Anu Banks
Class of 2023
contact email
serafinanana7@gmail.com
contact phone
717-793-0910
Organization Name
Retired; teach a creative writing class, write a blog for my city, artist, musician - all in a volunteer capacity
Fellowship Project
Bob says I hold the record for getting the most amount of activities out the grant. I went to each activity leader and asked if they would donate half the cost as an in-kind gift as a way of matching Bob's giving initiative. They all said yes: I traveled to New Mexico to meet with authors and artist on American Indian reservations. I took a year-long communications class. I attended six months of art therapy. I took a series of classes on right brain/left brain understanding and how to use it in the work place. I took a series of oil painting classes.
Organization Affiliation During Your Fellowship Year
Easter Seals South Central Pennsylvania
greatest impact of your fellowship year
Bob Pullo has been a mentor and friend for years. I learn so much from him. I won't tell the details, but I took him with me to a meeting my first year with the agency, and when we left he said to me, "I don't want you to answer that way again," about a certain question posed to me. He taught me that day, sitting in my car, how to approach a most difficult situation. That honesty is an example of the frank and kind way that he showed his wisdom and leadership. I trusted him and was honored to be recognized as a leader in the non-profit world under his tutelage.
Why would you recommend the York federal fellows program?
York Federal Fellows is a lovely example of feeding the mind and soul of those individuals who so tirelessly, and often at their own expense, serve the community. I now live in Longmont, Colorado and I continue to practice all the lessons I learned. As well, Bob continues to be my go-to brain when I am thinking through an issue and need outside guidance.