Building Bridges to Better Care: Welcoming Our New AmeriCorps VISTA, Saloni Sabatino
At Make-A-Day, we believe that access to care shouldn't depend on knowing the right person, navigating a complicated system, or overcoming impossible barriers alone.
Every day, we meet guests who are ready to take the next step toward stability, but find themselves overwhelmed by fragmented systems, long waitlists, transportation challenges, or uncertainty about where to turn. Whether someone is seeking primary healthcare, behavioral health services, recovery support, or other essential resources, simply connecting to the right provider can be one of the biggest obstacles they face.
That's why we're excited to welcome Saloni Sabatino to the Make-A-Day team as our newest AmeriCorps VISTA member.
Over the next year, Saloni will lead the development of our Peer Access Navigation initiative, building the systems that will help connect individuals experiencing housing instability, justice involvement, and economic hardship to the healthcare and behavioral health services they need to thrive.
Building More Than a Program
While many people see the direct impact of Make-A-Day through our Pop-Up Care Villages, outreach events, and one-on-one guest support, lasting change also depends on the systems working behind the scenes.
Saloni's project is focused on creating that foundation.
Throughout her service year, she'll be developing sustainable infrastructure that strengthens how guests access care. Her work will include creating referral systems, building partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations, developing training materials for volunteer Peer Navigators, and designing evaluation tools that help us measure and improve our impact.
One of the exciting aspects of this project is its focus on peer navigation, support provided by trained individuals with lived experience who understand the challenges guests may be facing. Peer Navigators can offer guidance, encouragement, and practical support while helping individuals connect to services that meet their unique needs.
Meet Saloni
Saloni brings a wealth of knowledge, curiosity, and passion for community-centered work to Make-A-Day.
She holds a Master of Public Health from The Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in Global Development from Ohio University, and a Bachelor of Arts from American University's School of International Service. A lifelong learner, Saloni is always looking for opportunities to expand her knowledge and better understand the communities she serves.
Outside of work, she enjoys exploring interior design and environmental architecture and is excited to contribute her skills while learning alongside the Make-A-Day team and our community partners.
Looking Ahead
At Make-A-Day, we know that meaningful change happens when compassionate people are supported by strong systems.
Saloni's work this year will help build those systems, creating stronger partnerships, improving access to healthcare, empowering Peer Navigators, and making it easier for our guests to connect with the resources that support long-term stability.
We're thrilled to have her on our team and can't wait to see the impact this initiative will have on our guests, our partners, and our community.
Please join us in welcoming Saloni to Make-A-Day!
Interested in joining the Make-A-Day team? Check out our AmeriCorps VISTA Evaluation & Outcomes Coordinator position