Samantha Blake Email and Phone Number

I am an AmeriCorps VISTA in Phoenix, Arizona with the Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program. My assignment is to increase the coordination of public resources as a means to develop a website that will provide case managers and interested refugees with information on the different benefits, processes and opportunities that pertain to refugees in Arizona. I have ensured that available resources have not been duplicated but are instead being used to their fullest capacity and are hosted in a centralized website that is accessible to the public. I assist with community outreach and support community partner’s recognition process which involves developing an online directory to host the information for all recognized community partners. I visit different community organizations to demonstrate my website and explain how the website can be a tool to better serve the refugee community in Arizona. The resource website I have developed is www.rispnet.com.

Helped refugees and asylees obtain jobs in Baltimore, Maryland. Constructed resumes, assisted in job application processes, and conducted mock interviews to better prepare clients. Interacted with a diverse background of individuals and adapted to each individual case. Created budget plans for clients and assisted with social welfare program applications (SNAP, TANF, SSI).

Worked with and created relationships with local business owners. Constructed displays for marketing and promoting new products. Tracked inventory and reported any shortages or surpluses to my supervisor.