Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Jarvis
Hi Emma, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Baltimore after finishing my undergraduate degree from Towson and had no idea what I wanted to do but knew I wanted to be involved in the community. My work with community organizing emerged from when I was at UMBC for my graduate degree in Intercultural Communication. While in that program I was doing deep dives about Baltimore City to learn more about my new home and found an interest in Community/Urban Farming to combat the food apartheid. I stumbled across the Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm and began volunteering. Once it was time to write my thesis for school I chose to do an ethnographic study on the farm with a more collaborative stance. While doing this thesis I had met and talked with my current mentor/supervisor Larry Schugam about working with nonprofits and community especially in the Baltimore scene. The welcoming nature of the farm and Larry had motivated me to work in the community and give what I can to help engage and connect residents with resources.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My first struggle was my lack of official experience on a resume prior to my current job. Doing community work doesn’t always translate to a resume, especially as a volunteer and student, making finding jobs in the field harder. Another challenge that I faced was internal. I was always unsure if I was doing the right thing or working hard enough to make a difference. I didn’t grow up in Baltimore and don’t live directly in the neighborhoods that I work with. This is something that I have accepted and worked past due to the relationships I have made along the way. Other than that, I really do think I have been lucky in finding a career and position that lets me do what I love in the city I love.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
CHAI is a nonprofit serving NW Baltimore and Pikesville. We offer services from Housing counseling, loans, senior home repairs, we also work with a variety of schools and neighborhood associations in our service area. I am the Community and School Engagement Associate for Fallstaff. So I work directly with the Fallstaff Elementary Middle School and the Fallstaff Improvement Association, providing connections to resources, city agencies, other organizations as well as support for the diverse community, which can be seen through language access for the Latino community and activities that bring neighbors together. I am most proud of the relationships I have made that helps me bring better resources and connections to the community. Last year we were able to offer a 6 week beginner Spanish class for free to a small group of community members and partners. That is something I am working on expanding.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as being able to have a good work life balance while still maintaining your ideal career without limitations. As well as creating environments for others around you to have the same opportunities.
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