Dear AFS-USA Volunteers,

As some of you may already know, Jen Peck, a former AFS-USA employee who worked for many years in the Portland office, passed away on May 31, 2017.

Jen began working for AFS-USA in 1999 as Sending Coordinator before being promoted to Manager. In 2008, she became Director of Outbound Programs, and she was in charge of Volunteer Resources until 2013, when the AFS-USA offices were consolidated in New York. Jen worked with many AFS-USA Volunteers during her time on staff, and she even became a volunteer herself.

In addition to being a volunteer and an employee, Jen was an AFS Returnee to Indonesia. Witty, funny, lively and always wearing a smile, she was instrumental in establishing the first Young Returnee Initiative, which has continued to grow and benefit AFSers.

To honor Jen’s legacy, the Peck Family has requested that an AFS study abroad scholarship be established in her memory. Please look out for more information about this scholarship and how contributions can be made.

A memorial service for Jen is being held on June 30, 2017 in Pendleton, OR, and a celebration of her life will take place at the University of Portland in mid-August. We will let you know more about both of these events in the coming weeks.

Let us keep Jen and her family in our thoughts.

Jorge Castro

AFS-USA President