Kayla Greenwell AmeriCorps Service Member

Where I’m from:

I’m a region rat from Northwest Indiana who made her way west to North Central Illinois during the pandemic. But, following writer and educator George Ella Lyon’s lead, I can say that: I am from scraped knees on the asphalt and riding my bike too fast, balmy summers along the lakeshore, and the everlasting dream that was Sunday dinner at grandma’s. I am from cross-tied sneakers, powdered lemonade shakers, and dropping a note to say hi.

Things I Enjoy:

I enjoy writing, reading, and being outside in the sunshine. Fussing over my pets is also a pastime of mine.

Something Interesting About Me:

My partner and I keep a small apiary with 3-5 hives at a time and we are slowly transforming an 8-acre homestead into a functioning, sustainable farm using agroforestry techniques.

Why I Love Midwest Partners:

I love Midwest Partners because it is exciting! As I grew up, I saw what community organizing could do, but I didn’t know how to get involved. Midwest Partners is an organization that does community projects collaboratively— finding people like me who see something they can do and want to help but don’t know where to start. I know every day of work is a day towards helping more people both directly and indirectly. It’s great.

Nonprofits I support:

Planned Parenthood, National Alliance on Mental Illness, PEN America, Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, American Library Association, Shark Stewards, Arukah Institute of Healing