Interview with Janice Jorgensen, February 15, 2023

Interview Summary

Janice Jorgensen, Dominican Republic, 1966-1968, Rural Community Development/Family Planning. Janice Jorgensen was raised in the small town of Gustine, California. She tried to apply for the Peace Corps the first time at 16 years of age but was deemed too young! Janice has a degree from University of the Pacific in Social Sciences which she obtained upon completing her two years in the Dominican Republic. She completed Pre-Service Training at Camp Crozier in Puerto Rico. The training was focused on physical and psychological fitness for service. There was little mention of safety and securing albeit she landed in the Dominican Republic during a civil revolution. Training essentially stressed being ready for anything … and to be resourceful. Janice was assigned to the Office of Community Development (ODC) as an Extensionist. Unfortunately, funding was curtailed for community projects at the end of her first year, so she moved to Santiago to work in family planning at the Health Clinic. Janice gave workshops on health issues related to family planning, health issues being pregnant, sex education to nurses and women’s neighborhood groups. Janice shared her insights on friendships, the change process, and influence of culture on her work.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic rural community development walnut ranch Danish heritage Gustine, California 4H Seattle University Home Economics Spanish RPCV brother Kenya Philadelphia stagging Carolyn Payton Puerto Rico Camp Crozier Salcedo training visit Agriculture Ministry Pre-Service Training physical fitness training meltdown revolution family stay Amina work site Art Hansen APCD family friendships Jesus Baez ODC supervisor housing work description community description USAID tinaja water barrel family planning Santiago Luperon Centro de Salud Health Center workshops memorable experience relationships change process cultural influences

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