Introducing Our New VISTA, Bea!

Hi! My name is Bea Nonnemaker, and I’m thrilled to have recently joined Southwest Montana Youth Partners as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. I grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of four siblings. In college, I studied Biology and Environmental Sustainability, but when I graduated in May 2024, I wasn’t quite sure what my next step would be.

Then, a few months later, an email landed in my inbox with the subject line: “Come to Big Sky Country and Make a Difference.”. This caught my attention. I’ve always dreamed of moving to Montana. I’ve been drawn into the idea of the snow, the mountains, and the charm of a small town. There was a list of different VISTA opportunities listed on the email, and as I read through them, one stood out immediately: Southwest Montana Youth Partners (SMYP).

Southwest Montana Youth Partners’ mission is all about supporting youth, by helping at-risk kids succeed in school and expanding leadership and childcare programs in Jefferson County, Montana. I connected deeply with this mission, since I’ve seen firsthand the positive changes that can come from supporting youth. Throughout my life, I’ve worked with kids in different capacities, such as camp counseling, mentoring, and working at a Montessori elementary school. Watching kids grow, learn, and develop confidence is one of the most rewarding things, and I truly believe that investing in young people is one of the most powerful ways to build a better future.

Obviously, I decided to apply for SMYP’s VISTA program, since I connected to the organization’s goals. For this project, I’m working alongside Rochelle Hesford, SMYP’s incredible Executive Director. Since SMYP was founded in 2021, it has already launched a Child Care Facility Project, a Youth Leadership Program, and a Mentorship Program, which are all making a real impact on the Boulder community and beyond. In addition, the organization has just been accepted into the Community Heart & Soul Program, which will work towards creating a sustainable and successful future for the town of Boulder.

I’m so excited to be part of this journey, to learn more about the nonprofit world, and to contribute to the mission of empowering local youth. I can’t wait to see what this year brings!