A 2003 Carson High School graduate recently joined the staff at Austin's House through an AmeriCorps/VISTA grant.
Kimberly Carsten began working at Austin's House just before Christmas, helping with donor management, fund raising and publicity.
She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Mo., and returned to the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned a degree in general studies with an emphasis in sociology and human development.
She applied for the VISTA grant because, "I wanted to do something for my country, my community and my neighborhood."
In junior and senior high school, Carsten was active in the Stand Tall program aimed at preventing substance abuse and tobacco use among students.
She was involved in statewide prevention events.
Carsten said her long-term goal is to start a teen center and help the community become more family-oriented.
After her VISTA service, Carsten hopes to attend New York University to earn a master's degree in fundraising management.
Austin's House provides shelter in Douglas County for up to 10 children between the ages of birth to 18 who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect.