Today we’d like to introduce you to Abbey Weathers.
Hi Abbey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started working at my first nonprofit when I was 18 years old, fresh out of high school. I had taken a gap year to figure out what I wanted to do long-term. Little did I know, I found that direction right away in the nonprofit realm. I am forever grateful for my first boss who offered me the opportunity to see the inner workings of a nonprofit when I was so young with no experience. I immediately found my passion in that nonprofit world, and I have yet to change my focus. My work has been in literacy/arts based nonprofits, and it continues to be the most rewarding aspect of my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was very lucky to land my first nonprofit job with no experience and no degree. I knew my boss originally from going through the arts-based program myself. I was the first administrative employee on staff, and I loved getting to help build out the position and program. With that experience, I was fortunate to continue onto another organization, but I had to advocate for myself and put myself out there – stepping into roles that I may not have felt equipped for as I had not gotten a related degree yet.
Since that first job, I have held different positions in other organizations. It took me a bit to figure out exactly what my strengths were and how I could bring those to a team. What I love about the nonprofit path is that there is always an opportunity to try new things in one space. There are so many ways to drive a mission forward, and that allows for flexibility in utilizing exact passions.
I struggle from imposter syndrome, and I’ve had to learn to trust myself and lean into the mentorship I’ve received.
We’ve been impressed with Kalamazoo Literacy Council, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the Volunteer and Internship Manager at The Kalamazoo Literacy Council. We specialize in working with adults who are looking to improve their literacy skills. What I love about adult education is that everyone has unique goals, and they come to us on their own free will. Some may be pursuing a GED, others are looking to get their driver’s license, parents want to better help their kids with their homework, many are looking to improve their job prospects.
We also have a vibrant English as a Second Language program. Learners are able to increase their English fluency in reading, writing, and speaking.
We run parent and health literacy classes as well as literacy-based family programs in our “Read and Seed” Garden.
Our learners goals directly benefit their life and improve their independence. They come to us because they believe in themselves and they are eager to grow their skills.
Everything we offer is free to the community. I love being a part of an organization that opens doors for so many people.
We are volunteer led and our wonderful volunteers always express how they feel like they get just as much out of their time as they give.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was about 8 years old my younger brother and I got caught in the rain while outside. Rather than taking cover somewhere, we ran around in the rain and even played around in the mud. We called ourselves “mud monsters” and stomped around making a mess of ourselves. Whenever I think of a childhood memory, that is what first comes to mind. Enjoying the messy, having no cares in the world, and spending time with my little brother.
Pricing:
- All of our services are free!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kzooliteracy
- Instagram: kzooliteracy
- Facebook: kzooliteracy
- LinkedIn: kalamazooliteracy
