Get to Know the YAMM Fellows

Katelyn Dino, 22 
Roswell, Georgia

Client Coordinator at Florida Justice for our Neighbors (JFON)
- Safety Harbor, FL

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
​In the short time I have been with YAMM, I have been given the opportunity to experience new things and room to grow.  

How has it been serving at your placement site? 
My placement site is newer, and it has been an amazing time with JFON through learning and being able to assist in the lives of migrants. 

What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
Serving in YAMM has a brought a new perspective in my life. People gathering from all different areas with one common goal has reminded me of humanity that we struggle to see in everyday life. YAMM is a new home that gives all participants a chance to break barriers and provide justice in the world. 

Precious Kufarimai, 22
Madison, Alabama  

Homeless Ministry Coordinator, First UMC, Miami - Miami, FL   

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
So far, my experience has been enjoyable. The people in the program are very supportive and understanding. 

How has it been serving at your placement site? 
I have had a good time at my placement site. Working with the unhoused community reminds me to appreciate the small things in life. Many of the people we serve are thankful that they can get a meal and a shower three days out the week. 

What are some things you’ve learned in intentional community? 
One thing I’ve learned is the importance of communication. Fortunately my housemates and I do a pretty good job at that so far. We recognize each other’s gifts and talents and do our best to uplift one another. 
 
What does serving through YAMM mean to you?
Serving through YAMM has helped me see the importance of service in different contexts. It is easy to get comfortable in the spaces that you know, but growth happens in those uncomfortable moments. ​

Franco Ramirez, 30
Alta Garcia, Argentina

Audio Media Specialist at ​First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee - 
Kissimmee, FL 

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
This is my second year serving in the YAMM program and my life has completely changed. For the first time in my life, I feel I'm doing what I love to do. 

Why did you apply to serve with YAMM and live in intentional community? 
I applied to serve with YAMM because I realized my purpose in life is to serve and the program offered me this amazing opportunity in a country and community where I can learn and grow. 

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
It has been challenging and ever-changing, so I had to adapt as quickly as possible. It's made me grow tremendously.  

What are some things you’ve learned in intentional community? 
​I've learned that everyone has problems and we are all going through something. But I can help them in some way which can mean everything. That’s what life is about.  ​

Tema Sapoi-Finau, 23
Long Beach, California

Youth and Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Metropolitan Ministries - Tampa, FL

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
My experience with YAMM so far has been definitely challenging, but in all good ways. I have been able to step out of the box and meet new people that have expanded my perspectives.

How has it been serving at your placement site? 
It has been such an enlightening experience to see how vast the non-profit organization serves families struggling with homelessness. They not only provide residential housing for them, but a list of counselors with meals and education centers that are inclusive into the program. I am glad and excited to be doing the Lord’s work by being a part of this big picture of a group. 
  
What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
To serve through YAMM means to push my limits to what I preconceived them to be; to have an open mindset to different perspectives and allow it to develop my knowledge even further; and to create a wider support system through the people I meet in this program and gain strength from them when times get tough.

Grace Rogers, 22
Cabot, Arkansas

Administrative Assistant at Florida Justice for Our Neighbors - Miami, FL 

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far? 
So far, YAMM has brought me a community of people that I am so thankful for from all different walks of life. I am really happy to be serving with YAMM because it has connected me with a really strong community of support in a time of change that can be challenging.

Why did you apply to serve with YAMM and live in intentional Christian Community? 
I applied for YAMM because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do just out of college, and this program gave me a space where I could explore where God is leading me in a group of people with the same goals and curiosity for where God is working in our lives and in the world.
​
What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
Serving through YAMM means entering into a place where God is already at work and learning where God can use you. It is discovering what makes your heart catch on fire with enthusiasm, and it is a community that supports you and lifts you up and encourages you, pushing you to be the best version of yourself.
​

Joeven Masedieu, 29
Miami, Florida

Youth Leader at Metropolitan Ministries - Tampa, FL 

What do you do at your placement site? 
I provide support to teenagers in the after-school program. I am a mentor and teach life skills classes. I am also an artist and I teach mindfulness-based art therapy.  ​
 
Why did you apply to serve with YAMM and live in intentional Christian Community? 
I found out about YAMM when I was in search of opportunities to be more involved in my faith, as well as walking out that faith of using my time to help and service those in need. 
 
How has it been serving at your placement site? 
Serving as a Youth Leader at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, Florida has been nothing short of life-changing. This opportunity has changed me mentally and has made me a better person and advocate. I’ve witnessed and come face-to-face with certain inequalities in our community and served individuals who are most affected by those constructs.  My time as a YAMM Intern has given me the skills to speak and stand up for my community members.   
 
What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
​Serving through YAMM means an avenue in my life where I'm not only placed in a position to keep the faith, but also share it in action.   

Maddie Russo, 25
Shreveport, Louisiana

Director of Evangelism and Community Engagement at Pasadena Community Church – St. Petersburg, Florida  

What do you do at your placement site? 
I am the Director of Evangelism and Community Engagement, which means that I work alongside our current ministries as well as attending events happening inside and outside of the church walls. My job is to bridge the gap between the church and the community.  
 
How has it been serving at your placement site? 
Serving at my placement site has been so wonderful. The staff and congregation have welcomed me with open arms and hearts. I have been able to jump in and help ministries and leaders who are already doing the Lord’s works in our church and community. It has been incredible to see the heart, awareness, and vision of this congregation, which urgently makes me want to help them achieve these as much as I can in the next two years.   
 
What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
To me, it means the opportunity of a lifetime. Serving with and through YAMM provides me an opportunity to really engage in my local community and help amplify the love, light, peace, and justice of Christ. As someone once put it: “To build longer tables, not taller fences.” 

Shiree Fetterly, 23
Port Huron, Michigan

Family & Community Ministry Assistant at Seminole Heights United Methodist Church - Tampa, FL  

What is your experience in the YAMM program so far?  
My experience with serving with the YAMM program during a global pandemic has been filled with a lot of ups and downs. There's been a lot of changes, but one thing that is consistent is my newfound family, my housemates and cohort. I am so grateful for them. They keep me grounded.  

What are some things you’ve learned in intentional community?
I have learned that intentional community is not something you force or even stress out about. It's the everyday things we do in life for the people we live with and we care for. Living in community means being intentional about the small things like helping wash dishes, doing yard work, and having a meal together. It’s about going to serve with your housemates and lending a helping hand when they need it; it’s simply checking in.  

What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
​I think serving in general means to me that I get the chance to touch another's heart. Serving during COVID has been super hard, but I am learning to serve in creative ways such as via ZOOM or having  socially distanced events.  I still can impact those around me, just by simply sharing my story and helping in any way I can. I believe God has a plan for me and at the end of the day that's what I hold onto. 

Amber Kupfer, 22
Charlotte, North Carolina

Children and Youth Coordinator at First UMC Miami - Miami, FL

What do you do at your placement site? 
I plan Sunday School each week for the children and the weekly youth group on Sunday evenings for middle and high school. I also plan monthly social and service opportunities for the children and youth. 

What are some things you’ve learned in intentional community? 
​In living in an intentional community I have learned the importance of communication and balance. Some of my roommates' gifts are not the same as mine, so the way they may help out around the house might be different than how I would. Yet, understanding the effort and thought that goes into each of our actions I have come to realize that we all are bringing great gifts into the community. It is so nice to have friends when you arrive to a new city, state, and workplace. The memories I have made being able to explore Miami with them are ones I'll cherish forever. 

What does the ability to serve through YAMM mean to you? 
Serving through YAMM means opening my eyes to different opportunities, cultures, and beliefs. I am walking alongside those who are at a similar stage in life as me trying to make a difference in a new community. It means learning not only about the community I am serving with, but the intentional community I am living with and myself. I will be challenged mentally, physically, and spiritually but I am supported in so many different ways by so many different people. I am working the be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ.