed to uplifting and empowering those we serve.

Currently a philosophy student at Amherst College, Anurima hopes to pursue a career in medicine. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks on the Norwottuck Rail Trail, immersing herself in the study of new languages, and trying local restaurants!

Naviah Barrow

Role in ACC: Case Manager

My name is Naviah Barrow. I am a senior Legal Studies major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, minoring in Psychology and Sociology. My grandmother raised me in Hartford, Connecticut. She always tried to be the barrier between my childhood innocence and the grim reality of living in a derelict city. As I got older, I began to take notice of the poor quality of life that city dwellers struggled with. Many people I knew had one or more conditions: an incarcerated parent, were undereducated, lived paycheck to paycheck, struggled with substance abuse, were forced to be on welfare, or experienced homelessness. A common fallacy is that the disadvantaged purposefully put themselves in these positions. Though I never believed that, it became clear how incorrect that statement was once my grandmother got laid off in the recession. She did nothing wrong, but her life trajectory changed overnight. Adding disability to her list of struggles, I grew to be an independent child that she could rely on. I helped her apply for assistance programs, taught her technological skills, and read over every form to maximize her benefits. That is when I understood the importance of using my voice and knowledge to advocate for those who do not have the same privileges or capacity as I do. Academically, I have taken law and sociology courses that discuss why and how society oppresses marginalized groups. Then, we look for ways to minimize such disparities. With this, I learned fixing a broken system requires changes within different levels of society, not just the government. In the future, I would love to see my academic skills flourish into a career in family law. ACC's mission is inch-perfect with making a difference locally but also my personal goal of connecting with others to make thoughtful differences in their lives. I am hopeful that this internship experience will provide me with basic tools to implement into my first year out of college!

In my free time, I love meeting new people and traveling to new places. I enjoy creating meaningful relationships, hearing about life experiences different from mine, and getting to try food from different cultures. When I’m at home, I spend a lot of time watching detective and crime shows or studying for my LSAT!

Claudine Gale

Role in ACC: Caseworker

The reason I want to work with vulnerable populations, besides just feeling bad about their situations in general, is because I come from a very privileged background. Not only am I white, but my father was in the military for 20 years, which made our family very wealthy, especially in that the government is currently paying my tuition at a time when affirmative action has been struck down and it's harder than ever for the less wealthy to get a degree. Therefore, I feel an obligation to use my privilege to give back to society, and helping people through social work seems like the best way I can. For a long time I was ignorant of the daily struggles and indignities suffered by people less fortunate than me; it wasn't until high school and the election of a certain president that I slowly came to realize just how biased our society is in so many ways, and how I had been given a free pass from almost all of them simply because of how I was born. Even then, I originally came to college wanting to do computer science, until sophomore year when I finally understood that social work was truly the best way for me to make the world a better place for everyone.

I have lived in Portland, OR since 2014 when my parents moved us here after my dad retired from the Coast Guard. As a result, I was exposed to all kinds of progressive ideas from the people around me, especially during the Trump Administration. At that time, I was consistently involved in protests against all the vile actions the president was taking against minorities and the poor, but I still didn't see myself as making an actual career out of this kind of activity. As far as social work specifically goes, my epiphany that set me on that track came during the summer of 2022. At that time I was working as a Target Security Specialist at the second-most stolen from Target in the country, because I had been planning on going into criminology. However, at the end of the 3 months I worked there, I realized that 90% of the people stealing things were doing so because they were homeless, hungry, and desparate. My job was really nothing more than further degrading them in front of a whole store of people with more money than them. My fellow security workers consistently used derogatory language when referring to these people, which I hated, and by the end I was committed to the idea that security was absolutely not the field I should be in if I really want to make a difference in people's lives. Instead, helping people at the root of their problems will prevent them from turning to crime in the first place, making the community safer and better for everyone.

Mostly I hang out with my friends in my spare time! We love going to plays at the school, seeing a movie at Hampshire Mall, or just chilling on the grass or at the dining hall. I'm also secretary of the Science Fiction Society of UMA, I do stand up at The Drake during their monthly open mic nights, and I love to read both classic authors like Jane Austen and newer ones like Terry Pratchett! My friends will tell you I'm also a huge history fan, especially movie history. My favorite actresses are Claudette Colbert, Ginger Rogers, and Katherine Hepburn!

Khushi Banga

Role in ACC: Caseworker

My primary motivation for working with the populations that ACC serves is deeply rooted in my commitment to helping out the community. I firmly believe that contributing to the betterment of our communities is a responsibility that everyone should embrace. Giving back is something that is important to me and my goal for the future is to serve the community and help people through my work. 

Growing up as a daughter of immigrants, I faced many challenges. It was difficult to navigate the world because I lived in two distinct cultures which left me conflicted and uncertain of my identity. Moreover, there was a noticeable absence of individuals who shared my background, further accentuating the sense of isolation. Witnessing my parents' unwavering dedication to providing for our family, working tirelessly to make ends meet, and prioritizing our education for a brighter future, instilled in me a profound sense of gratitude and determination. Their resilience and sacrifice serve as a constant source of inspiration, motivating me to extend a helping hand to those facing financial or other hardships.

My personal values closely align with ACC's mission and agenda, which emphasize the fundamental principles of compassion, respect, kindness, and open-mindedness. I have always derived immense satisfaction from assisting others, and I am deeply committed to advocating for the underprivileged and marginalized members of society. I firmly believe that individuals lacking access to basic resources and opportunities should be at the forefront of our collective priorities.

I envision my journey in community service as a progression from small, meaningful changes to more substantial and far-reaching impacts. By initiating change at the grassroots level, I aim to lay the foundation for broader transformations within the community and, ultimately, on a larger scale.

My unwavering dedication to community service, shaped by my immigrant background and guided by values that mirror ACC's mission, fuels my desire to effect positive change. Through small, purposeful actions, I am driven to make a lasting impact on the community and, ultimately, contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.

In my leisure time, I find joy in various activities. Spending quality time with friends is important to me and I always enjoy the presence and company of those who are close to me. Additionally, I have always enjoyed going to art museums and creating art myself, specifically by sketching and painting. My passion for K-pop dancing not only keeps me physically active but also allows me to express myself creatively. My love for travel, cultural exploration, and culinary adventures further enriches my understanding of the world and my ability to connect with diverse individuals and communities.

Wendell Desir

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I was born and raised in Haiti, a country that has gone through many hardships. Being part of the few people who have gotten the chance to receive a good education, I always felt a strong desire to help other kids who were prevented from going to school. This led me to be a member of an organization for illiterate young girls in Haiti. This organization has for purpose to empower young girls for a fulfilling life and teach them how to read and write. Additionally, we discussed new solutions to help improve the problems young girls in Haiti are facing.

Thus, I wanted to be confident that how I was helping these girls would prepare them for a better life. This organization gave me the opportunity to learn about new characteristics in myself that I never discovered. This experience made my goals more pronounced in a way that whenever I want to accomplish something as long as I am focused and persistent, I can make it. Growing up in Haiti was not easy but coming from there shaped me into the caring person that I am today. It does not matter where you come from, or how hard life has been for you but what matters is how you want to live and where you want to go. That is one way of thinking that I strive to implement in people wherever I go through my actions, and that is what I want to do here with the ACC population.

I have always felt that my past experiences of difficult times have humbled me and made me a more patient and understanding person. I’ve tried to never be too quick to judge someone based on outward appearances because what is relevant and essential is all the things that make up that person such as their experiences. I have been working as a patient observer for several months at a hospital, where you have to monitor patients at all times. Most of the time, it can be a demanding and stressful environment and you really need to be strong both mentally and physically. This experience has taught me that it does not require much to ease someone’s pain, a talk will do, a few words of encouragement will do, or just be quiet and listen to them. I like to do different kinds of activities in my free time, it really depends on my mood. I like exploring landscapes, going out with close friends, cooking with my mom, and watching movies. I’m also a musician and I play the violin. So, I like to play classical and jazz music.

Shea Harrison

Role in ACC: Caseworker

My name is Shealyn (Shea) Harrison, and I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Health and an MPH in Health Policy and Management.

I can still vividly recall when I realized public health was for me. In my first public health class, I remember the professor introducing the social determinants of health. The concept is that the conditions in one's environment directly impact health outcomes and quality of life. Before hearing about this concept, I had been living with tunnel vision, only seeing issues that affected my life. After taking more public health classes and learning more about how corrupt the system is, I knew I wanted to help those who truly need it. Being homeless isn't a choice, and being poor isn't a choice; individuals face these disparities because the root causes of these issues are not being addressed. There is a housing and food security crisis, and it is up to people in positions of privilege and power to help those in need. I want to be part of that change. I want to show people that there is always hope for them. I believe that being an intern here at ACC would be a great place for me to start serving my community and help make the needed changes to give everyone the fruitful life they deserve.

Growing up, I always overheard chatter about low-income housing because my parents work in this field. My mother works for HUD, and my father works for RI Housing. Because of this, I became familiar with how serious an issue housing is for many individuals and families at a young age. My parents always reminded me to be grateful for having a roof over my head because their day-to-day work revolved around helping those who didn't. Additionally, with my background in public health, I have gained a deep understanding of the causes of homelessness, poverty, incarceration, etc. This understanding has led me to know that systemic causes of these issues are out of an individual's control. My goal is to create a safe place for the participants at ACC and show them that I am on their side. I am there to guide them to get the help they deserve. I have many years of experience in customer service jobs, so I know how to have conversations with individuals in a respectful and friendly manner. I have developed my organizational and time management skills with expertise in office-based jobs. I can pay close attention to detail and grasp new concepts quickly. With my passion for making change and a formed skill set, I can contribute significantly to the mission of ACC.

In my downtime, I enjoy going on walks/hikes in nature, listening to music and true crime podcasts, playing chess, and attending spin classes. These activities serve as stress outlets and allow me to relax and be present with myself. I am also a huge food/coffee lover, so I love trying out new restaurants and cafes in the Amherst area!

Marina Tonial

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I grew up on Cape Cod, which brings to mind summer homes and beautiful beaches. But Cape Cod - as with many seasonal destinations, has large economic diversity and a long off-season that comes with economic hardship. Access to affordable housing has always been an issue that I have felt passionate about. I felt an urge to give back to my community and to help underserved populations.

Through the courses that I have taken through my Public Health major at UMass, I have learned about the vast public health problems that stem from our society’s inadequate care and policies towards the homeless, poor, disabled, incarcerated, and disenfranchised. From a perspective of humane compassion, I want to help these populations have a better quality of life through connection to resources to assist them. I’ve learned through my classes that although the US may have the resources to assist most of its vulnerable populations, the accessibility of these programs is extremely limited. It is often a confusing and overwhelming process that leads to frustration for those trying to access them. I want to help bridge this accessibility barrier and help these populations receive the care and resources they need, and ACC is the perfect place for that. I believe that access to basic necessities such as housing and food is a right.

I love working with people and I have worked as a bartender and server for the past 3 years. I navigate difficult situations on a daily basis, such as handling disgruntled customers. This has helped me use the principles of active listening and compassion. I know that most often, people simply want to be heard. I have also worked as a professional organizer and have helped people who live in very cluttered and hoarded situations. In every single case, these clients have lived through loss, instability, and mental illness- and the way that their particular issues are expressing themselves is by overbuying and underdisposing. I have seen how much it helps people when their environments are in order. It is truly a miraculous transformation in their mind, body, and soul. I strongly believe in the power of compassionate help to transform and help people get on a better path in life.

In my free time, I love going to the gym and playing guitar. Additionally, I love learning languages. I am almost fluent in Portuguese and plan on learning Spanish next.

Victoria Haskins

Role in ACC: Caseworker

My high school summers were dominated by my job as a rugby coach at camps for underprivileged Boston youth. Every day as a coach my job was to tailor the skill-building exercises and games to each individual group, keeping in mind the weather, the level of enthusiasm, and also that these children had other stressors in their lives, including the possibility that they weren’t getting enough to eat. 

On summer weekends, I volunteered putting on events at a Framingham apartment community’s recreation center, providing pancake breakfasts complete with healthy fruit options to the community members, primarily multilingual families with small children. These experiences opened my eyes to the effects - direct and indirect - of poverty and loss on the people I worked with and got to know week after week. 

Moreover, I volunteered for years at a student-run writing center. Empathy and compassion for people struggling with their work was at the forefront of my role as a tutor. I learned one important thing about helping people in that position, which was to meet them where they are.

Through this work, my empathy was challenged in a way that prompted me to study Sustainable Community Development at UMass. As a sophomore, my choice to study in this field is shaped by my knowledge of the ways that necessities like health, transportation, and housing are deeply intertwined with the way communities are shaped - and by the knowledge that planning decisions have a direct effect on a community’s homeless, poor, disabled, incarcerated, and disenfranchised.

As helpful as it is to learn in class about the way community shape and programs tend to affect the homeless and otherwise marginalized populations, I want to intern at the ACC because I want to continue to interact with people directly. I am excited by the prospect of getting to know fellow community members and their individual stories while working in a community program that is fighting for the people’s housing rights on a daily basis. I really admire the work that the ACC does in housing for the people of Amherst.

In my free time, I enjoy spending active time outdoors stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and hiking. If I’m not outdoors, you can find me reading novels, writing poetry, or painting. Thanks to the extra free time I suddenly found myself with in the Covid-19 pandemic, I’ve also recently discovered the joy of completing beautiful landscape jigsaw puzzles!

Daniela Gelles

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I was instantly drawn to this position at Amherst Community Connections. Throughout my life, I’ve seen the number of unhoused people sleeping on the streets of my hometown rise. It’s sad and frustrating to see the city neglect to provide affordable housing. This problem exists everywhere, but especially in California, where I’m from. In college, I’ve searched for opportunities to get involved in the Amherst community–as I have not been able to at home–but there are not many active volunteer groups on campus. Helping others and leaving a positive impact on my community has always been my priority, whether that be through my career path or extracurricular activities. In high school, I was an active member of a club that hosted events to raise money for various nonprofits which helped me form organization and communication skills. In the future I hope to make a positive impact by becoming an Urban Planner and working to design spaces which empower marginalized communities. 

Since I spend most of my time on campus, I feel removed from the greater Amherst area. I hope to change that and get to know people from the region and the problems they face. I fully believe in ACC’s mission to support vulnerable communities in the area. Working here is the perfect way to engage with and help underserved populations. Through this experience, I hope to gain a better understanding of the scope of the housing problem in Western Massachusetts, the lived realities of individuals struggling to find stable housing, and learn more about the resources available to them. 

I’m well-suited for this role because I’m an open-minded and compassionate person. These traits have developed through various experiences. First, throughout my life, I traveled to Peru and Mexico many times to visit family. This exposed me to cultures different from my own, making me not only accept difference, but appreciate it. Second, at my boarding school, I was a “Prefect” to the freshmen girls, which entailed helping them transition into high school and supporting them through hardships. I loved this role, despite its challenges, and it made me more compassionate. Overall, I’m respectful of different perspectives and circumstances and assume the best in people. I try to bring this energy into my work with ACC and value every individual. 

In my free time I love being in nature, reading, playing soccer, spending time with friends, and making animated videos. 

Cailyn Beamenderfer

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I am excited to be an intern at ACC with the opportunity to help people. I am a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a major in English. As a student who has struggled with homelessness and poverty, I am very passionate about helping people in Massachusetts with similar struggles. I have experience with some benefits programs and experience with helping people apply for them.

When I was a student at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, I had the opportunity to be a mentor at Early College Worcester to help the students of Worcester Public High Schools to transition and have success in college. Many students I worked with would be first generation college students. I also have 3 years of experience in resume writing, and I work for Indeed.com as a resume reviewer to help people find jobs. With my accrued skills and resources, I am quick to offer my services for free or highly discounted to my peers to help them be successful in their job search. In this position, I’d be more than happy to employ those same skills for people in need.

In my free time I like to read, write, and draw. I love art! For books, I’m interested in memoirs, historical fiction, fiction, and some fantasy. For writing I like to write short stories, poetry, and essays. I also like video games, especially on classic consoles. I play games from Nintendo 64, GameCube, Playstation 1 & 2, and sometimes I use my sister’s NES or SNES. 

I grew up in Worcester and in towns near Worcester. I love being outdoors and going to state parks. Some of my favorites are Moore State Park in Paxton, Rutland State Park in Rutland, and the Quabbin Reservoir in Ware. As a kid I loved going to Elm Park in Worcester and Howe Park in Spencer. Nature really brings down my stress and makes me feel at home. Even though I am very busy today, I still feel a little more grounded whenever I look into a patch of trees. The sound of rain can help flush out my stress as well, if only for a little bit. Even in my own struggles I found nature to be reassuring. I believe that communing with nature daily is a good way to help maintain some peace even in hard times.

Amira Elmansoury

Role in ACC: Caseworker

Hi there! My name is Amira. It is pronounced like saying “a mirror”, with a Boston Accent. My name is originally Arabic and it means princess!

I am currently a junior public health major at UMass Amherst. What drew me to public health is the emphasis placed on holistically assessing a person and their situation, rather than attributing their heath issues to individual choices and personal character. One of the major focuses of public health is learning about the social determinants of health, and in turn, the health disparities people experience. When people think of health they might mistakenly assume that it is only about having a health diet, no diseases, and a consistent exercise regime. However, none of those things can exist when people’s basic needs, such as housing, are not met. In an ideal world, everyone would have a place to sleep at night, but Amherst Community Connections recognizes that is not the case and aims to create a more equitable world for these vulnerable populations. When I heard about this internship, I knew that it aligned with my future career goals of wanting to help underprivileged populations lead happier and healthier lives, and I wanted to get the hands-on experience of contributing towards that goal here at ACC.

I feel as if studying public health has immensely prepared me for a job like this. Although I am someone who believed in the social determinants of health before formally learning about it, it has been vastly helpful to get to see and hear about examples of it playing out in the classroom. I am also someone who has moved a lot growing up (from Saudi Arabia to Arkansas) and as a result met many different people on the way. Because of this, I have met people from many walks of life with many unique stories and circumstances. This has taught me to approach people without pre-perceived notions and assume the best of them always.

In my free time, I love to go thrifting because I feel that I always find unique pieces that are hard to find elsewhere and also feel very accomplished walking out with a giant bag of clothes for $30 as opposed to $100 at a regular store. I also love going to new cafes and exploring places, even though ironically enough I do not like coffee, but sometimes I just drink it for the experience. I also like to play ping pong even though I am very bad at it and finally I have been trying to get into reading as a hobby (but sometimes just do not have the patience, and unfortunately do not end up doing it).

Bella Damiecki

Role in ACC: Caseworker

I grew up in Norton, Massachusetts, a small suburb about 30 minutes south of Boston. I am forever grateful to have grown up there, because it was safe and comfortable. However, I learned early on that not many people have that same privilege, and as much as I enjoyed small town charm, I wanted to learn and understand more about the socioeconomic implications that surrounded our society. 

When I started my undergrad at UMass Amherst, I was a Journalism major. I loved writing and being creative. I wrote articles for the Amherst Wire and still remember how happy I was after my first article was posted on their website. I wrote about various topics, but the ones that interested me the most were articles on socioeconomic and political matters. I soon switched my major to Sociology in order to dive deep into these subjects. Through my courses at UMass, I learned about social welfare, family dynamics, sociological research techniques, mental health, gender, sex, and race inequalities, globalization, and aspects of social psychology. My studies have provided me with a clearer insight into the hardships that millions of people face every single day. Those who are at risk of homelessness make up a large portion of this group. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the social, economic, and political implications that cause these people and families to end up in these situations; they are often misjudged. It is important to view the world through a lens of empathy. Being empathetic is something my parents instilled in me at a young age and it is one of the most important tools I use today in whatever it is that I am doing. Being treated with respect and kindness is something everyone deserves, and simply showing someone you understand where they are coming from is vital. 

I previously worked as a Barista for several years and had to navigate plenty of difficult situations, but showing people I understand and treating them with kindness allowed me to handle many of these situations calmly and professionally. I also volunteered in the Dominican Republic at the Mariposa Foundation for Girls for about a week, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The connections I made and impacts I shared with my fellow volunteers will stay with me for the rest of my life. These experiences aided in the processes that led me here today. 

In my free time, I love to hang out with friends and family, hike, play with my dog, color, and travel! My favorite place I have ever been to is Italy!

FAQ’s and Testimonials from Past Interns

What are the responsibilities of an ACC Intern?

“My responsibilities as an intern at ACC included working one on one with participants to see how I could best help them that day.  For example, one day I could be helping a participant search for an affordable apartment and the next day I could be assisting a participant creating a resume or searching for a job.  Furthermore, I assisted participants file for Section 8 housing, SNAP benefits, and other financial assistance.  I also had the opportunity to interview people who donated to ACC, manage social media, and co-facilitate the Wednesday Incubator Group Meetings” - Kristen Connor

“I worked one-on-one with homeless and low-income individuals to help them call therapists, doctor’s offices, probation officers, legal aid offices, or the DMV… to make appointments. I sat with participants and looked through listings on craigslist and other websites, helping the participant look for an apartment or for employment and write a resume. Additionally, many times, I helped participants to fill out application forms for SNAP benefits, SSI/SSDI, fuel assistance, and MassHealth. I also simply sat with participants, speaking with them about issues that are bothering them and helping them to work through the problems in constructive ways that produce realistic solutions” - Kyra Simpson

What experience can I get out of working with ACC?

“The internship is a great environment for producing social workers and other people suited for similar professions. However, the part I most enjoyed was the process of investigative research and designing research for consumer consumption. The publication of the newsletter and writing the articles that it entails is something that captured my attention. I intend on majoring in journalism, and hopefully continuing to do similar work throughout my career. Working at ACC helped me develop many skills and identify what sort of work I enjoy and would like to pursue. It has overall been an incredibly beneficial experience for me, and is work that I am proud and happy to be doing." - Owen Bailey

“Before interning at Amherst Community Connections, I had no idea what it was like to work in the human services field. I had experience engaging with people who use SNAP benefits, but I had no prior experience with people who were homeless or had mental health issues. This internship experience made me see that it takes a lot of persistence and hard work to be in this field. I am still deciding if this field is the right career choice for me, but I would not change anything about the experiences I have gained over the past few months." -Lauren White

What are some challenges an intern may face?

“The most challenging thing about this internship is that there aren’t quick solutions. It’s frustrating that it takes so much time to achieve goals like finding people housing, especially when people are reliant on shelters during that time. One positive thing that I have gained from this challenge is watching how resilient people are. It has been empowering to watch people try to work towards their goals despite their frustrations and challenges. The challenges that I have faced in the past year at ACC have helped to make it a better experience because the challenges have made it more fulfilling, and because it is during challenges that we experience the most growth." -Lily Frank

“While I have enjoyed the work I have done at ACC, there have certainly been challenges in learning how to tackle tasks that are new to me. For example, planning a publicity timeline for Valley Gives was unexplored territory for me, so I had to learn quickly and find out how to do the job effectively. The fast paced environment at ACC means you have to be able to adapt quickly and maintain some flexibility. Though some tasks were challenging, I learned a lot and can take my new skills with me to my next stage in life.” - Elizabeth Woods

How has the staff at ACC supported you?

“I am proud to say that ACC always leaves the community in a better place even if it was just helping one individual that day. Hwei-Ling Greeney, the executive director, works tirelessly while maintaining strong personal connections, not only to the community members, but also her interns making everyone feel welcome.” -Natalie Scott

“…it has been a great experience being able to work with and learn from the ACC staff. Namely, Hwei-Ling, Lillian, and Priya have each taught me so much… I have learned concrete skills such as doing intake notes with clients, applying for federal benefits, searching for affordable housing, and writing resumes/cover letters for folks. …I have learned how to listen, offer advice, and challenge/empower participants to take a degree of action into their own hands.” - Gabe Zarkadas

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