National Service in the News for Friday, March 10, 2017.
AmeriCorps VISTA members working for Woodland
United Way
The Daily Democrat News (CA), March
9, 2017
Woodland United Way has good reason to celebrate
National AmeriCorps VISTA week. The local nonprofit-service agency has brought
on board two full-time AmeriCorps VISTA staff members, Grecia Rodriguez and
Michael Rooke-Ley. VISTA week continues through Saturday. Their ages, backgrounds
and experiences could not be more different, yet they complement each other in
unprecedented and invaluable ways. “Having these two at WUW has been such a
blessing,” says executive director Lori Ross, “and we are delighted to be part
of the AmeriCorps family.
Cochran,
Wicker Promote AmeriCorps in Senate Resolution
Press Release, March 9, 2017
U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today joined in
honoring AmeriCorps and its volunteers, who have contributed to Mississippi and
the nation, with the introduction of a Senate resolution to designate
“AmeriCorps Week.” The resolution was introduced by Senator Chris Coons
(D-Del.), with Cochran and Wicker as the lead Republican cosponsors. The measure highlights the 80,000 AmeriCorps
participants and millions of community volunteers who annually work on service
projects in communities nationwide.
Launched in 1994, AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for
National and Community Service and has a National Civilian Community Corps
(NCCC) campus in Vicksburg.
United Way
of Lake County Celebrates AmeriCorps VISTA Partnerships
The
Chicago Tribune (IL), March 8, 2017
This week (March 4-11), individuals, programs and organizations across
the nation are celebrating AmeriCorps Week. For the past eight years, United
Way of Lake County has had the opportunity to participate in the AmeriCorps VISTA
program, which has allowed it to significantly expanding its education
programming. AmeriCorps VISTA members live and serve in some of our nation's
poorest urban and rural areas. Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time
commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public
agency.
DNR Salutes AmeriCorps Members
WJMN-TV (MI), March 9, 2017
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is recognizing AmeriCorps this
week during a national observation of the AmeriCorps' continuing efforts to
help young people gain valuable job experience, while simultaneously serving
their communities. From Adopt-A-Forest and invasive species and forest health
monitoring to classroom visits and renovation of cabins and park facilities,
AmeriCorps members make a tremendous positive impact serving with the DNR. During
AmeriCorps Week 2017 (March 4-11), individuals, programs and organizations will
honor and celebrate the contributions that 80,000 Americans make to their
communities, and the service of more than 1 million AmeriCorps alumni.
AmeriCorps Members Serve as Reading Partners
Patch.com (CA), March 9, 2017
March 4 through March 11 is AmeriCorps Week, a time to salute AmeriCorps
members and alumni for their commitment to national service and to articulate
the profound impact AmeriCorps has on both communities and the lives of those
who serve. In the 2016-17 school year, over 360 AmeriCorps members are
performing volunteer service years with Reading Partners in 14 metro areas
across the country (including 27 AmeriCorps members right here in Silicon
Valley). AmeriCorps members are invaluable to Reading Partners and the 11,000
students from under-resources schools we serve nationwide and 1,000 locally. “AmeriCorps
members are a critical component of Reading Partners,” said Aarika Riddle,
Executive Director of Reading Partners Silicon Valley. “Their work with school
partners and volunteers is what makes it possible to deliver our program to
thousands of students each year.”
Three Ways to Participate in AmeriCorps Week
(Even if You Haven’t Served)
Points of Light Blog, March 9, 2017
In celebration of AmeriCorps Week 2017 (March 4-11), we are recognizing the
impact of AmeriCorps members
across America. AmeriCorps Week is a time to salute members and alums for their
service, thank AmeriCorps community partners, and share stories about the
impact AmeriCorps has on communities and on the individuals who serve. AmeriCorps
is a public-private partnership comprised of a network of local, state and
national service programs, connecting more than 70,000 Americans each year in
service to meet community needs in the areas of education, the environment,
public safety, health, and homeland security.
Youth-focused charities to benefit from One
City Marathon
The Daily Press (VA), March 9, 2017
Proceeds from this year's One City Marathon will benefit three charities that
support youth development and fight violence against children. Alternatives
Inc., The Center for Child and Family Services and Parents Against Bullying
were chosen from a pool of organizations that applied to receive the money. Alternatives Inc. offers free enrichment, civic engagement and early childhood programs.
Through a partnership with AmeriCorps, mentors go into classrooms during the
day and help teachers or work in small groups with the kids. Children can also
participate in a variety of after-school programs that focus on topics such as
mindfulness, drawing and creativity, and maintaining healthy friendships and
relationships.
Dallas Betz Selected to head ReUse Works
Press Release, March 10, 2017
Kathy Washatka, Board President of ReUse Works, announced today that Dallas
Betz has been hired as Executive Director of ReUse Works. Betz had been acting
as Interim Executive Director since August. As chief executive officer of the
organization, Betz will be responsible for implementing policies set by the
board of directors, including management of the financial, programmatic and
administrative functions of the corporation. Betz is familiar with ReUse Works
and its two environmentally focused job-training businesses, Appliance
Depot and Ragfinery.
At times throughout the previous 10 years, he’s been both a staff member and a
board member, working to increase exposure of the programs in their goals
toward self-sufficiency. He started as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the young
organization in 2008.
Republicans sign letter urging Trump not to cut AmeriCorps funding
Politico, March 9, 2017
A group of Republican donors and former elected officials is urging President Donald Trump not to cut funding for the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers AmeriCorps, the public service work program for young people. Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour is among the signatories of the letter sent to Trump dated Tuesday, making for continued support for AmeriCorps and other such programs.
AmeriCorps
NCCC Team Rebuilds and Ignites Hope to a Neighborhood
WGMB-TV (LA), March 9, 2017
An AmeriCorps
National Civilian Community Corps team, Delta 6, is serving with
Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge from March 08, 2017 until March 31, 2017.
For the next three weeks, nine NCCC members from the Southern Region campus in
Vicksburg, Miss., are assisting in the rebuilding of homes that were affected
by the historic flooding in August 2016. Furthermore, the
team will assist in the basic remodeling stages, including but not limited to,
installing insulation, floating and hanging drywall, texturing and painting
walls and ceilings, and installing doors, trim, cabinets, and tile. The NCCC
team's work is impacting an entire neighborhood, igniting the desire for these
homeowners to finally move back home.
Column: The case for City Year Detroit
The Detroit News (MI), March 10, 2017
At a time of deep partisan divide, we need more
initiatives that cut across party lines and spur collaboration. We also need to
invest in evidence-based, cost-effective, locally controlled strategies to
improve student outcomes in Detroit’s public education system and build our
city’s future workforce. City Year is a longstanding community service
organization that has a demonstrated track record of advancing both of these
goals, but unfortunately, potential cuts to federal funding may jeopardize its
future.
Veterans woodworking shop opens in Mesa, AZ
Americantowns.com, March 9, 2017
Bridging AZ Furniture Bank is collaborating with Mesa United Way seeking
community minded individuals for full time and part AmeriCorps positions. Anyone looking for an opportunity to
make a difference in the community while receiving a stipend, gaining new
skills and experiences is encouraged to apply.
Cuomo’s $1.4B “Vital Brooklyn” plan would
invest heavily in Central Brooklyn
The Brooklyn Daily Eagle (NY),
March 9, 2017
Central Brooklyn’s unemployment
rate is almost three percentage points higher than the New York City rate,
Cuomo said. Vital Brooklyn would add 7,600 new hires through the Brooklyn
Unemployment Strikeforce, expand the Green City Force AmeriCorps program for
NYCHA youth, train 1,200 people in the construction trades through the expanded
Unemployed Workers Training Program, train more than 300 students through
CUNY’s Workforce Development Initiative, and deploy a Mobile Command Center to
increase financial literacy.
Steven
McDonald’s son honors his dad’s badge
The
New York Daily News, March 9, 2017
He is Sgt. Conor McDonald, son of the late Steven McDonald, and he
honors his father's shield by wearing his own, honors his father’s service to
his department and to his city with his own. This is about a family business
then, the McDonald family and the family of the NYPD, one as old as the young
man’s city. When Conor McDonald finished high
school, before going off to Boston College, he took the civil service test.
“Just in case,” he says now. After he graduated college in 2009, he went out to
Colorado to do volunteer service for AmeriCorps. It was when he was there that
he called home with this news that he was joining the NYPD.
Glasgow
honored as Casper’s Woman of Distinction in 2017
The Casper Star Tribune (WY), March
9, 2017
Nurieh Glasgow, a professional nonprofit administrator and volunteer for
numerous efforts, was named the 22nd annual Casper Woman of Distinction in
luncheon ceremonies on Thursday. Glasgow is the program officer at ServeWyoming,
where she manages its grant process and portfolio of AmeriCorps programs. She
has served two national service terms with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA,
coordinates volunteer fairs, collaborates with Food for Thought, works the
annual Point in Time Homeless Count, volunteers at food banks, domestic
violence shelters, community cleanups and the Boys & Girls Club, and
facilitates a successful writers’ group.
ECO
AmeriCorps Program Seeking Members for 2017-18
Press Release, March 9, 2017
The Vermont Environmental Careers and Opportunities
(ECO) AmeriCorps program is seeking applicants interested in beginning an
environmental career. Recent and soon-to-be graduates with a background in
environmental conservation, natural or agricultural sciences, environmental
studies, engineering, government/policy, communications or other related fields
are encouraged to apply.
Otto Bremer
Trust announces grant awards
The Asian American Press, March 9,
2017
Minnesota Alliance with Youth, Saint Paul, MN, $100,000. For
general operating support to provide youth development opportunities through
the Minnesota Youth Council, GradMinnesota and AmeriCorps Promise Fellows.
Three Steps to Include No-Tech and Low-Tech
Folks in Your Work
Nonprofit Technology Network, March
9, 2017
“There’s this great new digital literacy program.
It’s available online.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this
well-meaning suggestion. As the Executive Director of a digital literacy and IT
training organization, I appreciate supporters and friends taking a real
interest in our work. But this statement shows how far we need to go in
understanding the depth and breadth of the digital divide, and how we can
bridge it. Byte Back partners with the DC Office of the Chief Technology
Officer to use an innovative Mobile
Tech Lab to physically bring
digital literacy training closer to the people who need it most, to
neighborhoods in Northeast and Southeast DC. We host AmeriCorps members and
recruit community volunteers who teach digital literacy courses, making the
program affordable to run and increasing the capacity for reach.
MWCC Center for Civic Learning and
Community Engagement Dedicated in Sen Stephen M. Brewer’s Name
myinforms.com, March 9, 2017
Jana Murphy a current student and AmeriCorps VISTA member. “But it
wasn’t until I hit my first rough patch that I realized how important it is to
feel that kind of connection to your school. It was this connection that kept
me from dropping everything when I had a hard time in my classes, or when life
in general became overwhelming.” “The Center is a vital part of this school. It
helps those in need. It gives people hope. It shows the student population that
we do care about their success. They are not alone,”
Cutting AmeriCorps May Hurt Colorado
Students Already In Need
KUNC-FM (CO), March 9, 2017
AmeriCorps -- the long-running public service program administered by the
federal government -- may be on the chopping block. According to The New York Times, one of the Trump administration’s proposed
budget cuts is the Corporation for National and Community Service, the office
that oversees AmeriCorps. CNCS programs have been expanded by nearly every
administration since the corporation’s creation under President George H. W.
Bush. Eliminating the office could signify a sea change in public policy: Trump
may be the first president in recent memory to back away from
federally-subsidized public service.
Courtney
Sharpe
The Bay State Banner (MA), March 10,
2017
Courtney Sharpe is the new Boston Planning and
Development Agency senior planner for Roxbury and Mattapan. Prior to joining
the BPDA she has supported immigrant rights, food access and social justice as
both neighborhood advocate and public servant. Sharpe attended Northwestern
University, in Evanston, Illinois, where she received degrees in Asian American
Studies, Religion and International Studies. Following college she served in
Morocco as a Youth Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps and afterward
returned to Chicago as an AmeriCorps fellow. She is a graduate of the Harvard
Graduate School of Design where she received Masters in urban planning.
Meals on Wheels receives donation from
Monnies
The Observer (NY), March 10, 2017
Larry Orcutt, president of the Moniuszko Club,
along with club directors Greg Bundy, John Dillenkofer, Roger Herdzik and Jeff
Kubera, recently presented Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels with a $2,500
donation. The contribution is part of the Moniuszko Club’s commitment to
providing support to charitable causes, as well as projects and activities that
benefit the community. A United Way Community Partner, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on
Wheels also receives assistance from RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program)
and Chautauqua County Office for the Aging. Additional funding is procured
through grants, as well as donations from area businesses, service
organizations and private individuals.
MCC Recognizes top Staffers
The Waco Tribune (TX), March 10, 2017
McLennan Community College has selected five
honorees to receive the annual National Institute of Staff and Organizational
Development Excellence Awards. The honor represents a commitment to
extraordinary service in higher education. As coordinator of the HOT Retired
Senior Volunteer Program, Copeland manages more than 50 community service
projects and more than 600 senior volunteers. She is in MCC’s Student Veteran
Association and the Mental Health Advisory Council.
Foster
grandparents needed in Osceola
The
Osceola News-Gazette (FL), March 9,
2017
Volunteers for Community Impact is recruiting senior volunteers for its
first Foster Grandparent Program in Osceola County. Since 1977, the program has
been one of the national organization’s two anchor programs, offering active
adults ages 55 and over the opportunity to volunteer within their communities.
“We have over 300 volunteers,” said Beatrice Puebla of Volunteers for Community
Impact. “They get to get out of their homes, meet other volunteers and make new
friends in the areas where they live and volunteer.”
PRIME TIME: Senior Volunteer Create
Relationships
The Bemidji Pioneer (MN), March 9,
2017
Ramona Larsen is a community volunteer dedicated to making a difference. She
has been volunteering at the Seventh Day Adventist Clothing Center and Thrift
Store in Bemidji for more than 20 years and has given a huge number of hours of
service. Ramona has helped countless individuals stretch their dollars by
providing low-cost clothing, furniture, and appliances. The Clothing Center
also touches the lives of people around the world by shipping excess clothing
to foreign countries.
Beyenhof is WHA School’s “Be Inspiring”
nominee
The Pilot-Independent (MN), March 8,
2017
“Be Inspiring” is a campaign from the Working Together Coalition to recognize
those in our community who have had an inspiring, positive impact on our youth.
Whether it’s through volunteering or just being there, each nominee has done
their best to create a caring, friendly environment for all youth and we aim to
give them the recognition they deserve. This month we are happy to highlight
the work of Linda Beyenhof, a foster grandparent who volunteers in the
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School.
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