As the year ends, we are looking back at what MAI has done in its first year of operation.  It’s important to note that much of this work was accomplished due to the generous support of our fans, the donated time of the MAI Board and the hard work of the MAI staff.  If you like what you read, consider a donation to the Mt. Adams Institute fund (hosted by our partner: Mount St. Helens Institute).  It will keep us moving forward in 2013!

The last several weeks have kept us busy with the VetsWork: Environment program, which will place veterans in internships with natural resource agencies throughout the region beginning in January of 2014. Here are some of the highlights:

• MAI will be hosting an open house for veterans and community members who are interested in supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life. We are looking for people who are interested in serving as mentors, being on our board, weighing in on program design or who are interested in supporting the program in other ways. For those interested in learning more about VetsWork and connecting to other veterans in the Gorge, please join us on January 8 at the White Salmon Library between 7 and 8 P.M. ( 77 Wauna Ave, White Salmon) or on January 10 from 12-1 at the Hood River Port Office’s Board Room (1000 E. Port Marina Drive in Hood River). Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

 

• Over the past months we have been meeting with veterans groups, natural resource agencies and other non profits throughout the region to develop partnerships and strengthen our programming. We have made some great connections and we are always on the hunt for more. If you have ideas, send them our way.

 

• We are in the process of perfecting the draft of our AmeriCorps grant that is due in February. We will find out in June of 2013 if the VetsWork: Environment  program will be funded by AmeriCorps. If you are interested in being one of our grant readers, please contact Amanda by the January 1st.

 

• At the beginning of December Amanda attended the National Disabilities Inclusion Conference in Virginia. She made a lot of great connections and gained some valuable tools for the VetsWork Program.