November 2025
In recognition of Veterans Day, we’re proud to spotlight WSC member, Cherish Hinckle, who is currently serving a second term at WorkSource Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).
WorkSource JBLM plays a vital role in supporting transitioning military members and their families through an integrated partnership and wrap-around services model. As a Technology & Resource Navigator, Cherish provides individualized computer and technology assistance to job seekers, as well as leading targeted outreach efforts to military families - hosting town halls, newcomer orientations, and military spouse network meetings that raise awareness and connect the community to valuable services and resources.
Reflecting on the impact of their service, Cherish shared:
“Serving at WorkSource JBLM has been a wonderful experience so far. I came in having some insight as to what to expect from a previous AmeriCorps member with JBLM. She was spot-on. They collaborate well, are uplifting people, and that is impacting my daily life tremendously.
Each day, I am helping soldiers and their families in the Resource Room with and their WorkSourceWA accounts and guide them to resources they may need specifically. I help them understand the different tabs, sign up for events, upload resumes and cover letters, and navigate the website more efficiently. I am also doing events here at the Hawks Center a couple times each month on my own now. Taking on this responsibility solo speaks volumes to me and my character, especially that the team has put their trust in me. Soldiers are usually taking a TAP (transition assistance program) class and then coming to this event. I tell them about the services we offer, and they sign up to meet with a Career Specialist to get a better footing transitioning into civilian life. I must say this is an office that holds more events than I have ever seen. They do events all month long and that really contributes to the success of soldiers and their transition.
I have so much fulfillment in this [position] knowing I am contributing to the career goals of our military families.”
December Lunch & Learn
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Site staff, join us on December 3 at 11:30 a.m. for our next Lunch & Learn where we'll dive into alternative service and how you can help your member utilize it in planning for site closures around the holidays or accumulating additional service hours if they get behind.
December 3 11:30 a.m. | Join here
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Members, if you missed any of the sessions from last week's annual member training event, please look for them to be posted in TalentLMS by November 14. We'll notify you when they're available.
Completion of these trainings is required for all WSC and WRC members, including those who served in 2024-25.
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 First Quarter Member Reflection
Members, your first quarterly story of service is due by December 15 (log in to TimeTracker to submit your story). We're looking forward to hearing about what you've been doing in your AmeriCorps position, and how your service experience has impacted you so far. Check out our tip sheet for ideas on what to include in your story - and don't forget to include a pic of yourself at your service site!
Quarterly Project Reports Due Dec 15
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Site staff, first quarter project performance reports will be due by December 15. We'll notify you (or your designated reporter) via email when the online form in America Learns is available (first week of December).
If you have any questions about preparing for your first report, please reach out to your WSC Coordinator or our performance measurement analyst, Robert Brader.
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 Member Assistance Program
Did you know that WSC/WRC members and their household members have access to free, confidential mental health benefits through the Member Assistance Program (MAP)?
Provided by AllOne Health, MAP offers a wide range of resources at no cost, including:
- webinars, podcasts and educational tools
- phone, webchat and in-person counseling
- support for stress management, service-life balance, legal issues, financial planning, and more.
Counselors are available 24/7 by phone for immediate support during a crisis or whenever you need to talk.
For more information, visit our Member Resources page for MAP contact info and additional details.
As we approach that busy time of year where most places of business have certain days that their offices are closed, here are a few reminders.
Members aren't required to serve on federal holidays, except for MLK Day in January, as that is a national day of service. It is best practice for sites to inform their members at or before orientation about the federal holidays the site observes during the year. If you have not had this conversation yet, now is a great time to do this. Reach out to your WSC Coordinator if you have questions.
WRC members, you are in a unique situation as schools generally take more time off than other service sites. Between half-day conferences, fall break, mid-winter break and teacher work days, please make sure you are working with your site staff to ensure you have service activities for the non-federal holiday school closures. You need to accrue hours during extended school closures to make sure you'll obtain the required minimum total hours for your term, and also avoid administrative hold. Ex: A school closes for winter break from December 22 - January 2; within that period are two federal holidays (December 25 and January 1) that the member may be eligible to take off if their site will be closed. Members are not permitted to take the entire break off from service unless prior approval from WSC finds admin hold is appropriate for a member's unique situation.
The policies below, as well as section VII in the WSC Member Service Agreement, are great resources to review in planning ahead:
Policy 120: Managing Member Hours
Policy 122: Managing Alternative Service
Policy 123: Managing Member Leave
Policy 125: Managing Member Teleservice
It’s never too soon to start thinking about what you’ll do when your service term ends. Some suggestions for the first 1 – 3 months of your term include:
- familiarizing yourself with all your member benefits (including three life coaching sessions through the Member Assistance Program)
- researching options for future schooling and financial aid
- using some of the resources for career exploration through CareerOneStop.org
- making a plan to increase your skills in areas specific to your career interests via LinkedInLearning (access for free with your Washington State Library card).
Access our complete Life After AmeriCorps checklist on our website (please note: some links may be temporarily down due to the government shutdown and updates to the national AmeriCorps website).
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