We're excited to welcome Jamie and Olivia (Liv), our two new AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Fellows, to San Rafael!

N2N is a program that places AmeriCorps members at local nonprofits and government agencies to help build connected, resilient neighborhoods. Our Fellows will be working to reduce social isolation, strengthen community engagement, and help residents get better prepared for emergencies. Below is a little bit about each of them.

Jamie

"My name is Jamie, and I am serving as an AmeriCorps N2N Fellow at the San Rafael Fire Department in the Office of Emergency Services. I will be working to decrease social isolation, increase emergency preparedness, and uphold the Fire Department's mission: to help. I am excited for this position to create positive change in my community and to learn as much as I can.

I grew up here in San Rafael before heading east for college. I attended the University of Vermont and graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Agriculture. I am an avid rock climber and spent the last year coaching youth climbing teams at the Gravity Vault in San Rafael. In my free time, I like hiking, running, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends. I have enjoyed returning to my hometown, discovering new communities, and exploring local treasures. I see this position as an opportunity to deepen my connection to the city and its people!"

Liv

"My name is Olivia DiRenzo and I am serving as an AmeriCorps Neighbor to Neighbor Fellow at the San Rafael Office of Emergency Services (OES). I am serving to expand the capacity of OES in fostering community engagement around disaster preparedness.

I am originally from Sleepy Hollow, New York and graduated from Boston College class of 2026. I believe people's connection to their home can serve as a motivating force for pro-social action, and I am excited to see how this resonates with my service at OES. I am passionate about centering the needs and knowledge of the local community to create lasting change - for both environmental challenges and solving interpersonal harms. Drawing my interests in eco-feminism, restorative justice, and critical geography, I evaluate issues from an interdisciplinary and systemic lens, while also honoring localized knowledge and experiences.

In my free time I enjoy crafting, spending time outside, and trying new things. I am thrilled to learn more about the Bay Area during my service and contribute back to the place I've relocated to."

Keep an eye out for them in the community! Over the coming months, Jamie and Olivia will be out at neighborhood events and meeting residents as they work to bring neighbors together and help our community prepare. If you see them, please say hello and make them feel welcome. We're glad to have them on the team.