National Service in the News for Saturday, May 27, 2017 through Tuesday, May 30, 2017.
AmeriCorps
will help central Wisconsin Nature Foundation
The Wisconsin Rapids City Times (WI), May 27, 2017
An AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team of seven young men
and women from across the country will be serving with The Central Wisconsin
Nature Foundation (CWNF) from May 29 – June 29, 2017. The team will be [helping
improve the trails, beach and general infrastructure of the CWNF property
located on County Z, Town of Rome, Adams County (known as Twin Lakes
Park). They will also help some other
community organizations with some small projects. The AmeriCorps NCCC team from
the North Central Region campus of Vinton, Iowa are committed to helping
government and non-profit agencies in various community improvement activities
and disaster relief. Through their
service, AmeriCorps NCCC members will be helping improve the property of the
CWNF for greater use by the public for hiking, beachcombing, wildlife viewing,
and other nature-related recreational activities.
AmeriCorps
National Service Programs Seeks Michigan Volunteers
Press Release, May 30, 2017
Across Michigan, more than 1,400 volunteers with the AmeriCorps national
service program are dedicating a year of their lives to building stronger
communities, and one organization is looking for more to join their ranks. The
Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, or "CEDAM,"
runs two AmeriCorps programs with an emphasis on financial awareness and
eliminating poverty. Director of national service programs Rachel Diskin says
the volunteers, who receive a modest living stipend along with an educational
credit, are getting hands-on experience and changing lives at sites across the
state.
Full
time AmeriCorps positions available
The Daily Mail (NY), May 30, 2017
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that
connects more than 75,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our
country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the
environment. Members will serve at Community Dispute Resolution Centers
(CDRCs), grassroots community organizations that provide free and low cost
mediation and conflict resolution services to their communities; strengthen
partnerships between their host CDRC and local schools by building
relationships with school administrators, teachers, staff, and students;
provide case management services as well as a variety of conflict resolution
services including mediation, restorative practices, conflict coaching, and
conflict management training.
Apples
and blueberries for all: Edible landscaping debuts in Fairview Park
The Alaska News Dispatch (AK), May 29, 2017
A small urban park in Fairview has a new garden and once the plants are grown,
the city wants you to pick them. Fairview Park, tucked into the urban core of
the neighborhood it's named after, is undergoing a revitalization that includes
replacing tennis courts, adding art and developing a small garden plot and
fruit trees described as "edible landscaping" by park planners. The
small garden was planted Saturday and includes several rows of strawberry,
rhubarb and blueberry plants. Raspberry and currant bushes line the edges of
the plot and a half-dozen apple trees are planted inside the park.
Community
partners continue work to challenge Oceana’s culture
The Shoreline Daily News (MI), May 26, 2017
With 30 percent of Oceana children under 18 years old living in poverty and
only one in five of high school students successfully completing a college
degree or technical credential, local partners are continuing to develop new
programs to positively impact student outcomes. To help confront Oceana’s
education challenges and to overcome poverty barriers, the Community Foundation
for Oceana County is partnering with Community Economic Development Association
of Michigan to continue to host an AmeriCorps position to Oceana County. AmeriCorps
places thousands of Americans into intensive service positions at non-profits
where they learn valuable work skills, earn money for education, and develop an
appreciation for citizenship.
Feature
Photo: Kids in Motion
The Billings Gazette (MT), May 27, 2017
Liam Rehklau practices putting air in his bike tire with the help of Kids in
Motion volunteer Bridger Lamb, center, and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Sara
Channell at the Billings Public Library on Saturday, May 27, 2017. Kids in
Motion partners with Billings Public Schools and St. Vincent Healthcare to
bring bike safety and training classes to both Billings Public Schools about
eight times a year and to the Billings community as a whole at least two times
a year. "We focus on teaching kids how to understand their bicycles,"
said Channell.
Spring
semester success for STREAM students
The Inter-Mountain (WV), May 27, 2017
The Kump Education Center STREAM mentoring program offers academic coaching to
boost performance in the STEM subjects at North Elementary and Elkins Middle
schools. If you add Reading and Art to Science, Technology, Engineering and
Math, you get the word STREAM. KEC academic coaches are members of Education
Alliance AmeriCorps on the Frontline, and they love to work with youngsters who
are reaching for success in school. Jeanne Johnson developed her profound
talent for making learning fun as an elementary school teacher in Virginia. Now
she is in her second year of STREAM coaching, and she has brought many new
opportunities to all STREAM students. They started with NASA robots in January,
they learned to play lap dulcimers in March, and made “lava lamps” with oil and
water in May.
Spiritually
Speaking: Offering a leg up on the ladder to a resilient life
The Eden Prairie News (MN), May 27, 2017
How do today’s millennials prepare for a resilient life? David Brooks wrote a
marvelous column recently on the value of “thick” organizations. In “How to
Leave a Mark on People,” he described an institution that “becomes part of a
person’s identity and engages the whole person: head, hands, heart and soul.” Thick
organizations, he wrote, “take advantage of people’s desire to do good and
arouse their higher longings.” Brooks offered examples of organizations that
leave a mark on people when they’re just coming to maturity, like a special
summer camp, a sports team that performs at a high level, or an organization
like the Marines, which have shared traditions, a common ideal,
and a no-frills environment where people get to know each other at close
quarters.
Senator
Duckworth Discusses College Accessibility with AmeriCorps members in Chicago
Press Release, May 26, 2017
Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with AmeriCorps members from
College Possible – a program designed to prepare students from underserved
communities for college – to discuss her efforts to promote national service
and make higher education more accessible for all Americans. Duckworth also announced
over $15 million in grant funding from the Corporation for National and
Community Service (CNCS) to support Illinois AmeriCorps members. “Expanding
opportunities for higher education and national service is vital to our economy
and our global competitiveness,” said Duckworth. “It was great to learn more
about the work of College Possible corps members today and I look forward to
continuing my work in the Senate to help make higher education a reality for every
American.”
WHS
Senior Moretz to serve with AmeriCorps
The Watauga Democrat (NC), May 30, 2017
Upon graduation from Watauga High School, senior Julia Moretz plans to take a
year to serve with one of AmeriCorps’ many programs, called City Year. Prospective
participants must submit an application, select a few cities they are
interested in working in and then go through a interview. After a month of
waiting, Moretz got a call and was told she got accepted to the Jacksonville,
Fla., location. She will be moving this July by herself to embark on a year of
service with youth. Her job will be going into one of the public schools from
early in the morning until late at night to help students succeed in school and
help encourage them throughout the school day.
Springfield
preschoolers get stacks of books to stock home libraries; project aimed at
building better readers
The Republican (MA), May 30, 2017
Build a home library and children will read. That's the premise of a $6 million
funded book giveaway program aimed at promoting early literacy for 17,000 high-needs
children nationwide. Over the past couple of weeks, approximately 450
Springfield preschoolers have each received a set of 20 books -- ranging from
beloved classics like "The Runaway Bunny" by Margaret Wise Brown to
new titles like "Thunder Boy" by Sherman Alexie -- to help them build
home libraries and enhance their reading skills.
AmeriCorps
members sought for Energy Express program
The Fayette Tribune (WV), May 29, 2017
The Fayette County Energy Express program seeks AmeriCorps members to help
children through its summer reading and nutrition program. Applications are
being accepted until June 1 for summer positions in a unique program
administered by the West Virginia University Extension Service and AmeriCorps
that helps children maintain and improve their reading skills. AmeriCorps
positions are available for mentors and community coordinators. “Energy Express
brings opportunities for enrichment, growth — and just as important — a little
fun for children who might not otherwise have access to these resources,” said
John Lyonett, WVU Extension Service 4-H Energy Express interim director.
Food
pantry helps WIU-QC students
The Dispatch Argus (IL), May 22, 2017
The green grocery bag was neatly packed with cans and boxes -- about 15 or 16
pounds of food all together. There was
cereal, cans of soup and pears. Dan Dankert, AmeriCorps VISTA, pulled out a
box. "Mac and cheese," he said. "One of the most popular
items." The bag was a sample of what a household of one to three people
will receive if it comes to the food pantry at the riverfront campus of Western
Illinois University-Quad Cities, Mr. Dankert said. The pantry was created to
help WIU students who may have trouble getting enough to eat, he said. Before establishing the pantry, WIU surveyed
about 115 of the roughly 1,300 students at the campus on Moline's River Drive,
according to Mr. Dankert and Audrey Adamson, assistant director of student
services.
Boys
and Girls Club of Greenwich Holds First Generation College Fair
The Greenwich Free Press (CT), May 28, 2017
For many high school students, applying to colleges can be daunting. For a high
school student who plans to be the first member of their family to attend
college, the process is all the more intimidating. To help first generation
college students succeed, the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich held its second
annual college fair on Tuesday night. The fair started with an opening general
session, with a welcome from Executive Director Bobby Walker Jr. There was also
an introductory panel by several college preparatory programs to explain topics
like the college application process, standardized testing preparation, and
financial aid.
Energy
Express returns to Hancock County
The Review (WV), May 29, 2017
Energy Express is returning to Hancock County for the ninth year. The program
will begin June 19 with up to 40 students participating at A.T. Allison
Elementary School in Chester and another 48 students participating at Weirton
Elementary School. Originally created to combat the “summer slide” (the tendency
for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the
previous school year), organizers say Energy Express does far more. According
to John Lyonett, interim director of the program, students show an average of
two to four months of academic growth after participating.
Explore
the WV Potomac Highlands
The State Journal (WV), May 29, 2017
Eastern West Virginia and Technical College and the Appalachian Forest Heritage
Area recently announced Ethan Serr has been selected as the new AmeriCorps
member regional tourism coordinator for the Potomac Highlands.
Lake
County groups offering training for grandparents to fight drug abuse
The News Herald (OH), May 22, 2017
The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board and
the Lake County Opiate Task Force are offering two free training programs
designed to make grandparents more aware of strategies they can use to help
their grandchildren steer clear of drug abuse and addiction. The trainings are
offered with the support of Lake County’s Retired Senior Volunteer
Program. ADAMHS Executive Director Kim
Fraser says the presentations are tailored specifically to help arm
grandparents with information and tools to help keep their grandchildren safe.
From
Marine to Grandparent, Roddy Teaches Valuable Lesson of Self-Esteem
The Denver Post (CO), May 22, 2017
Listening to Paula “Roddy” Godown recount the story of a student who realized
he had the ability to overcome perceived limitations is as attention-grabbing
as it is inspiring. The student, who quickly exceled among his classmates, is
but one of the many success stories Roddy tells of during her time as a Foster
Grandparent. “It really warms your heart when you know you helped a child
understand something and that he can get excited about education,” Roddy said.
“It’s just so exciting because they get excited.” Roddy is one of more than 140
Foster Grandparents in Denver, Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. The Foster
Grandparent Program at Volunteers of America Colorado matches low income
seniors who are over 55 with students at early learning centers, head start
programs, elementary schools and Boys and Girls Clubs.
Cecilia
Abbott’s visit may bolster local nonprofits
The Standard Times (TX), May 28, 2017
he first lady of Texas’ recent visit to San Angelo has given a couple of local
nonprofits new hope for the future. Cecilia Abbott, wife of Gov. Greg Abbott,
last week met with leaders and volunteers from the Children's Advocacy Center
and West Texas Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Nonprofit leaders hope her
visit will provide publicity for their programs and boost financial support
from the community. "The first lady of Texas coming to visit us is a big
deal for San Angelo because we are not just a major interstate city," said
James Skinner, board president of the Children's Advocacy Center. "You
have got to mean to come here to be here, and it really brings light to the
phenomenal organization that we have in this community."
Oakland
secures funding to extend senior programs
The East Bay Times (CA), May 25, 2017
As the budgeting process for the next two years gets underway at City Hall, the
City Council is fielding requests to ensure that services for seniors do not
fall between the cracks. More than 20 percent of Oakland residents 65 or older
live alone, and more than 30 percent of those 50 or older live below the
poverty level, according to a staff report. At its meeting Tuesday, the
council’s life enrichment committee endorsed four programs to continue
providing seniors in-home care and support. “We need to do this, of course.
It’s very important,” council member Dan Kalb said afterward.
Foster
Grandparent program celebrates 50 years
The Cape Gazette (DE), May 30, 2017
Hundreds of volunteers, family members, and others involved in Delaware's
Foster Grandparent Program gathered May 19 at Dover Downs Hotel &
Conference Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program in the
state. Since 1967, hundreds of Delawareans 55 and older have been meeting
one-on-one and with groups of children in day-care centers, Head Starts,
schools and early learning centers, and via programs at specialized facilities.
These seniors have mentored and tutored an estimated 70,000 children with
special or exceptional needs in Delaware during that time through the
nationally recognized Foster Grandparent Program.
Tazwell
County honors senior volunteers
The Bland County Messenger (VA), May 25, 2017
County officials lauded the efforts of 228 volunteers during Clinch Valley
Community Action’s annual luncheon for its RSVP and Senior Companion programs
May 24. David Anderson, commissioner of the revenue for the county was the
keynote speaker. Anderson praised the volunteers for 82,294 hours of service that
was valued at $2,218,646.24. He said the volunteers were worthy of honor for
their dedication to community service. Anderson also made the group aware of
services his office has available for senior citizens. They offer tax relief
for the elderly and also for veterans. They also offer assistance in preparing
state taxes and works with Clinch Valley on federal tax preparation.
Office
for Aging honors volunteers
Recent News (NY), May 29, 2017
Office for the Aging in Madison County recognized hundreds of volunteers during
Senior Corps Week, May 15-19. Seniors 55 and older have several opportunities
through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. RSVP volunteers donate numerous
hours each week helping out in local food pantries, mentoring children, working
in local libraries, driving seniors to medical appointments, and volunteering with
veterans in Madison County. Bone Builders is a long standing RSVP sponsored
program. Every week volunteers and participants meet and participate in
exercise programs geared towards maintaining bone health in senior citizens.
Bone Builders has grown over the years to include a total of 146 Madison County
residents who are participants as well as volunteers.
County
receives grant to help with housing data
The Pantagraph (IL), May 26, 2017
McLean County was one of four counties in the country to receive a Corporation
for Supportive Housing grant to gather data to improve housing for mentally ill
residents involved in the criminal justice system. The $200,000 grant was
awarded Thursday at the CSH annual summit in Denver. The technical assistance
grant will be used to gather information about residents with unmet housing and
treatment needs when they are released from incarceration. In a statement
issued Thursday, McLean County Board Chairman John McIntyre said the money
"will allow us to use data to ensure that supportive housing is targeted
to those who are most in need and to improve outcomes for individuals that
cycle between multiple systems of crisis care, including our homeless shelters,
emergency rooms, and the criminal justice system."
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