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Americorps

RSVP volunteers and AmeriCorps members honor 9/11 victims and first responders with donations for local food pantries

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo, information from a press release:

Today members of Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs spent the day sorting donated nonperishable food items that they will deliver to three local food pantries.

This was part of a coordinated a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11.

The donated food items were collected at RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices. 

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611. 

RSVP and AmeriCorps collecting non-perishable food items until Aug. 31 for needy to honor 9/11 victims and responders

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs are coordinating a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11. Non-perishable food items will be collected from Aug. 14 – 31 at the following RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices: 

  • Genesee County Office for the Aging & Youth Bureau, 2 Bank St., Batavia;
  • Genesee County Building I, 15 Main St., Batavia (3rd Floor near elevator);
  • Genesee County Building II, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia;
  • Catholic Charities, 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia;
  • Gillam-Grant Community Center, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen;
  • Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia.

All donations will be delivered to local food pantries during the week of 9/11. 

For more information, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611 or Kathy Frank (AmeriCorps) at 585-344-3960.

AmeriCorps in GLOW region endangered by possible cuts in federal spending

By Howard B. Owens

This could be the last year for AmeriCorps in Genesee County.

As part of a budget proposal from President Donald Trump, funding for AmeriCorps, founded in 1994 and a part of the Corporation for National and Community Service, would be cut after 2017-18.

Jocelyn Sikorski, director of the Youth Bureau, shared her concerns about the future of the program with members of the County Legislature yesterday during the Human Services Committee meeting.

AmeriCorps, under the direction of Genesee County, provides a variety of services to nonprofit and government agencies throughout the GLOW region. Participants, usually teens, earn a living allowance and up to $5,800  for college -- paid directly to the college. Retirees can also serve and bank their college awards for their grandchildren to use anytime within seven years.

"That's significant if you're a college student you're only going to a local college," Sikorski said. "That might cover almost a semester. So it's significant money when you look at what they get for an education from their work."

A concern for supporters of AmeriCorps is that members of the majority party in both the Senate and House have long wanted to eliminate funding for the program, so while Trump's budget is just merely a proposal, cuts for such programs may gain support from congressional members.

The share of the budget for CNCS, a total of $1 billion, which also supports the senior program RSVP, is less than 3/10ths of a percent of the entire federal budget.

We requested a statement from the office of Rep. Chris Collins on the proposed cut this afternoon but have not yet received a response.

More than 80,000 people participate in AmeriCorps each year, including 35 in the GLOW region.  

AmeriCorp members mentor students, support veterans and military families, work in parts and on community projects. They also organize part-time volunteers for programs and projects.

According to a Columbia University Study, each dollar invested in community service programs, such as AmericCorps, returns $4 in benefits. 

The CNCS also raised $1.26 billion in private contributions to help supplement federal funding.

UPDATE 6:35 p.m.: We received the following statement from the office of Rep. Chris Collins:

“The budget proposal released by President Trump expands upon the priorities he previously released back in March. This proposal shows the President is committed to balancing the federal budget over 10 years, shrinking government and cutting tax rates to get our economy growing.  Balancing the federal budget is an important goal and I commend the President for making this a priority. Additionally, this budget protects a commitment President Trump made to rebuild our military and I appreciate him taking the necessary steps to make sure we are keeping America safe.

“As I said before, Congress will have vital say in this budget process and my top priority is always about fighting for my constituents. I am committed to protecting programs like NIH funding, Community Block Grants, Meals on Wheels, Great Lakes funding, among others, that play an important role in strengthening our community. We will take a careful look at all programs to make sure taxpayers are getting an appropriate bang for their buck.

“As we focus on creating jobs, reducing the national debt, and keeping Americans safe, it is clear that difficult decisions will need to be made. Ultimately, it is up to Congress to make these funding decisions. My constituents know that I will continue fighting for their best interests above all else.”

Volunteers turn out for MLK Day of Service at Senior Center

By Howard B. Owens

In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, groups all over are engaging in MLK Day of Service activities, and in Batavia, Americorps and Zonta Club of Batavia came together in the Senior Center this morning to work on a couple of charitable projects.

Volunteers created birthing kits to be shipped to women in Africa and they created book bundles to give to needy children.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for host site agencies, get details Wednesday morning at Senior Center

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been notified that our AmeriCorps application has been approved for another year of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

As a result of this good news, we have begun planning for year 13 of our program, which will start on Oct. 1. As part of this process, nonprofit and government agencies are invited to attend an information session to receive details about AmeriCorps.

Presentations are being held at the Hoag Library in Albion on July 25, the Wyoming County Agriculture and Business Center in Warsaw on July 26 and the Genesee County Senior Center, located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia, from 10 a.m. to noon on Wedensday, July 27.

Organizations have utilized AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these focus areas: healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education and agency capacity building. Host sites complete a proposal that outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of your agency. 

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by Aug. 19. Member recruitment and selection will begin after that date. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us for more details about the information sessions or to discuss options for your organization.

GC Youth Bureau to honor AmeriCorps members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will honor its AmeriCorps members during National AmeriCorps Week, March 5 – 12. All AmeriCorps programs are urged to use this opportunity to celebrate 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, who must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen, 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 357 members have been placed at more than 70 host site locations performing a combined total of 258,400 hours of service and earning over $711,000 in education awards.

Members serve at a variety of organizations in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties. Sites include schools, community centers, libraries, county government departments and other human services agencies. Assignments fall under the categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education, environmental stewardship and capacity building.

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 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has begun planning for year 11 of our AmeriCorps program, which starts Oct. 1. Agencies in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties use AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments vary by site but all fall under the general categories of healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth, environmental stewardship education for youth and adults and capacity building through volunteer recruitment and expanded use of technology.

Members serve at a variety of non-profit agencies. Organizations currently looking for members are the Le Roy Christian Community Project, Jackson Elementary School, Orleans County Cooperative Extension, Gillam-Grant Community Center, Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council, Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern and the Batavia Youth Center. Sites are still being recruited so other options may be available in the near future.

AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old and a U.S. citizen. There is no upper age limit. Members agree to complete a specific number of service hours over a fixed time frame, which cannot exceed 12 months. Three different levels of part-time participation are offered: 900 hours, 450 hours or 300 hours. Members earn a modest living allowance while serving. Living allowance amounts for 2015/16 are: $6,000 (900 hours); $3,000 (450 hours); and $2,000 (300 hours).

At the conclusion of the service term, members also qualify for an education award grant. The education award can be used to cover future college costs such as tuition and books or to repay any federally-backed student loan. Members have seven years after their service ends to spend the education award. Education award amounts for 2015/16 are: $2,865 (900 hours); $1,515 (450 hours); and $1,212 (300 hours). Members age 55 or older when they begin service can transfer the education award to a child or grandchild.

AmeriCorps is a great way to give something back to your community, earn some money, help pay for your college education and gain practical work experience. Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us or further information or to request an application. The application can also be downloaded from the Youth Bureau page on the Genesee County Web site: www.co.genesee.ny.us.

Genesee County AmeriCorps looking for host site agencies

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been notified that our AmeriCorps application has been approved for another year of funding by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

As a result of this good news, we have begun planning for year 12 of our program, which will begin October 1. As part of this process, nonprofit and government agencies are invited to attend an information session to receive details about AmeriCorps.

Presentations are being held at Wyoming County Cooperative Extension in Warsaw and the Hoag Library in Albion on July 27 as well as at the Genesee County Senior Center on July 28.

Organizations have used AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these focus areas: healthy futures fitness and nutrition education for youth; environmental stewardship education; and agency capacity building. Host sites complete a proposal that outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of your agency.

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by Aug. 10. Member recruitment and selection will begin after that date.

Please contact Kathy Frank at 585-344-3960 or Kathy.Frank@co.genesee.ny.us for more details about the information sessions or to discuss options for your organization further.

Collins announces $130K for Genesee County Youth Bureau

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) today announced that the Genesee County Youth Bureau has received nearly $130,000 in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).  

This grant will put 34 AmeriCorps members on the ground to work with the Youth Bureau and several nonprofit and government agencies to provide fitness, nutrition and environmental education programs in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The Genesee County Youth Bureau has been operating an AmeriCorps program since 2004.

“Congratulations go out to the Genesee County Youth Bureau for receiving this competitive grant and continuing to provide children and teens in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties with critical programs,” Congressman Collins said. “I also want to thank AmeriCorps members for answering the call to serve. AmeriCorps members are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve. Citizen service is an essential part of the solutions to many of the challenges our communities face.”

The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive. The 2014 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, and disaster services.

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at 25,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the AmeriCorps program. Since 1994, more than 830,000 Americans have provided more than 1 billion hours of service addressing critical challenges from poverty and hunger to disasters and the school dropout crisis.

Fleece donations wanted for PTSD patients

By Billie Owens

RSVP of Genesee County and Genesee County AmeriCorps are asking for donations for a service project they will be holding to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 21. They need donations of fleece (1.5 yards or more) or contributions to help purchase the fleece.

The fleece will be used to make blankets that will be given to the Batavia VA Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Center. Donations can be dropped off to the Genesee County Youth Bureau located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia by Jan. 14. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information please call 344-3960.

GC Youth Bureau honors AmeriCorps members this week

By Billie Owens

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.

GC AmeriCorps seeks host site agencies

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County AmeriCorps is looking for host site agencies.

True to its motto, AmeriCorps is “Getting Things Done” in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The Genesee County Youth Bureau has begun planning for year eight of the program, which starts Oct. 1, contingent on the receipt of federal funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Agencies have utilized AmeriCorps members for a variety of projects. Assignments include activities that fall under one or more of these categories: youth development/ mentoring; volunteer recruitment; and public safety/community outreach.

Host sites complete a proposal which outlines the duties for each position. Members can create new programs or enhance existing services, and their work can benefit different parts of the organization.

Proposals requesting members to begin serving this fall are due by June 15.

Sites will be selected and notified in early July. Member recruitment will begin at that time. Proposals for members to serve in the summer of 2012 are due in March, 2012 but can be submitted sooner.

Please contact Kathy Frank at 344-3960 or kfrank@co.genesee.ny.us for further information or to request the proposal form. The form can also be downloaded from the Youth Bureau page on the Genesee County web site: www.co.genesee.ny.us

Local Americorps to gain new priorities in near future

By Howard B. Owens

Changes are afoot for Genesee County's Americorps program, Kathy Frank told the Human Services Committee on Monday.

First, all new applicants will need to go through an FBI background check, not just the state criminal background check required in previous years, and the federal government is looking for local programs to better align with six primary areas of focus.

"The signs are pretty clear that if we're going to compete for funding, we need to be more aligned with these national performance measures," Frank said.

Frank is in charge of the local Americorps programs.

Americorps members provide services and help to local agencies, including youth programs, community outreach, library work and other social programs. Members are paid and can also earn credits to pay for education, or pay down student loans. The program is open to anybody 17 and up and members who are 55 or older can transfer college grants to children or grandchildren.

The county program runs on about a $300,000 annual budget, with more than $186,000 being paid by federal grants, Frank said, and the rest is covered by contributions from the agencies that use Americorps members.

There are current 46 members.

The new national priorities for Americorps focuses on education, a healthy future, financial opportunities, the environment, veterans and disaster preparedness.

Frank said anybody who would like to join Americorps should call 344-3960.

On 9/11 locals groups ask you to remember, prepare and volunteer

By Billie Owens

Genesee County AmeriCorps, RSVP and the Emergency Management Office are collaborating to host a local event on the Sept. 11 -- National Day of Service and Remembrance -- encouraging people to Remember, Prepare and Volunteer.

Funding is being provided by the Genesee Region Citizen Corps Council. Local emergency response organizations and other service agencies will gather together in the Home Depot parking lot, 4181 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. that Saturday to distribute information, answer questions and recruit volunteers.

Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles will be on display and demonstrations of emergency equipment will take place. Home Depot will be conducting a Kids Workshop, too.

Bring the family to meet those who are already serving, learn how to prepare for emergencies, and explore volunteer opportunities.

For more information about this event, please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 and speak to Kathy Frank.

AmeriCorps hosts 'DeWitt Park Wildlife Planting Project' in Batavia

By Daniel Crofts

Genesee County AmeriCorps will host a planting project at Batavia's DeWitt Recreation Area, 119 Cedar St., on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Around 50 volunteers are needed.

The goal of this project is to remove invasive plant species from the park and to raise plants designed to reduce soil erosion, provide the wildlife with food and shelter, and give visitors something more aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Supplies and water will be available, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water as well.

Event Date and Time
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Conversations with Calliope- Sybil Reisch

By Joseph Langen

I have now completed two months of my service through AmeriCorps. Instead of concentrating on my writing I have moved to the background of the arts community. At GO ART! in Batavia, NY, I have been working to publicize arts events in the Genesee and Orleans County communities. I am also developing a program for Arts Awareness month in March. My project is to host and introduce Sybil Reisch, author of Journey with Jeff: Inspiration for Caretakers of People with Special Needs. I have known Sybil for a number of years and am happy to bring her to Batavia to talk on March 30 at GO ART!. I plan to invite family  caretakers in the area through ARC, Genesee County Mental Health Center and the Senior Center as well as through local media. I have already gained a respect for what goes into presenting an arts program.

Conversations with Calliope- Busy, Busy, usy

By Joseph Langen


 
(New Orleans Tugboat)

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.~Tom Brokaw

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Gook morning Joe. You've been making yourself scarce lately.
JOE: I can't deny it. My life is suddenly awhirl.
CALLIOPE: What did you do yesterday?
JOE: I started by taking my car for an oil change so it doesn't grind to a halt. I watched a movie. Then I went with Carol to cash in on a Christmas gift, Restorative Message for Two. Finally I represented GO ART! at the Volunteer Fair put on by AmeriCorps.
CALLIOPE: I thought I might hear from you later yesterday.
JOE: I thought you might too, but alas I ran out of energy.
CALLIOPE: At least you are keeping busy. How was the Fair?
JOE: Great. I got to know a few of my fellow AmeriCorps volunteers better as well as meeting some old friends and representatives from community services and agencies.
CALLIOPE: Sounds exciting.
JOE: It is exciting. I'm glad to taking more of an active part in the community.
CALLIOPE: Back to GO ART today?
JOE: Yes. I'm ready for more adventures.

 

Conversations with Calliope- Prepared for Anything

By Joseph Langen

 


(Tio Pepe Cellars)

It is well to be prepared for life as it is, but it is better to be prepared to make life better than it is.~ Sargent Shriver

JOE: Good evening Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good evening Joe. I wasn't expecting to hear from you at this late hour.
JOE: I started my new schedule today with AmeriCorps. I had to recover from a whole day of first aid, CPR and defibrilator training.
CALLIOPE: I thought you were working for the arts council.
JOE: I am but they have a series of trainings as part of the experience.
CALLIOPE: I see. So you haven't exactly started at the arts council.
JOE: No. That's up for tomorrow.
CALLIOPE: So I have to wait for another day for my first report.
JOE: You do. I am looking forward to it and will be prepared for any eventuality, even a medical emergency which I hope I won't have to face.
CALLIOPE: You can't be too prepared. What about your writing?
JOE: Somewhat of a mystery. I'm not sure how much time or energy I will have with my new duties.
CALLIOPE: Will any writing be involved?
JOE: I have some work to do on the GoArt website and have discussed the possibility of writing a blog for them. That's not finalized. If I do go in that direction I will have to see how much blog energy I have.
CALLIOPE: Maneat videri.
JOE: I see you are working on your Latin. I remember that as "It remains to be seen." I'll get back to you in the next day or so.

 

Conversations with Calliope- New Challenges

By Joseph Langen

 


There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation.~Kingman Brewster

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. How are you today?
JOE: Exhilarated. I completed all my registration procedures at AmeriCorps and planned my initial activities at my GoArt placement yesterday.
CALLIOPE: Congratulations. Any surprises?
JOE: I wasn't expecting any and none appeared.
CALLIOPE: I guess that's good.
JOE: It is.
CALLIOPE: What are your duties.
JOE: I will work three days a week. One task will be working on web presence. Another will be to develop more interaction with the artists.
CALLIOPE: Anything else.
JOE: I most likely will be working with teens on creative writing. The program is still at the idea stage.
CALLIOPE: Sounds like you will have plenty to keep you busy.
JOE: I think so. If not, new challenges always arise.
CALLIOPE: Good luck with you project.
JOE: Thanks. Talk with you tomorrow.

 

Conversations with Calliope- AmeriCorps at Last

By Joseph Langen

 

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth...not going all the way, and not starting. ~Buddha

JOE: Good morning Calliope.
CALLIOPE: Good morning Joe. What's up for today?
JOE: A new beginning.
CALLIOPE: Oh?
JOE: You recall that in May I explored the possibility of involvement with AmeriCorps?
CALLIOPE: I do.
JOE: Well, it's finally time. I am going this morning to sign up and get my schedule so I can start my placement in January.
CALLIOPE: Remind me what you will be doing.
JOE: I will be working at GoArt in Batavia. It is the local arts council. I think I will be doing mainly publicity but I'm not entirely sure yet.
CALLIOPE: So you will become familiar with my fellow muses.
JOE: I will. GoArt focuses mostly on visual art, but also music sometimes and community events.
CALLIOPE: Anything special you would like to bring to it?
JOE: I am interested in working with teens interested in developing their creative writing.
CALLIOPE: Would that be something new.
JOE: It is there. We shall see what interest there is. I'll update you tomorrow.

 

 

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