CENTERLINE, Mich.–Based at the MyCare Health Center, dedicated mother of five Delione Newson joined the Michigan Primary Care Association AmeriCorps (HealthCorps) on April 23 and has enjoyed every second of it.
Delione applied to MPCA’s AmeriCorps program due to her desire to serve her community and familiarity with people she knows who have done the same. “I know many people who have served for AmeriCorps for years including my mother who did service and enjoyed it. I also have a friend who enjoyed the AmeriCorps experience. I also remember volunteering and coming along with her and seeing the outreach that AmeriCorps did in the community. It’s something I would love to do help the community.”
But Delione didn’t choose this path of service to others and personal enlightenment lightly. It took a long time to make an informed decision and she knew that there would be a sacrifice to make.
“AmeriCorps is a calling for me. As a kid I have always loved helping people. I love putting a smile on people’s faces and in their heart,” she says.
“I went back and forth for months about joining AmeriCorps because I knew that it would be a big pay cut and I have a lot of bills with a big family. I decided to take a leap of faith and do what I love–helping people. I worked for Kroger for 15 years as a bakery manager and was just at the end of my rope with not doing what I love so here I am.”
So far Delione’s expectations about serving with AmeriCorps have been everything she thought it would be. “Nothing has really surprised me. I knew that it was (going to be) a positive and I was excited that I was chosen for the program.”
Besides the tangible benefits, Delione also joined AmeriCorps because she wanted to make a difference in the healthcare industry.
“I chose AmeriCorps for the experience. I have experienced and seen a lot of mistreatment in healthcare facilities so I want to make it better,” Delione stated. “I also chose AmeriCorps because I used to be in a domestic violence relationship seven years ago and AmeriCorps really helped me out. I wanted to give back to the community the way the community gave back to me.”
Delione acknowledges that she can apply skills learned from the AmeriCorps experience to her everyday life and to advocate for others.
“I hope to get the experience, the knowledge and growth on what our community needs out of AmeriCorps,” she explains. “I want to help more single mothers that are in unhealthy relationships know that there are resources out there. I also want to help men and women take care of their health better eat better and visit the doctor more.”
Delione has only been a member for three weeks, but she has immersed herself quite well with AmeriCorps. “I am proud of the outreach that I achieved since I started servicing for AmeriCorps. I have scheduled over 150 patients to receive their COVID 19 vaccine. There’s more to do so my duties are whatever AmeriCorps desires of me.”
A native Michigander who grew up in Detroit, Delione cites her family’s support as the inspiration and the drive to become a AmericaCorps member. “I manage my time with a lot of prayer and my husband, who is a huge help. My five children and my husband are very proud of me because I am finally doing what I love.”
Delione’s desire to have a positive impact on her community is straight forward. “I want to help young single mothers. I want to help lower income families by letting them gain knowledge that there are helpful resources out there,” she stated.
Studying healthcare administration at Oakland Community College, her goals are to continue in the AmeriCorps Program and pursue her bachelor’s degree likely at the University of Michigan.
“My goal three years from now is to be in the healthcare field helping the low-income community, and managing a healthcare facility and still volunteering for AmeriCorps.”
With the support of her family, her selfless desire to help others and her personality makeup, Delione is well on her way from bakery manager to a satisfying new professional career in healthcare.
“I am very determined; I don’t stop until I reach my goal.”
Five Things to Know about Delione
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure? A: Candy.
Q: If you could only eat one item for every meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A: Seafood.
Q: What book are you reading now? A: Text books!
Q: During your spare time after a busy day, what do you enjoy doing and what’s your favorite way to unwind? A: Watching my favorite sport which is ice skating and spending time with my family and reading to my daughter.
Q: What’s the top destination on your must-visit list? A: Hawaii