In early December, VHA brought our 14-person AmeriCorps VISTA cohort to Richmond for an energizing, two-day training focused on creativity and collaboration. Using design thinking and interactive activities with LEGOs, VISTA members transformed big ideas and complex issues into tangible action items, tackling real-world housing and nonprofit challenges through hands-on storytelling, prototyping, and shaping clear, compelling pitches to spark new resources and partnerships. For many, it was their first time meeting fellow VISTAs in person, making the experience especially meaningful and fun.

On the second day of our training, members volunteered at Cornerstone Community Farm, planting fruit trees and preparing garden beds to aid in their mission of transforming community health in the Richmond area. Participants left feeling reinvigorated and excited to bring renewed energy, creativity, and collaboration to their host site organizations and projects.

You can read more about our current VISTA cohort here.