Goodbyes & Hellos!

Goodbyes & Hellos

Many of you can relate, I’m sure when I say the end of summer is a time of transition.  Therefore, at AKEEP, we are saying “see you later” to a couple of valuable team members who are leaving for the next step in their career journey.  Irene Do spent the last 2 years as an intern with AKEEP while earning her master's in special education.  During her time in central Alabama, she has helped and endeared herself to many special needs youth and their families in the area through her work as a special needs advocate and translator.  Her service in our community will not soon be forgotten, and we know that she will continue to positively impact students and families in her new role as a Special Education teacher.  Christa Springs is no stranger to AKEEP and came back to work for the summer while home from South Korea.  She was an invaluable assistant to the director of “The Robin Hood of Korea” community theater performance and helped everyone on the AKEEP team in some way.  AKEEP greatly appreciates the contributions of both Christa and Irene more than can be communicated in words and wish them both the absolute best in their future accomplishments.

AKEEP is also saying “welcome” to JooYoung Jung as a new (former volunteer)  and now staff member of our team. 

I am Joo Young Jung, the newly appointed B.U.D. Coordinator at AKEEP. It is with enthusiasm that I join the team, ready to embark on the meaningful task of facilitating the connection between the community and its rich multi-cultural tapestry.

Having been a part of the Montgomery community for an extended period, my affiliation with AKEEP has been longstanding, mirroring the passage of time. My initial introduction to the organization occurred through Start Talk, an engagement that presented me with diverse challenges. As I stepped through AKEEP's doors, I did so as a volunteer, marking the inception of my journey here.

My association with AKEEP traces back to my middle school years, and I find myself returning once again to contribute. The tapestry of memories I share with AKEEP is a rich one, characterized by both trials and triumphs. While the road was not without its challenges, it is the camaraderie of the exceptional team I had the privilege of collaborating with that I hold dear.

In my role as the B.U.D. Coordinator, my commitment is to fulfill my responsibilities diligently and to offer unwavering support to my colleagues during my tenure at AKEEP.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this esteemed organization.

JooYoung is already putting her talents to work at AKEEP, and we appreciate her willingness to learn and grow with our team. If you love what you see AKEEP doing and are looking for an opportunity to learn, serve, and grow, please contact us at join@akeep.org or koreanedu@akeep.org.