Matthew and Caleb have been our two amazing AmeriCorps members at Foodworks this year.  We celebrate all that they have brought to the Foodworks team and wish them all the best in their exciting new endeavors!  
Caleb is headed to Colorado to pursue a Masters in Social Work.  Matthew will be starting the Social Work program at Castleton University this fall.  

Caleb Kapp (he/him):

I served as the Food Procurement Coordinator at Foodworks, where my role focused on creating smooth interactions with clients to ensure their food needs are met in the most effective way possible. My journey to this position began after ten years as a commercial fisherman and growing up with a mother who worked directly with a shelter. I was drawn to Groundworks Collaborative when I moved to Brattleboro, seeking a role that would allow me to make a meaningful difference in the community. The organizational culture at Groundworks is remarkably positive and supportive. It’s a place where the staff genuinely care about people, which aligns with my belief in the importance of being there for others during tough times. Groundworks is committed to providing high-quality support for clients dealing with trauma and financial insecurity, which resonates deeply with me. I’ve had significant people in my life show up for me during difficult times, and I believe it’s important for everyone to have someone who will be there for them.

Working at Foodworks has been eye-opening and rewarding. I’ve had many impactful experiences, like helping a hesitant individual feel comfortable enough to come in and receive food assistance—a small gesture that made a significant difference. My time here has also highlighted the challenges faced by those with severe health issues or psychotic disorders, revealing gaps in the support available to them. The diverse community we serve at Foodworks, including people from various income levels and backgrounds, underscores the widespread need for food support and how integral our work is to the fabric of our community.

Matthew Carey (he/him):

I worked as a Food Rescue and Procurement Coordinator for my AmeriCorps service at Foodworks and I have more recently been working at the Drop-In Center as an Advocate. I moved to Brattleboro about two years ago, and at that time, I was homeless with my family, living at the Quality Inn as part of the hotel program. I struggled to get hold of my IDs, which prevented me from working, but I was referred to Foodworks as a place to volunteer. Initially, I was nervous but quickly became hooked on the work. I enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere and the meaningful impact of what they did there. As I showed up more frequently, the Director at the time, Andrew, offered me a job description for an AmeriCorps position. Although intimidated by the potential bureaucracy, I decided to go through with it and found the experience incredibly rewarding. The support from people at AmeriCorps exceeded my expectations.

My involvement with Groundworks has been driven by my passion for direct, people-facing interaction and the tangible good I see it doing. Despite challenges and stressors, I keep showing up energized for this work because I genuinely enjoy the work and the impact it has for the people we serve.