The Genesee County Youth Bureau will honor its AmeriCorps members during National AmeriCorps Week, March 10 – 18. This year’s theme is AmeriCorps Works.
All AmeriCorps programs are urged to use this opportunity to celebrate all of the great things that our members have accomplished, to encourage participation in national service and to thank our community partners for their support of the program.
AmeriCorps members agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a set time period. Members receive a modest living allowance while serving and upon completion of their commitment qualify for a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. The education award can be used to pay for college or graduate school or to repay qualified student loans.
The Youth Bureau received a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service to establish an AmeriCorps program beginning in October 2004. Since that time, 231 members have been placed at more than 60 host site locations performing a combined total of 170,900 hours of service and earning more than $453,000 in education awards.
Members serve at a variety of organizations in the Genesee County area. Sites include schools, community centers, libraries, county government departments and other human services agencies. Assignments fall under the categories of youth development/mentoring, volunteer recruitment and public safety/community outreach.
Members are celebrating AmeriCorps Week by writing articles about their experience, creating displays and coordinating service projects for youth volunteers.
Members have been able to explore career options, learn valuable skills, help finance their education and have the satisfaction of knowing that they have made a positive contribution to their community.
If you would like more information about serving in AmeriCorps or hosting a member at your agency, contact Kathy Frank at 344-3960 or kfrank@co.genesee.ny.us.
