Americorps volunteer staffing center

Thanks to a recent Americorps posting at the Cathlamet Community Center, the center will be manned and have regular hours.

This is Cheryl Kingston's first year of service for Americorps. The St. Helens native and Longview resident, who has been busy raising four kids by herself, was looking for a new challenge after receiving a degree from WSU in 2014 in Business Administration.

She's been busy in her first month at the Community Center, getting to know her advisors, regular visitors and the center. Organization is important to her so one of her first tasks was to write and rewrite policies and procedures for computer use, renting the center, and volunteers.

"I'm just trying to get that done so everyone is on the same page and when you come in that door, you know what is expected of you," Kingston said.

Initially she came to Americorps, which provides a small monthly stipend for it's volunteers, because the job market was tough and she needed work experience. But she realized she was looking for something else as well.

"I want to reconnect with the community," Kingston said. "I want to give back."

"I am here wholeheartedly. I call it my county," she said, even though Longview is her home. "I'm glad to be here, to work with the county and the town and work with the community off the street. So far the consensus has been that they are glad I'm here too."

According to Kingston, Goodwill is offering a computer class in November, an advisor from LCC has stopped by, and Worksource is coming out soon. There is bunco on Monday nights, an ongoing Tuesday night woodcarving class and Community Health advocates are available on Mondays and Fridays to help people fill out paperwork.

"It was my understanding that there was also a book club here at one particular point," Kingston said. "We've got room in the schedule to do things. We have one gentlemen who is willing to come in during the day in November and teach people to play chess."

"I enjoy seeing people and talking to people," Kingston said. "I'm willing to learn. I want to stay teachable."

Local residents are invited for an official meet and greet, which will be held each day next week, October 26 to October 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Community Center. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to speak with Kingston and share ideas.

"It's your community, your center," Kingston said. "How do you want to see your center used? I am here to coordinate and make that happen to the best of my ability."

Hours are currently Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The center will be closed on Fridays because Kingston currently has to attend Americorps meetings. Eventually there may be more open hours.

For questions or to inquire about renting the community center for private parties or public meetings, Kingston can be contacted at (360)795-7870, ext. 2 or at kingstonc@co.wahkiakum.wa.us.