Placements, Blogs, and Bio’s
Vincent Grossi: 
Hello, my name is Vincent Ernest Grossi. I was born in Branson Missouri in 1993, lived three years there while my parents, Joseph and Michelle Grossi were directors of a women’s Teen Challenge group home. After 3 years we as a family with my two older brothers moved to Tucson, Arizona to assist my uncle’s church ministry. Only a few years passed before my Uncle gave up the church to tend to his parents health, and my father took an opportunity to pastor his own small church in the intercity area of downtown Tucson. My family then grew roots here in Tucson, raising us in Christian schools, with great involvement in the family Church. Just before I was set to graduate high school, our family hit a very tough road when the A.G. powers that be that we belonged to displaced my father’s pastoral position to make room for another minister. This was a rough trial moment in my life, searching for perfect Truth among the imperfect church. But God opened the door of Nature for me to see through, and I have yet to escape the joy of daily miracles in ecology. I have worked on several farms and ran several different gardens since then. I have grown to see the meal table as a sanctuary, class room, social strong hold, and so much more. At this point I am planning to learn as much possible on growing food production in very small scale, and how to connect that to Jesus’ ‘Least of these’ for empowerment, self value, education, and spiritual restoration. I am excited for the future, and desire to take ever opportunity to love and serve others in what is to come.
- Vinnie is serving the J W Johnson Community School Garden as a community Gardener
- Vinnie’s Blog: http://vegyav2015.blogspot.com/
Bennett Alldredge:
My name is Bennett Alldredge and I am from Birmingham, Alabama. This is my second YAV year, as last year I served in South Korea. I am definitely excited about serving a year back in America, and even more excited that I am in such a vibrant city. I spent a lot of last year learning about how culture and community are strongly linked, and I can’t wait to see how this plays out in New Orleans and the surrounding area. I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2012 with a degree in Music, and I am looking forward to trying to incorporate this into my volunteer service. As you may be able to imagine, I enjoy all kinds of music, and I am excited to experience the culture of South Louisiana through the music of the region.
- Bennett is Serving The Bayou Blue Presbyterian Church doing wetlands advocacy and research
- Bennett’s Bog: http://bennettyav.blogspot.com/
Colleen Ames:
Hello! My name is Colleen. I am one of 6 children in my family. My baby sister is my very best friend. I love photography, music and all things Disney. I like to make people laugh. Singing and dancing is essential in life. I believe in the power of small moments. I am so very excited to be getting the chance to serve a YAV year!
- Colleen is serving Project Homecoming as a Volunteer Village Coordinator
- Colleen’s Blog: http://colleenames.wordpress.com/
Hannah Mills
I am happily serving as a second year YAV for the Presbytery of South Louisiana! I am Originally from New Jersey, and I graduated from Eastern University in 2012 with a B.A. in Psychology. After YAV, I plan to attend seminary. My dream is to one day become ordained in the PC(USA) as an associate pastor and youth director. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring theology in culture, reading, praying out loud, drinking copious amounts of tea, gushing about folk music, and cooking with friends.
- Hannah is serving the Presbytery of South Louisiana as a Hunger Action Enabler
- Hannah’s Blog: http://inthenameoflovenolayav.blogspot.com/
John Kupar 
I was born and raised in Lexington, KY and I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2013. This is my second YAV year, last year I served as a YAV in Hollywood, CA. In my free time you might see me playing ultimate frisbee, strumming the guitar, or watching The Office.
- Johns is serving Mid City Ministries doing after school tutoring and mentoring, and Lakeview Presbyterian Church as the mission coordinator.
- John’s Blog: http://yavkupar.blogspot.com/
Jennifer Hallberg 
My name is Jennifer Elizabeth Hallberg. I am 27 years old and I was born and raised in Florida. I went to college at the university of West Florida earning a Bachelors’ degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education. I was born and raised in the Presbyterian Church. For my family and me involvement in the church has always been a crucial part of our faith walk. I am usually involved with the children’s ministry in some way, singing in the church choir, planning events with committees, and helping in any way I can. During my year with Young Adult Volunteers, I hope to further this love of service and love of Christ, through exploring and discerning my call more to gain a better understanding of God’s will for my life.
- Jennifer is serving Global Marritime Ministries as a Port Chaplain
- Jennifer’s Blog: jehallberg.wordpress.com
Katherine Norwood: 
My name is Katherine Norwood, and I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. In May graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Journalism with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations. In my spare time I like to lie in my hammock, read books, fly kites, enjoy the sunshine, eat chocolate, practice yoga, and laugh. I am a life long Presbyterian and could not be more excited to serve in the YAV program this coming year!
- Katherine is serving the Wetlands Theological Education Program as a wetland advocate
- Katherine’s Blog: http://katherinenorwood.wordpress.com/
Young Adult Volunteers in New Orleans 