She recalled fondly how one particular patron whom she served for over ten years, was “very bright” and would always stay after they were done serving the meal to help her clean up. She elaborated how he inspired her to look for more ways to fulfill the variety of unmet needs of the community that she was serving, “I was serving people delicious hot meals, but I thought to myself, ‘That’s just not enough!’... I wanted to do more.” And do more she did when she founded Amherst Community Connections in September of 2009 where she has been helping to connect the local homeless and at-risk-of-homelessness populations to the organizations and resources that they need. This includes helping them access much needed emergency housing, funding, and resources as well as working with them to find permanent solutions to their homelessness and the many other challenges they face.

When she is not too busy lending her compassion, knowledge, and expertise to those in need, however, you might be able to catch her taking long walks around the area listening to her favorite podcasts such as This American Life, On the Media, and TED Talk. Although keeping up with her will probably come as a challenge to many since Mrs. Greeney can boast an impressive average of 8-10 miles of walking every day, (or about 20-28,000 steps daily), according to her Fitbit, which lends itself to her family’s competition to see who can be the most active. Although competition is only a small element in her active lifestyle. She confided in me with a warm smile that her motivation is better found in what she does while out walking, “Sometimes when I get listening to a podcast and it’s really good I just keep walking, and walking, and walking… I just don’t stop!” As far as anyone here at ACC can tell that seems to hold true for everything that she does, including her work!

While my long term goals are clinically focused, I believe that mental healthcare starts with creating a financially, emotionally, and physically stable and safe environment for every individual. While this isn’t always possible in every case, agencies like Amherst Community Connections are able to provide assistance in creating the kind of environment that is conducive to better mental and physical health for low-income, homeless, disenfranchised, formerly incarcerated, and/or disabled members of our community. By filling out subsidized housing applications, assisting with employment searches, and applying for public benefits, I have been able to take part in and learn about one of the most critical pieces of helping others with their mental health, which I’m incredibly passionate about. I have seen firsthand the benefits of these kinds of programs when my mother had food assistance during her battle with cancer, and I am excited to have the potential opportunity to do the same for others.

Due to the emotionally taxing nature of my current jobs and graduate school, in my free time I enjoy hobbies that improve my own mental and physical health. I spend time gardening, baking bread, crafting, and spending time in nature. I also love spending time with my loved ones and friends as well as my two adorable cats. I am incredibly excited to be working with the ACC team in assisting my community and helping ACC get the funding needed to support our imperative work. 

When I began attending high school at a large, underfunded public school in Wichita, in the same district where my mother worked, I was exposed to a community with additional challenges. I saw the harsh realities of systemic inequity—classmates who struggled to access basic necessities including food, medical care, and stable housing. At the same time, COVID-19 began exacerbating inequities both at school and at home. Friends’ parents were laid off, and access to emergency healthcare became a large issue in my rural hometown. These disparity challenges faced by those in my community stayed with me, and inspiring me to use my privilege to advocate for those in need.

After my freshman year of college, I returned to Wichita, KS, and worked full-time as a medical assistant at a primary care clinic catered to underserved and uninsured patients. Many of the patients I saw were navigating challenges with pre-existing conditions, mental health, and affording necessary medications. I saw how complex and overwhelming these cases could be, but I also witnessed the transformative impact of connecting them to the resources they needed.

Whether we were fighting with state insurance to get coverage, arranging transportation for patients to see specialists, or simply listening to someone’s story, I began to understand how important it is to bridge the gap between vulnerable populations and the systems made to support them.

Now, as a student at Amherst College, I am excited by the opportunity to bring the same skills and commitment to supporting the Amherst community. I want to be part of a solution that rebuilds the same sense of community I grew up cherishing, ensuring no one feels invisible or disconnected from the care and opportunities they deserve.

In my free time, I try to stay active and relieve stress by doing yoga with friends or swimming. I am also trying to get back into reading outside of classes and am working my way through Jeannette Walls’ novels. You will also find me at the local plant nursery, probably adopting another houseplant to add to the collection overtaking my dorm room!

Being in Amherst, I’ve been able to reflect on how I owe so so so much to the people in my largely immigrant community back home who have shown so much kindness and empathy toward me when they themselves have been struggling to get by. This support from my community has led to my belief that the only way we can make it through the hard times is by relying on those connections. Now, I consider myself to be a part of the Amherst community, and I feel strongly compelled to support it in the way that it’s supported me to the best of my ability. 

This curiosity has motivated my interest in how environmental factors play a role in reinforcing inequality. Things I wouldn’t have even imagined such as: where roads are built which can lead to carbon pollution, the construction of houses using lead paint, and proximity to wastewater discharge as only a few topics I’ve learned about in my classes. Even before coming to Amherst, I was involved in student government on projects that aimed to eliminate the incredibly prevalent segregation within my school district. Currently, I’m working to establish a space where students can advocate for immigrant rights at my college and have hosted events for first-generation/low-income students to come together this past semester. All of these experiences have been incredibly rewarding and I hope that I can keep working to address social issues through a career in law or nonprofit work.

When I’m not participating in these activities I like playing rugby, spending time in the practice rooms either singing and/or playing the piano, writing poems, crafting with my friends, going on long walks, and doing the daily Wordle.

As an Amherst College student benefiting from a privileged education, I feel a responsibility to extend knowledge beyond the classroom and into the broader community. Throughout my volunteer experiences, I have consistently observed how personalized and empathetic support profoundly transforms lives. My previous volunteer roles include serving as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher for local refugees, tutoring high school students in SAT preparation, and leading college application essay workshops for high school seniors.

I find volunteer work incredibly rewarding because of the meaningful outcomes I witness and the crucial role I can play. For example, one of the most rewarding experiences has been helping ESL students build confidence in their language skills and ultimately pass their citizenship tests after months of dedicated learning. I also found tremendous fulfillment in supporting high school students through the stressful college application process by offering personalized advice and encouragement. When former students reach out to share how my support shaped their journeys, it is especially meaningful and reaffirms my commitment to uplifting others.

Outside my academic and volunteer commitments, I find inspiration and rejuvenation in reading, particularly non-fiction, like autobiographies, sociology, and self-help. These readings continuously expand my perspectives and motivate me toward innovative thinking. Additionally, I am passionate about traveling, camping, and backpacking—activities that cultivate resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the diverse world we live in. It is my honor to serve as an ACC caseworker in the 2025-26 academic year. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, where my creativity, compassion, multi-language skills, and work ethic will positively impact the greater Pioneer Valley community.

My personal lived experience gives me a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those in difficult circumstances. I know what it’s like to feel powerless in the face of economic hardship, and that perspective fuels my determination to make a difference. I approach challenges with resilience and patience, refusing to give up until I have done everything in my power to overcome them.

I am compassionate and deeply committed to treating people with dignity and respect. I have learned to navigate stressful situations with grace and care, skills that are essential in working with vulnerable populations. My patience allows me to meet people where they are, listening to their needs, and working alongside them to find solutions. Most importantly, I am devoted to making a tangible difference in people’s lives, ensuring that they receive the resources and advocacy they deserve.

Outside of my academic work as a Philosophy and Italian double major at Mount Holyoke College, music has always been my greatest passion. I play guitar in a band, something I have loved since middle school. Music has been a source of joy and resilience for me, a reminder that even in difficult times, there is space for creativity, self-expression, and connection. I bring this same energy and dedication to every aspect of my life, including my commitment to community service.

I wondered if this difference could be chalked up simply to money, but slowly I realized that Lexington was home to plenty of people who came from broken homes, struggled with their mental health, or were trying to break generational curses. They also simply had more and better resources to address their concerns: the town offered free and immediate access to social workers and therapists, ran community engagement programs like food and clothing drives regularly, and  schools strived to make students aware of all the resources available to them and offer them in discreet and respectful ways. As someone who has needed and utilized many of these services and programs over the years, I believe that everybody deserves access to the help and resources they need regardless of their race, gender, sexuality, physical or mental health, economic class, or life circumstances.  

As someone who has seen both how a lack of support can be a barrier to overcoming life challenges and coping with stressful situations, and how having support can help you thrive, I feel that I have a deeper and more nuanced understanding of what I can do for their community.  My greatest strengths are my empathy and resilience – I have overcome abuse, trauma, and systemic disadvantages to get to where I am today, and I am determined to use those experiences to make a positive impact with my life and my actions. I truly hope that Amherst Community Connections can be my first step. 

In my personal life, I’m a typical homebody. I love crocheting, reading, and rewatching the same three shows on repeat with a cat in my lap and my girlfriend at my side. In the fall, my favorite thing to do is to take slow, lazy walks in nature.

My experience as an Editor-in-Chief of the DC Youth & Government Press Corps helped me develop strong communication and leadership skills. I managed newsletter writing and publication, coordinated with writers, and created stories that celebrated this organization’s achievements.

Currently, as an Assistant Editor for the Amherst STEM Network, I provide constructive feedback for student-written articles to help strengthen our science content for readers. Additionally, as an event committee member for the Association of Women in STEM, I organize study sessions, panels, and other events that promote inclusivity and community among women in STEM disciplines at Amherst College. 

I believe that everyone, beyond individuals in my classrooms, deserves to be heard and supported. No matter the major, seeking opportunities that strengthen your skills in social impact is critical. In my downtime, I love listening to music, playing the drums (and learning different techniques!), watching a good TV show, and hanging out with friends around town.

I have many skills that I put to work at ACC such as bookkeeping, computer and printer help since I at one time I was a computer technician. I also help clients with case work, and I am on The Board of Directors at ACC.

In my free time I like to walk on the bike path or hike up a mountain. I also make Silver and Glass jewelry which I sell just outside of the Amherst Farmer’s Market and at Craft Fairs and Online. You can see my jewelry at www.jdbcreationsbyjoshua.com where I have my online store. I work in three mediums: Precious Metal Clay, dichroic glass, and wire wrapping of Stones.