Meet Our Team: Introducing The Social Work Program Staff
Project Legacy is proud to announce the expansion of our social work team, introducing three new social work assistants to Project Legacy due to a grant awarded by the Bridges Collaborative. The new staff members will join Alysha Carlisle, program alumna and social work assistant who has been on staff since March 2019.
“My mentor once told me, ‘The kids will vote with their feet. If they trust you and value the work you do, they’ll follow you anywhere.’ This has proven to be true many times, and lately, we are seeing what has become the strongest vote of confidence: youth who have graduated from our programs and have returned to Project Legacy to work here, give back, and further develop our programming,” says Karen Edmonds, Executive Director.
For Alysha, this has meant a growing experience and a valuable opportunity as she prepares to continue pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Winona State University this year.
“When I was younger all I needed was someone to believe in me and support me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that and suffered because of it,” Alysha says. “Through this position, I now have the opportunity to embody the kindness, support and love I didn’t receive growing up and help the Project Legacy youth along the way.”
Social Work Assistants at Project Legacy help facilitate Healing Circles, mentor Project Legacy youth, and help develop programs and services offered by the organization.
“Project Legacy has been my home, my family and one of the brightest spots in my life,” Alysha says. “I intend to give back for as long as I can.”
Today, we’re pleased to introduce three additional social work assistants to the Project Legacy team:
Willie Tipton, Counselor and Senior Social Work Assistant
“My name is Willie Tipton and I grew up in Chicago, IL. I am married (Lia) with two adorable teenage twins (Tony& Olivia). I graduated from Crossroads College, earning my degree in Counseling. I am currently an Equity Specialist for Rochester Public Schools (Mayo High School Feeder) but I have been fortunate to have experienced multiple prominent roles in the district over the past twelve years. I started my career as the first Education Advocate for Family Service & Community Service Rochester, I was the Minority Liaison for Willow Creek Middle School, Community Outreach Representative for Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, Transition Specialist for Willow Creek Middle School and my current role Equity Specialist for Rochester Public Schools. I am excited and motivated to be working at Project Legacy.”
Alysha Carlisle, Social Work Assistant
“I am excited to be a social worker at Project Legacy. Love, compassion, kindness, and understanding were among the many things that my upbringing lacked. My hope is to be able to be the person I needed when I was younger for this group of young girls. I will be helping with rides, homework, healing circles, and by providing any other support they may need. Most importantly, I will be a consistent person that they can depend on and trust.”
We are grateful for donor and foundation support, namely the Bridges Collaborative, for funding the expansion of our social work team. Your giving makes a difference.
This blog was updated on December 6, 2019