“My service year taught me that change often begins at the grassroots level. It happens when communities come together, when individuals are empowered to use their voices, and when organizations stand up for those who are often unheard. That truth has shaped my career path.”
AmeriCorps Alum Jordan Bohlen served with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City from 2021 to 2022. Jordan’s focus on helping newly arrived refugees and other vulnerable populations find safe, healthy, and affordable housing was largely shaped by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, a housing shortage in the area spurred on by escalating rent prices during the pandemic put many community members at risk of losing their place of residence.
In her role with the IRC, Jordan helped clients navigate this landscape. Many of the clients Jordan worked with did not speak English, had no rental history in the United States, and lacked understanding tenant rights. Despite these challenges, Jordan was able to help approximately 1,000 individuals, while transitioning around 200 of them into safe and stable housing.
“I’m grateful to have played a part in helping individuals and families transition into homes where they could feel safe, dignified, and hopeful for the future. It was more than just helping people find housing—it was about helping them reclaim stability, security, and a sense of belonging.” After completing her service year, Jordan was hired by the International Rescue Committee as a Casework Assistant—an opportunity that came directly from the connections and network she built during my time with AmeriCorps.
Today, Jordan works for UServeUtah, the state service commission, where she helps nonprofits across the state implement impactful service year programs. The full-circle opportunity helps Jordan stay rooted in service every day through collaboration, advocacy, and capacity building.
“Service is not just part of my job—it’s part of who I am. The values I gained during my AmeriCorps year continue to guide how I engage with my community.”
Jordan also remains involved with Refugee Physician Advocacy (RPA), a coalition focused on reducing the healthcare gap by helping refugee physicians reenter the medical field in the U.S., particularly to serve refugee communities with cultural and linguistic sensitivity. In addition, she volunteers with Their Story is Our Story (TSOS), a nonprofit that amplifies refugee voices through storytelling, where she helps manage their internship program.
“I’m committed to continuing to serve and advocate, always grounded in the lessons I learned during my AmeriCorps year—that real impact comes from compassion, persistence, and believing in people’s right to dignity and justice.”
About the Service Year Alums Awards
The Service Year Alums Awards recognize outstanding alums across the national service community for their contributions during their service years and beyond. This diverse network is composed of AmeriCorps Alums, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and alums from various service year programs across the country.
In 2025, the Service Year Alums Awards are all about celebrating this life-changing experience, recognizing alums who embraced the lessons, skills, and connections gained during their service year to pursue meaningful careers and positively impact their communities.
