Americorps Member Makes Impact at the Arc of Racine
Born in India, Simmi Bharvani has lived in the Kenosha/Racine area for the past 16 years. While studying Biology and Psychology at UW-Parkside, Simmi is engaged in improving her campus, local and international communities. Currently serving as Vice President of UW-Parkside's Habitat for Humanity student group, Simmi has been a member of the group since her early days at the University. With the Habitat group, she has participated in two service trips (Tennessee and South Caroline) and has plans to join another this spring to Mississippi and Louisiana. Simmi is also pursuing a Community-Based Learning Certificate at Parkside.
In addition to her volunteerism at the University, Simmi served as a WiCC AmeriCorps member with the ARC of Racine County, an organization that serves and advocates for people with developmental disabilities. Her service term ended on August 14, after completing 450 hours of service. At the ARC, Simmi led School to Community programs. She also created tools and methods for volunteer recruitment and retention. These tools will aid the ARC in developing a sustainable volunteer base and more support for their clients.
Simmi Bharvani truly is a dedicated member of her community. Inspired by her childhood experience living in poverty in India, Simmi believes it is important to advocate for civic involvement among her fellow students and that every deed, no matter the size, has an impact. She intends to continue to make an impact in her future as a medical student and a physician.