National Service in the News for Tuesday, May 23, 2017 through Friday, May 26, 2017.
Blight eliminations is goal of AmeriCorps
members in Mid-Michigan
WJRT-TV (MI), May 24, 2017
A team of workers has arrived in Flint and will be helping with everything from
blight elimination to mentoring students with math problems. A house was an
eyesore with tall grass, trash and broken windows. Now the grass has been
mowed, the trash taken care of and the house boarded up, all thanks to
AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps is actually a perfect opportunity for people who
want to be able to travel the country and see where they live and also be able
to help communities while they do it," said Kaitlyn Blentlinger, an
AmeriCorps member.
Nourishing both body and brain
The Oskaloosa Herald (IA), May 25, 2017
With school out of session for the year, the summer lunch program is set to
continue to make sure area children have a good meal every day. The summer
lunch program provides a meal for children 18-years-old and younger throughout
the summer, Program Director Shayna Bruce said. There are 13 different sites
located throughout Oskaloosa, as well as in Beacon. Lunch is offered at most
sites; one site serves breakfast as well.
Local AmeriCorps member helps create campus
food pantry for students
KWQC-TV (IA), May 24, 2017
Western Illinois University-Quad Cities have teamed up with AmeriCorps VISTA,
to bring a campus food pantry for its students and staff. Courtesy of WIU Department
of Student Services. AmeriCorps is a network that connects thousands of
Americans to service programs. Local AmeriCorps member Dan Dankert funded a
food pantry for students at Western Illinois University- Quad Cities. He said
students and staff would no longer have to worry about their next meal. Dankert
said 38% of students face hunger and food insecurity at WIU.
The College Advising Corps Helps Students
Get Into College
The Nonprofit Quarterly, May 24, 2017
The College Advising Corps (CAC) helps low-income, first-generation college,
and otherwise underrepresented high school students prepare for and get into
college. Based in North Carolina, the national nonprofit and AmeriCorps grantee
resembles Teach for America in its ambitions and win-win design. When the
national student-to-adviser ratio is nearly 500:1, almost any school district
can benefit from the presence of CAC advisors. CAC recruits recent college
graduates to work as full-time college advisors for two-year stints in
high-need public high schools.
Chanting
greetings and writing raps: City Year Completes first year supporting Memphis
schools
The Commercial Appeal (TN), May 22, 2017
Every school day, at least four young adults in khaki pants and red flight
jackets stand at the entrance to Brownsville Elementary and belt out cheerful
greetings to students on their way into the building. "Hey! It’s you!
You’re here! That’s great, that’s awesome!" goes one of the chants, the
"you" sometimes replaced by the name of an approaching child, who
more often than not stops to give the greeters a hug or a high-five. The
enthusiasm — the kind only youthful, service-driven energy can provide — has
transformed Brownsville this year thanks to an AmeriCorps program called City
Year. Memphis is a new market for the program, which is wrapping up a pilot
year at Brownsville and Westside Achievement Middle, a state-run school in
Frayser.
Volunteer educators keep programs going
The Jackson Hole News & Guide (WY), May 24, 2017
AmeriCorps member Caitlin Davis had difficulty connecting with one of her
students at the Teton Literacy Center. She speaks English, and her student,
Spanish. The child was also a bit unfocused and unruly, and the two struggled
to establish a bond. The opportunity to change that came when Davis and another
teacher caught the boy talking passionately about a project he was working on.
They recorded him, and during the playback he really started to engage with the
teachers for the first time — a breakthrough for the student. It was also a
breakthrough for Davis, who spent five months working in Antarctica before
coming to Teton County to work as a volunteer for the Literacy Center.
Manitowoc students get hands dirty for Farm
to School
The Herald Times Reporter (WI), May 24, 2017
Shovels, worms and seeds are a recipe for dirty hands and great big smiles for
the third-grade students from Monroe Elementary. More than 70 students attended
the Farm to School spring celebration Tuesday with AmeriCorps members Amber
Daugs and Helena Stallings. The celebration took place at the Grow It Forward
Community Garden on South 14th Street in Manitowoc. "This is what today is
all about — dirty hands and a big ol' smile across their face," Stallings
said.
Clark County considers launching high
school devoted to recovering drug addicts
The Nevada Independent (NV), May 24, 2017
Surrounded by a chain-link fence, the building sports chipped, white paint and
drab landscaping and hardly exudes welcoming vibes. But Clark County School
District officials think a cosmetic makeover could transform this vacant, aging
building near Las Vegas Boulevard and Washington Avenue into a beacon of hope
for students overcoming drug addiction. The idea: Create a so-called recovery
high school that provides teens a support-filled, fresh start — away from
negative peer influences at their old schools who may impede their sobriety
efforts. “We’re at a turning point in society, where, (with) this group of kids
that we’re losing, we need to do more,” said Jeff Horn, an associate
superintendent within the district.
NCCC helps to conserve Southern Chester
County’s beauty
The Southern Chester County News (PA), May 25, 2017
An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team is serving with The
Land Conservancy (TLC) for Southern Chester County from May 15 to June 2. The
team is helping to preserve the natural beauty of Southern Chester County
through service on several preserves. The NCCC team of seven, Moose 6, from the
Atlantic Region campus of Baltimore is assisting with maintaining TLC’s vast
and varied preserves, including grooming trails, building bridges, removing
invasive species and tending native plants. The TLC staff members are helping
to teach team members applicable skills such as identification of regional
flora and fauna, planting and grooming techniques and trail restoration
procedures.
Downtown tour to show off Gary’s ‘good
bones’
The Post Tribune (IL), May 25, 2017
To no one's surprise, when four groups of 20 people each take a tour of
downtown Gary and its historic buildings Saturday, they're going to see quite a
bit of decay. Yet the people putting together Saturday's Gary Preservation
Tour, say they'd love it if the people making the trip to downtown Gary would
look at the structures as filled with potential future uses, not just debris
and blight. "This city has buildings with good bones," said Alex
Koerner, one of two AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers working with the Gary
Redevelopment Commission to organize the tours that will take people up and
down Broadway from Union Station at 2nd Avenue to the one-time Post Office
building at 600 Massachusetts St.
A New Home: Cape Cod sea turtles return to
ocean off Jekyll
The Brunswick News (GA), May 24, 2017
The white pickup truck rolled through the space in the dunes and down to the
beach just south of the Great Dunes Park pavilion on Jekyll Island, then turned
around and backed up, revealing a bed full of Chiquita banana boxes. In each
box was a Kemp’s Ridley turtle, at the end of a journey that began off the
coast of Massachusetts, and at the start of another about to commence in local
waters. There were 13 turtles total, all to be released into the Atlantic Ocean
at the beach on Jekyll Island.
AmeriCorps
recruits summer volunteers for youth camp
The Washburn Review (KS), May 23, 2017
A free K-5 summer day camp and meal program will be offered Monday through
Friday, June 12-30 at Forest Park with the support of one of Forest Park’s
AmeriCorps team. In conjunction with Harvesters and Unified School District
501, two full meals a day, an afternoon snack, and a “Back Snack” food kit for
the weekends will be offered for the entirety of the three week camp. The camp
will accommodate around 100 campers-- which creates a great need for
volunteers. AmeriCorps members, Julie Engle and Nicole Fogg have been
recruiting individuals and groups around the Topeka community to help with this
initiative.
Belleville AmeriCorps hiring volunteers of
all ages
The Telegraph (IL), May 25, 2017
Belleville AmeriCorps at Southwestern Illinois College is looking to fill
numerous paid volunteer positions. This nonprofit organization is looking for
school tutors to serve students in Belleville Public School Districts 118 and
175. Applications for fall 2017 are due June 6. Belleville AmeriCorps member
Cheryl Cronin notes, “I serve because I have, in my lifetime, been on the
receiving side of service and it is important to give back. The more you give,
the more you receive. When I’m tutoring kids and I see that light bulb go on,
it is the best feeling in the world.”
Tremont Institute receives grant for solar
eclipse education program
The Knoxville Daily Sun (TN), May 23, 2017
Tremont Institute has received a $7,000 grant from the First Tennessee
Foundation. The grant will be used to give underserved high school students and
opportunity to participate in a Solar Eclipse Education Program. Tremont
Institute will provide the students with the chance to experience the solar
eclipse while living and learning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Students will also have the ability to use their new knowledge to educate and serve
park visitors from around the country during the eclipse.
ZipWall Helps Homeowners Recover Faster in
Floods Midwest
American Painting Contractor, May 25, 2017
Homeowners in flooded areas of Missouri will soon be using the ZipWall® Dust
Barrier System during drying and restoration of affected areas. Record flooding in Missouri has resulted in
millions of dollars in damage. As flood waters recede, Missouri residents are
grappling with the aftermath. To help
families get back on their feet, ZipWall has donated 100 10-foot dust-barrier
poles, 40 zippers, 20 carry bags and 24 ZipDoor® kits to AmeriCorps in Missouri.
ZipWall poles, when used with polyethylene sheets, quickly create temporary
walls that allow contractors to section off a part of a room or part of a
house. The isolated area can then be dried, repaired and renovated without
affecting other parts of the residence, allowing families to remain in their
homes.
AmeriCorps
spruces up beach
The Daily Mining Gazette (MI), May 22, 2017
Whether they’re on the swings, playing volleyball or walking along the water,
people who come to Hancock Beach this summer should notice a better beach. Superior
AmeriCorps members and others from the community participated in a cleanup of
the beach Saturday morning and afternoon. This was one of six Signature Service
projects taken on by AmeriCorps throughout the state, and the only one in the
U.P. In 17 years, this is the first such project done in the Copper Country.
Idaho
Servant Adventures is back at it
The Shoshone News Press (ID), May 25, 2017
Shoshone Mountain Retreat, part of Lutherhaven Ministries, is welcoming
AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Team Silver 5 this summer
to the Silver Valley to support the camp’s Idaho Servant Adventures. The ten
AmeriCorps members arrive May 25 and come from around the nation. They’ll wrap
up their ten-month commitment to NCCC here. The AmeriCorps NCCC Team is using
Shoshone Mountain Retreat, located up Coeur d’Alene River Road, as their base for
seven weeks, assisting Idaho Servant Adventure’s goal to offer simple,
significant service and repair opportunities to the people, organizations and
communities of the Silver Valley.
Young volunteers enjoy trailblazing in
Starksboro
The Sun (VT), May 23, 2017
Spring is a busy time for young volunteers of the AmeriCorps’ National
Civilian Community Corps. A team of
young people is serving with the staff of the Common Ground Center in
Starksboro through June 2. The team members, calling themselves “Moose 2,” are
performing work to make the CGC’s nature trails more accessible this summer and
autumn. “The NCCC team of eight from the Atlantic Region campus are in
Starksboro increasing accessibility and performing erosion control on three
major trails, as well as some indoor work, such as painting rooms and building
furniture,” said Corps spokeswoman Casey Godfrey.
2017
AmeriCorps members are saluted by City Year New Orleans
The Times Picayune (LA), May 24, 2017
City Year New Orleans recently bid farewell to the 2017 AmeriCorps members who
served over 73,000 hours tutoring and mentoring students at-risk of falling
behind in five FirstLine schools in New Orleans. Forty-three college graduates
who led service projects throughout the community for the past 11 months and
supported teachers in the classroom were honored at a special ceremony on
Tuesday, May 9, at Parkview Terrace in City Park. A few weeks prior to the ceremony, they made
a special presentation at City Year's School House Rock Gala. The gala took
place at Messina's at the Terminal. The graduates will go into different paths
now but the lessons learned this past year will stay with them forever, some
said. This year, 45 City Year New Orleans AmeriCorps members serve in five
FirstLine Schools.
How to build affordable housing affordably
North Bay Business Journal (CA), May 25, 2017
Sonoma County is the 10th most expensive county in the nation to live in, but
one solution to the affordable-housing crisis might be a
public-private-nonprofit effort, according to a nonprofit builder. Since 1984,
Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County has built 22 homes in Healdsburg, Santa
Rosa, Cotati and Sebastopol deed-restricted as affordable dwellings. Occupants
of these homes include mechanics, teachers, janitors, National Guardsmen,
skilled tradespeople, sales and retail trade managers, accounts-receivables
clerks, veterinary technicians, counselors and plumbers, according to Tamara
Stanley, CEO. The local affiliate has 22 homes in the pipeline to build
currently.
Power to the people
The Chico News & Review (CA), May 25, 2017
In just over eight months, Bryce Goldstein has become a familiar face in Chico.
She’s one of 68 CivicSpark fellows placed by AmeriCorps across California; after
graduating from Humboldt State, Goldstein came in September to help coordinate
the city’s climate-action endeavors. While much of her work is
administrative—analyzing data, setting up websites, conferring with local green
groups—she’s championed sustainability to thousands of passersby at farmers’
market events downtown.
Jarret named AmeriCorps VISTA participant
of the year
The Journal Times (WI), May 23, 2017
Alicia Jarrett, a UW-Parkside AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)
alumna, was selected to receive the 2017 Governor’s Service Recognition
AmeriCorps VISTA Participant of the Year award. This award honors a VISTA
member who made significant contributions to Wisconsin through efforts to fight
poverty. Jarrett will be honored at the Governor’s Service Recognition Event at
the Botanical Gardens in Madison on June 8.
Lt.
Governor Cagle Joins AT&T Georgia President for Albany College and Career
Academy Opening
Middle Georgia CEO, May 23, 2017
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle joined AT&T Georgia President Bill Leahy at
Commodore Conyers College and Career Academy to take part in a ribbon cutting ceremony
and check presentation. “Commodore Conyers exemplifies how College and Career
Academies function as the center of the community,” said Lt. Governor Cagle.
“They are using their resources to address the specific educational needs of
Southwest Georgia – these new developments show their commitment to their
students now and in the future. I want to thank AT&T for recognizing the
value in these kinds of investments and being a great example of what it truly
means to be partners in education.”
Flood damage across Missouri
KY3-TV (MO), May 25, 2017
For many families, volunteers, and communities throughout the state, April 28th
seems like it was yesterday. It was then that a strong storm system brought
multiple rounds of thunderstorms and torrential rain to much of Missouri,
leading to deadly and historic flooding. At least 12 rivers and major creeks
crested at all-time high flood levels (in some cases several feet higher than
previous records); rainfall totals reached 10 to 12 inches within several hours
in some places; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration determined
parts of Howell and Texas counties received “once-in-a-millennium” rainfall
totals. Other areas received once-in-500-year rainfall totals. In addition,
there were four tornadoes on April 29.
City pool to open Saturday
The Commercial News (IL), May 23, 2017
With fewer public works auxiliary workers to help get the Garfield Park
Swimming Pool ready to open this year, it helped to have an AmeriCorps group in
town. The nine-member AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps team helped
Habitat for Humanity of Danville, but pitched in on some other projects such as
painting the city swimming pool. Danville Recreation Manager Cindy Parson said
the AmeriCorps members were a big help. City officials might look to apply to
have a group help with city projects in the future. Last-minute preparations
are occurring this week for the city pool to open on Saturday.
Lamas honored for distinguished service
The Daily Globe (MN), May 25, 2017
A financial literacy specialist with the University of Minnesota Extension
Service in Nobles County has been honored as one of four recipients of the 2017
Dean’s Distinguished Award. Jose Lamas accepted the award honoring an
off-campus program staff member last week from U of M Extension Dean Bev
Durgan. Other awards were presented to the distinguished program coordinator,
distinguished nutrition educator and on-campus program staff member.
Carroll County RSVP in Need of Volunteer
Drivers for Medical Trips
The Conway Daily Sun (NH), May 25, 2017
Carroll County Senior Volunteer Program is in need of volunteer drivers aged 55
and older to help senior residents get to their medical appointments, notes
Executive Director Mary Carey Seavey. "Many people in our community do not
own cars. These same people are often elderly, on fixed incomes and need to see
their doctor on a regular basis," said Seavey, who is also a Conway
selectman. "If you can spare a few hours a day, week or even month, you
can help. If you have a safe running vehicle with working lights, brakes and
horn, a good driving record and the desire to be of assistance to others, this
is for you. Clients can enter and exit the vehicle on their own and you receive
mileage reimbursement."
A yellow dot on your rear windshield could
be a lifesaver
The Times Daily (AL), May 24, 2017
A large yellow dot on the driver's side of the rear windshield of a vehicle
might be meaningless to most people, but to first responders, it's an important
sign. Through the Yellow Dot program, emergency personnel responding to a motor
vehicle crash or an unresponsive person in a vehicle know there is important
personal information about the victim in a packet in the vehicle's glove
compartment. The program is promoted in the Shoals by local Retired Senior
Volunteer Program directors like Peggy Wallace in Lauderdale County, by local
sheriff's and police departments.
Elementary
students meet their pen pals
The Washington Times Herald (IN), May 22, 2017
Nearly 100 Washington Catholic third, fourth and fifth graders filled the
community building in Eastside Park Monday morning patiently waiting to meet
their pen pals, volunteers with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, better
known as RSVP. Started seven years ago by RSVP as a way to improve written
communication and literacy skills, Lisa Coquillard, RSVP program coordinator,
said over 500 children have written letters to pen pals over the years. “The
first year, we had 54 students participate and this year we had 96,” said
Coquillard.
Airport disaster drill successes
The Missoulian (MT), May 24, 2017
RSVP volunteers from Missoula Aging Services' Senior Corps served during the
airport disaster drill. It was a live drill for all emergency response teams.
Volunteers secured the entrance to the airport, were safety monitors and
victims at the incident. RSVP Task Force members were available to handle all
last-minute needs of the drill. RSVP volunteer victims joined 60 seventh- and
eighth-grade students from Hellgate Elementary.
Senior Volunteers honored this month
WIMS-AM (IN), M17, 24, 2017
About 240-thousand volunteers age 55 and older are being honored this month by
the Corporation for National and Community Service including some in Indiana.
And the program is looking for more recruits, even as its future is uncertain.
The agency runs AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs that, in the last
quarter-century, have placed more than a million people in positions to help
others. This month, retirees in the Senior Corps program are being honored.
Spokesperson Samantha Warfield says they help teach children to read, serve as
foster grandparents and act as companions for other seniors who need help
living independently.
Seniors
give back to their communities
The Post Independent (CO), May 23, 2017
Did you know that there is a national Senior Corps Organization (High Country
RSVP) right here in Glenwood Springs that serves all of Garfield county? Senior
Corps, under the Corporation for National and Community Service, works in
countless ways to make communities stronger. Throughout the country, Foster
Grandparents are mentoring and tutoring students, Senior Companions are helping
frail elderly remain in their own homes, and RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer
Program) provides much-needed services, such as disaster relief, caring for the
environment, supporting veterans and military families, stocking shelves at
local food banks and libraries, Medicare counseling, and providing tax
preparation services to low-income and elderly individuals.
A fresh new look for San Clemente beach
trail bridge
The OC Register (CA), May 24, 2017
The reason you couldn’t walk, jog or bicycle the San Clemente beach trail’s
elevated walkway around Mariposa Point on Tuesday, May 23, was because workers
there were having a blast. They spent the whole day blasting away deeply
ingrained rust from the railings of the bridge, applying crushed bottle glass
mixed with water, under high pressure. Then they applied primer paint to the
cleaned-up sections.
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