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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (3) FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. Collection/Record Group: Clinton Presidential Records Subgroup/Office of Origin: Americorps Series/Staff Member: General Files Subseries: OA/ID Number: 24230 FolderID: Folder Title: Member Issues Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: S 66 1 4 2 2025652791 APR-29 96 10:17 FROM: NCCC 2025652791 TO: 96901131 PAGE: 02 April 18, 1996 CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL * SERVICE The Honorable Barbara Boxer United States Senate 1700 Montgomery Street Suite 240 San Francisco, CA, 94111 Dear Senatol Barlasa Boxer, Thank you for your letter of February 6, 1996, forwarding a copy of correspondence received by your office from Ms. Kymberly Lyons, concerning her participation in an AmeriCorps program sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. We have thoroughly reviewed the issues Ms. Lyons' raises in her letter with the USDA AmeriCorps program leadership. and have concluded that this situation was handled appropriately. The documentation developed by the program reflects careful consideration. of applicable program requirements and the procedural rights possessed by AmenCorps Members. The decision to approve a pro-rated education award, as requested by Ms. Lyons, is made by the program. In this instance, the program determined to deny such an award. and we see no compelling reason to revisit that judgment. Thank you for your interest and support for the Corporation for National Service. Sincerely, Hami Harris Wofford Chief Executive Officer In sorry upp did not su . 1201 New York Avenue NW way to help further have. Washington DC 20525 Telephone 202-606-5000 Getting Things Done AmeriCarps. National Service Learn and Serve America National Senior Service Corps United States Soil P.O. Box 2890 Department of Conservation Washington, D.C. Agriculture Service 20013 June 7, 1995 SUBJECT: Release of Lebrunski Richard from the AmeriCorps Program in Mississippi TO: Joel Berg, Director of National Service, USDA I am writing in follow-up to a memo to you from Mr. Richard, dated June 1, 1995. On June 7, 1995, I spoke with Clarence Finley of NRCS who served as the supervisor to Mr. Richard. Mr. Richard was an AmeriCorps Member hosted by the Forest Service. Upon his termination, Mr. Finley completed items 1 - - 8 of the National Service Trust End of Term of Service Form. Item 11, which determines the type of termination and the eligibility for an education award would have been completed by the Forest Service. Mr. Finley forwarded this form to Richard Heaslip, FS (601-686-3160) for completion. I do not know whether this Lebrunski Richard was released for cause or for compelling personal reasons. His situation should be resolved with Mr. Heaslip. Sincerely, Paula Cole Jones PAULA COLE JONES Program Coordinator National Service and Volunteer Programs VCC: Ron DeMunbrun Reginald Spears, AmeriCorps Project Director, MS The Soil Conservation Service 3 an agency of the Depa tment of Agriculture AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER ENVIROCORPS 8 February, 1995 Dear Mr. Berg, Barry Messer asked me to write an account of the rather harrowing incident I recently experienced. It is still a bit difficult to find the words with which to properly express myself. First, I want you to know that I am pleased and thankful to be involved in the AmeriCorps program here in Portland. The opportunity to set aside my cynicism and re-engage in the world around me, along with an eclectic group of like minded people, is welcome and refreshing. Less than two months into my commitment with EnviroCorps (the name of our program), early on the morning of November 19th 1994, I was shot and seriously wounded while attempting to protect a friend who was with me. She was badly shaken but received only a nasty bruise, as the bullet passed through me before striking her in the chest. We were attacked by a masked gunman who's motive remains a mystery. The detectives investigating the case classify it as an unprovoked sexual assault rather than robbery. They hold little hope of finding the suspect based on our description of him. At present he remains free and is able to continue inflicting this sort of brutal malevolence on others. This could have happened to anyone. I am fortunate to be alive, but the efforts to ensure my full recovery are proving to be frightfully expensive. In fact, the costs incurred during this ordeal have far exceeded the $50,000 coverage provided to AmeriCorps members. Victims Assistance and the Oregon Health Plan should absorb the additional costs not covered by the AmeriCorps insurance policy. Without the combination of all three services, I would be personally responsible for a staggering debt. I believe that the benefits each student receives during our year of service in the AmeriCorps program will adequately cover most any situation we are likely to encounter. Many of us would not be able to afford any insurance on our own. I am grateful for the incredible outpouring of concern from my fellow team members and to those, like you, who have expressed wishes for a speedy recovery from afar. I pray that my experience remains an isolated and uncommon occurrence. Sincerely, William fain William Levin 2380 SW Osage St. Portland, OR 97205 East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District 2115 SE Morrison Street Portland, OR 97214 503/725-5588. FAX 503/231-2271 02-22-95 05:19PM FROM P&E BR PAS PARK CTR P08 PAGE.008 FEB 22 '95 14:54 FROM FMHA United states Rural Economic Strom Thurmond Federal Bldg. Department of and Community 1835 Assembly street, Rx 1007 Development Columbia, South Carolina 29201 Agriculture (803) 765-5489 February 22, 1995 Subject: Josephine J. High Americorps Member To: All AmeriCorps Members & Communities South Carolina Ms. Josephine J. High, AmeriCorps Member in the Eastern Orangeburg Enterprise community, passed away February 21, 1995. We are all saddened by this occasion and our thoughts and prayers are with her family during their time of sorrow. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. We will notify you A when have this information. R. Gregg White AmeriCorps Program Coordinator Rural Development Coordinator PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION Rural Economic and Community Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender. complaints of discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250 ** TOTAL PAGE. 008 * 02-22-95 03:05PM PU8 02/15/95 14:38 202 205 1181 USDA FS ADM 1. 002/006 MESSAGE DISPLAY FOR LOU WOLTERING To RICHARD HEASLIP: R08F07A BC Lou Woltering From: Lou Woltering Host: W01C Postmark: Feb 13,95 1:15 PM Delivered: Feb 13,95 1:15 PM Subject: Reply to: AMERICORPS ARREST Reply text: From: Lou Woltering:WO Date: Feb 13,95 1:15 PM Thanks Richard. That should do it for now. I'll pass on to Joel Berg. Let me know what the press does with this. Thanks. v/r Lou Preceding message: From: RICHARD HEASLIP: R08F07A Date: Feb 13,95 8:02 AM LOU, WE HAD ONE OF OUR MEMBER WITH THE GREATER JACKSON YOUTH ARESESTED AT THE WORK SITE. APPARENTLY HE HAD BROKEN INTO A LOCAL HARDWARE STORE AND STOLE SEVERAL ARTICLES INCLUDING HANDGUNS. ANOTHER MEMBER WAS ALSO INVOLVED BUT ONLY THAT HE WAS GIVEN ONE OF THE GUNS AND DID NOT KNOW IT WAS STOLEN. ANYTHING ELSE NEEDED?? RICHARD PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION 01/20/95 09:36 202 205 1181 USDA FS ADM 1 002/002 Services for Cesar Ocampo Funeral services for Cesar Ocampo, who died from injuries substained in a rock climbing accident this past Monday January 16, will be held next week. Cesar was an AmeriCorps crew supervisor (San Bernardino N.F.) since the programs beginning in October, and a member of the El Cariso Hot Shots (Cleveland N.F.) for the previous three seasons. Cesar leaves behind two young daughters, Lacy and Alicia. His family has established a trust fund for their benefit. Donations can be made to the Lacy and Alicia Trust Fund, c/o Steve Cammans, Ameritec Corp, 760 Arrow Grande St., Covina, CA 91722. The family wishes donations to the trust in lieu of flowers. Cesar's family welcomes the presence of Forest Service employees and AmeriCorps members at all services. Employees and members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. Viewing will be held at the Oak Dale Memorial Park, 1401 S. Grand Ave, Glendora, CA, on Monday January 23 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Rosary will follow the viewing. The Funeral Mass will start at 9:15 am at the Holy Name of Mary Church, 724 E. Bonita Ave, San Dimas, CA on Tuesday January 24, followed by the funeral at the Riverside National Cemetary, 22495 Van Buren St. (near March Air Force Base) at 11:15 am. For more information contact: Randy Scurry (BDF), (909) 794-6198; Jay Bertek (CNF), (909) 678-2944; or William Koenig (CNF), (909) 678-2944. PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION January 30, 1995 To: Susan, Steve, Meg From: Joel OR Subject: Two AmeriCorps Tragedies In December, Will Levin, one of the Members of our Portland environmental project, was shot while off duty. He has since had complications and required additional surgery. While he has virtually no family in the area, other AmeriCorps Members have banded together and helped him out as if they were his family. His address is: Will Levin 1305 SE main Street Portland, Oregon 97214 On January 16, Cesar Ocampo, a beloved and dedicated crew leader in our San Bernadino National Forest project whom Meg talked with at length during her recent site visit, died from injuries sustained while rock climbing on his own on a day off. His family can be reached through: The Lacy and Alicia Trust Fund C/O Steve Cammans Ameritec Corporation 760 Arrow Grande Street Covina, CA 91722 Perhaps President Clinton and/or Eli Segal could send personal notes to Will and to the family of Cesar. RoN: * AN AMERICORPS TIONALSER A UNITED STATES FYI Unive DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FAX TRANSMITTAL Date: 8/22 Number of Pages: 4 TO: Jael Berg FAX: FROM Paula Cole Jones. Program Coordinator National Service and Volunteer Programs Community Assistance and Resource Development, NRCS FAX (202) 690-0639 PHONE (202) 720-2847 FYI COMMENTS: the attached form is what we discussed this morning converning partial repayment of a student loan (the seal can the substituted with agency letterhend.) I did not reg west a write up from Cedrie you'll see, there is no official category for americans 001 COMM-ASSISTANCE +++ USDA NAT SER OFF 2026900639 13:32 08/22/95 PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION Common questions and What linds of schools can I altoad 1 the expords? What Was of - - I VISTA Valuation serving in a project that is classed early - eligible for producted pay all using the I swade. Likersine, VNTA Valutteers who have above a aligonic will reselve . What de I used - do to - the education event provided portion of that stipend band-entheir letgth of survice, regardises of may attend - indication of Mather advertion (including contain verational resear for luning. You - your - of service. Then, vitile 20 days of completion, programs) at defined in - aux of - Higher Risertion An of 1965, - your will receive a letter and voctor that you to the school or your assended (30 U.S.C. This includes - Institutions of bighes obsession leader. The goyman la need directly to the school or londar; R - not B 8 Installing genduate - professional programs), as well as - - arboofs. you. If in 1 you should check with - Institution prior - making a pleas. the & leve to Individual peograms - - & compating personal institution's Research aid office will know if they - - - which day will whom on marker from . Sepan of service. 8251182 What to the I of the award I will receive? Ibsurgies of - be - reduce Manufiquy to A qualified - bee - my leen mode, Issued, or geterationd present . the member or the doath of in maber of the hally. The amount of the advantise - depardsupon upon the them of service you This IV of the Higher Education An of 1985 on U.S.C. 1070-и mg), other then a complete. If you complete . Full-time-torm of service, you will receive a loss made to b person of . Indian to asstion 4288 of the An and my Issue How de I got my current - loss payments postposible $4,325, oward. If you complete . Part-time town of service, you will receive and guardiant to Tale VU or via of the Mile Service Month An (42 U.S.C. 2030 a $2,363.50 owerd. or you complete a Reduend Part-these - of service, - et me). These clinions choold ba - your loan gapass. Year lender will be shin to Flast, you - entings for . delhard or - your less believer at the TOTAL : will receive - amount that is has proportion to - mome of cervice completed. 10% you « the lossis the you begin your AmeriCage survice. The less belief will give you Same - NO. complate which - to be the Corporation to valify that you - in . How many education awards can I received If yes - - whether the school or the lean qualifies, oak the school or lander. qualifying AmeriCage patities. VISIM - and - to the VISTA BK when proof if there is my question. Consifring Officers posticipants is the whit AmeriCange program about and FAX Two. You may receive ⑉ award for sech sewa of service, up to Inco aware. - 10 the National Dervice True. The completed forms will be esteemed to the While may complete more than - terms of service, they can assive Can ⑉ education award be used is study outside the U.S.T Income holder or to you. education for only two learns. Both - - be for Millers, part date, Mony escentary institutions offer advertised apportuality abroad. M long - What if $ withdraw from the school or fall и complete my geried of or reduced 1 class secies 01 they - be - allowed types of I the authorize Host is is the u.s. and - the legal sequirements listed above, you consultant for which the would has been used? New long do 5 have 40 use my education amont? may ⑉ the education - 4a only - Foreign scheck, however, do - mest the Highes Education Act culturia. The school - have a foir and apritable unford pollion - 1 with the You and use the award within seven years of the date you complete your Higher And of 1965, - anterded. or these in my sefund and and service. You may apply for an extension of this time period W you were we the efecation award affect my eligibility for other student flancial aid? and to the Composition, the - will be and to your in the partorming number - of service to - approved Associage program or if you True, 1 can be used by you, which 1 years of your outspletion of service. HEALTH-DEP wase univeldably prevented from valing - - during the parted. You meet The aducation I will not be when date I in documing eligibility for only apply before the and of the seven-year period. Faderal defentaid. The Comporation &tion - judicition over whether State - private will - have to pay - - my aducation. award? adversition- - which twice a lite account in Ostermining What can I use my education means fort stigibility for institutional ald, bewever, the - Accesting - the as, to most - 1 ⑉ whfoot be Insure - in the 1 colunder year is whis they - used. The will deduct - town, 1 Awards can be used to capar outsting or have qualified administional loans or - will and you & Form 1009 to be used in proposing your Income - voturn. pay for the cost of strailing a qualified college or graduate school or sa aggreved Can cash be - Suptand of an education - X may award transfership? For enemgie, or & - under to - n, - 1 schoolfwork program, a defined by the Departments of Labor. is depends upon the program in which you - participating. - the 1 to mother Individual? The - has Horlted to - has or ⑉ about k - be used to help pay reveral qualified lower or to pay the - of streethere of I Valuatores and MODC numbers - selfect alther a post-servive request or - lostitutions, or . scultination. education and. AnniCogerUSA - will soly be offigible for . sub Ma. Only - stigible for advertion and Yes payment If the option is geoulded by the I project with - Independ mades. may - - . to . volutive or my other Individual under any documentations. What - we considered part of the "nout of attending" a qualified members I ask their perject disasters K this applica to the school? NOOC members and VISTA will be ashed to » Indions whether day - a sheek for The Department of Education bas defined the - of attendance" to mea, the post-service stipend Instrud of the award. Your project disease or . - Corporation reportentative - - - quastions of . general nature. You also - oul the Twet at the Corpossion Bu quition, work form, and enguland equipment, and supplies. in addition, National Service, A special member - - quartions about education more each educational Indintion establishts allowances Bar - sall board, books, to (202) 606-5080 execution 347. supplias, transportation, and personal expense, with - also included la the cost of attendados. A member who has usrued at I 15% of the - of service 1 is released Road Mathonal - That exvise for compailing smoke eligible 90 receive a provided award, based Omposition for I Bankee - as bought of ensvion. who 1 for other I or who - released for 1200 - - N.W., Have - came - not eligible Perjury parties. of an street. Waldington, B.C. - PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION P. About Your AmeriCorps Education Award The awards are provided from . spacial account in the United States Tennery order to abtain this benefit, at the - you begin your service you - upply salied the Marlened Service Tes. This Two to managed by the Corporation for was to the loss holder explaing your putholpation in all AmeriCange programs Medical Service, which is the - ergudantion for AmeriCage gengrame. and asking for in the repayment of your Jose. K your Inco Welkows to AmedCaryst Yes, and other Ame/Corps members wiress the anuntry, an about to ambark spone challenging expedance that will have . Education awards - subject - Income - in - your duy ⑉ used. qualifies, the loon holder will give you a form that you - fill. out and and to the Tran (a) as address poluted is able handen) a verification of your service. Lauting offer - your as and the lives of geople in commention nationalité. When you complete your service, yes will be eligible for - edvention sward the Stafford loss faceiventss suncede The Tenal will complete any applicable postion of the - or suclose relevant you - - to pay for higher advertion and to - qualified student leese. documentation and return. it ** loan holder of, if you request, to you. The This punghler explains how you can take advantage of this advertion award. AssociCoque members who - in optain projects may be eligible a have a your in service, bet du builing Institution or loss of their losse Begiven Instand of excepting - services determines your eligibility for defends). The True FOR ody verify To quality for - award, you must energists the required "form of Check with your youjust disaster or Composition the Office to - if your project has ofter as individual outers - AmeriCage position. FAX NO. 8251182 medies" for the programs is which you - participating. The three AmeriDays this option. programs are Chrillas Community Casps (BICC), Unless you ⑉ school Roun service for passenal the acid The form of service veries fee What becomes when you complete your service Trust contact my any Internet stowed doing the period of you 4 and - 1 program. United special you may modere . greened - If your M I of cervice. (Ineagtions will be 1 for members who til to yes - unble to complete your full - When you complete your serms of service, the director of your perform of - 1 1 I information a 3 1 I I Your education award and be used in the following wayst Corporation State Office will notify the Trust that you have completed the pongram. The Corposition will 1 you . latter informing you of the I of your However, although generally yes - mes have any Internet poid by the True if To repay qualified onleting or future about lossts: and You any then geseral the letter to your loan holder or the school you give to you don't complete a M - of service, à any be goid under other authorides. I. strend. The Issues balder or school will coolect the Corporation for payment. Check with your before = determine whether your student loan qualifies for 2. Payments will be made directly $ I not to you. Who payments am made, the seather - of defeased. To pay all or past of the dest of I - institution of bigher advaccion Oncluding certain progrems); Corporation will Inform you of the - and the below in your - and You should maive your Sonor from the Ober - within 30 days of sompleting your service. Because the latter - automatically be next to the permanent adivens Under the Hights Education - of 1965, VISTA Volument - digible for a 3. To pay - insured while posticipating in on approved that you Receished when you - R & Important - you keeptho deformined of principal and Interest for sax period of service performed. la order to school-te-weck program. Service Tural informed of my del address. Prior to colling your convice, obtain this benefit, at the time you begin your you must apply donty - you will have an opportunity to updite your address. the loan hulder exploining year pasticipation in VISTA and addre for . "delhoral" The persont of year award depends upon whether your terms of service is - in the repayment of your lean. If your Boom - the lass holder will give time or past-times. The full-time and is $4,725.03, and the past-tines award is No. student loss payments. while you are service in AssoriCares you . form - you I - out and cash, along - a written request, - $3,162.50. If you serve is a "reduced past-dras torm of strvies" -for example, 0 summer program - education award - be gengartical to the everber of VREA Certifying Other you serve. & typical - pangress offers - sévertion and of You don't have - make payments - qualified - loans while you - service Omportion for Method $1,000. Into If you complete - then - I of service, you may not - AmeriCarps gooblem. Your Londor will be - to - you If your garlades & IM - - M. reselve moss than - education awards regustions of whether they - for dell- quality for being postponed 1 whether Intered will adocus during your Income of Washington, a.c. - service. JUN- 1-95 THU 3:08 PM RANKIN-CO. HEALTH-DEP Line, part class, or reduced pen daw time of service. The Cartifying Officer will certify your service by completing a parties of the You - divide up your goverd and use à my very you weal, 10 long as a is for Because the segulations regueding postponing payments differ between VISTA and the form and petera a to & town holder or, Mr you request, - you. The Corporation suthorized uponditares. Yes could, for enemple, aggly . penion of & to existing other AmeriCarge programs, they on expirieed reporately below, certifies your alatus in service, But the leading or Seem cordent qualified student Issues und are the comminder to pay for authorized your digitility for defend. The Tenal - only vesify posticipation 4 four years downths read. The education assed - be wood within owner and after a VISTA Valvateet begins survice. years of the completion of your service. You may apply dur M. during the area your pariod, you under herm of service in as approved If you assessafilly 1 your - of pervice, the Trust will ⑉ all (lar Alro, VISTA Volunteem are uniquely oligible for gestle's exacultation of 1 Associate yesities or X you was unrvelidity prevented from valing the everl. . portion (for - of the Interest that - on going loans under the Higher Education AM if they de not choose the administ - Loase while you ⑉ serving. Aller your service, the Internal the accured while you and K they have completed a MI your of movice. VISTA. should check - their Costain participants is actional service my elsot not to receive the sturation - in the AmeriCarps gestion will be poid by the Compention. lender consenting these delhements and consellations. worked but - take a stipond, lostead. and - my choose other a stipend absok. as se education State these - bonsite above and beyond your education award, Internet payments - both. - - only eligible for an will not be deducted Inconclusive the amount of your award. education I from the Trut. PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION UNITED STATES NATURAL 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 209 DEPARTMENT OF RESOURCES Richmond, Virginia 23229-5014 AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION SERVICE June 20, 1995 Brian Bates HC-02 Box 64 Buckingham, VA 23921 Dear Brian: I have received your letter dated June 2, 1995, requesting release from your AmeriCorps Service contract as of June 24, 1995, in order to acccept a teaching position at Longwood College. You asked to be released for "compelling" circumstances and to have your education award prorated. According to the AmeriCorps member contract and AmeriCorps member orientation materials, "compelling personal circumstances" include: "the member has a serious injury or illness, there is a serious injury, illness or death of an immediate family member and the member is needed to care for or take over the duties of that member, the member is drafted by the Armed Services, or other circumstances which would make it impossible or very difficult for the member to complete the term of service." Electing to terminate service to accept another job is not deemed a "compelling personal circumstance" under these provisions. Section VI of the member agreement (Release from Term of Service), part (f) states: "if a member discontinues his term of service for any reason other than a release for compelling circumstances, he will receive no portion of the education award or interest payments." The current AmeriCorps Operations Manual published in June, 1995 describes "compelling circumstances" on page 109, and specifically notes on page 111 that terminating to get a job "would not justify the member receiving an award." Based on these criteria, I cannot grant you a release from service based upon "compelling reasons" nor can I approve a prorated education award. If you decide to terminate without a release for compelling personal circumstances, you will be considered released for cause. In your letter, you refer to a "scheduling" problem which will make it impossible or very difficult to complete the remaining 282 hours of service. I have spoken with your immediate supervisor and he has indicated a willingness to provide flexible hours and workplace (including nights and/or weekends) to assist you in completing your term of service by September 30. I would urge you to reconsider this alternative for completing the contract requirements. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Brian Bates, AmeriCorps Page 2 To assure that you are fully aware of the appeal process with regard to this determination, I am enclosing a copy of the applicable pages from the current manual. If you have any questions about this process, please talk with your immediate supervisor or call me at 804/287-1681. We are forwarding your request to the National Corporation to seek a modification to the rule based on your outstanding service, the fact that you have completed the primary objectives for your project, and that not being released from this contract may jeopardize your opportunity for tenure. We appreciate the good work you have performed "to get things done" for NRCS, the local RC&D Council, and AmeriCorps. I will keep you apprised of any developments related to your request. Sincerely, Patricia a. Caul Patricia A. Paul AmeriCorps Program Manager Enclosures CC: Denise Doetzer, State Conservationist Paula Jones, National AmeriCorps Program Leader Joel Berg, USDA AmeriCorps Program Director Ray Dorsett, Old Dominion RC&D Coordinator Dwight Towler, AC, Farmville AO United States Office of Washington, D.C. Department of Communications 20250-1300 Agriculture March 17, 1995 Mr. Thesley Beverly Soul Saving Center P.O. Box 474 Hopkins Park, Illinois 60944 Dear Mr. Beverly: I am writing to respond to your letter requesting information about AmeriCorps, President Clinton's national service initiative. AmeriCorps is a program that engages diverse groups of Americans in performing critical service to meet human, environmental, public safety, and educational needs in return for vouchers for education, vocational training, or loan repayment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is running three types of AmeriCorps teams, composed of approximately 1,200 Members in 38 states: an Anti-Hunger Team, a Public Lands and Environment Team, and a Rural Development Team. Members serve for approximately one year. We are beginning to gear up for 1995 recruitment and we will keep your application on file. The USDA program is one of the many AmeriCorps projects administered by the Corporation for National Service. You may obtain an application for other programs by calling CNS toll-free number, 1-800-942-2677. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and there is no upper age limit. With regard to your question loan forgiveness, I am enclosing a brochure about the use of the education award. I hope that you find this helpful. Sincerely, Joel Jael S. Berg $. Berg Director of National Service, USDA cc: About Your AmeriCorps Education Award AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER PRINTED ON RECLAIMED MATERIALS * AMERICORPS IN A SERVICE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE June 3, 1995 Larry Parker AmeriCorps Member 2117 S. Commerce Street Grenada, MS 38901 Dear Larry: Per your request, I am writing you to clarify the requirements for receiving your AmeriCorps educational award. Under the National and Community Service Act of 1993, any AmeriCorps Member serving in an approved AmeriCorps slot (which you are) --- and who successfully completes 1,700 hours of community service (as certified by your supervisors) --- will receive the educational award. Eligibility for the educational award is not dependent upon completion of a project sites' community service objectives. While we expect that each site will complete concrete and measurable tasks that meet environmental, human, public safety, and/or educational needs, we understand that changing conditions may make it impossible for AmeriCorps Members to complete their original community service objectives. The Members will not be penalized for such changing conditions. I hope this letter answers your question. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 720-6350. Keep up the good work "getting things done," while promoting community, opportunity, and responsibility. Sincerely Joel Director Berg of National Service Apply FON New progr Constahla ] F.Sculero ] eletting M 126 Halbrook, 7/20 AL 86023 AMERICORPS M UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE July 12, 1995 Ms. Wendy Soto Housing Authority City of Redondo Beach 310 Nob Hill Road Redondo Beach, California 90277 RE: Section 8 Housing Assistance Exclusion for Sondra Trudeau Dear Ms. Soto: I am writing on behalf of a member of USDA's AmeriCorps Anti-Hunger Team serving the Los Angeles area, Ms. Sondra Trudeau, who has been receiving housing assistance through your office for her residence at 1906 1/2 Plant Street in Redondo Beach, California. As we recently discussed on the telephone, the legislation authorizing the AmeriCorps programs specifically excludes the living allowance paid to AmeriCorps*USA Members from consideration in determining eligibility for all means-tested (income-based) forms of public assistance with the exception of assistance programs authorized under the Social Security Act (e.g., Medicaid and AFDC). At that time, I assured you that Ms. Trudeau's living allowance should indeed be exempted from consideration, and agreed to provide you with formal substantiation of that assurance. Enclosed pursuant to our conversation regarding income exclusions in the determination of eligibility for Section 8 housing assistance is a copy of a November 15, 1994, memorandum provided to us by the Corporation for National Service (CNS) from the General Counsel of Housing and Urban Development. As you can see, this memorandum clearly states that living allowances provided to AmeriCorp[s] participants should not be counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility for HUD's assisted housing programs." I hope that this documentation will be sufficient for your records. If you need additional information, or if you should have further questions about the AmeriCorps program at any time, please do not hesitate to call me, at (202) 690-0693. Thank you for your patience and consideration in resolving this issue. Sincerely, Donna M. Hires DONNA M. HINES Anti-Hunger Program Coordinator USDA National Service Program Enclosure CC: Ms. Sondra Trudeau 1906 1/2 Plant Avenue Redondo Beach, CA 90277 Joel Berg Director, USDA National Service , * X THE GENERAL COUNSEL OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Bin. 4142 A !!!! WASHINGTON, D.C. 20410 November 15, 1994 MEMORANDUM FOR: George Latimer, Director, Office of Special FROM: Mome Nelson A. Díaz Actions, SAK SUBJECT: Treatment of AmeriCorps Living Allowances for Purposes of Calculating Income Eligibility for HUD Programs This is in response to your memorandum of September 13, 1994, requesting clarification of whether living allowances for AmeriCorps participants will be counted as income for participants living in public and assisted housing. It is our opinion that living allowances provided to AmeriCorp participants should not be counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility for HUD's assisted housing programs. The Corporation for National Service was created under the National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.) ("the Community Service Act"). The Community Service Act refers to Section 142 (b) of the Job Training Partnership Act for direction on treatment of benefits. See 42 U.S.C. $ 12637 (d). The relevant section of the Job Training Partnership Act provides that "[alllowances, earnings and payments to individuals participating in programs under this chapter shall not be considered as income for the purposes of determining eligibility for and the amount of income transfer and in-kind aid furnished under any Federal or federally assisted program based on need, other than as provided under the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C.A. S 301 et seq.]." 29 U.S.C. $ 1552. The Department publishes an annual list of federally mandated exclusions from income. 58 Fed. Reg. 41287 (1993). One type of benefits specifically exempted by Federal law which the Department does not recognize as income are payments received under programs funded in whole or in part under the Job Training Partnership Act ("JTPA"). 58 Fed. Reg. at 41288 (1993). The Community Service Act states that the income provision of the JTPA "shall apply to the projects conducted under this subchapter as such projects were conducted under the [JTPA]. 12 U.S.C. S 12637 (d) (emphasis added). It is our opinion that this language was intended by Congress to indicate that AmeriCorps income be treated the same as JTPA income, i.e, excluded from income calculations. Although the drafting is confusing, we believe the above emphasized language must be construed as meaning "as if such projects were conducted under the [JTPA]," and thus subject to income exclusion. The past subjunctive form of the verb "were" is the most plausible reading when one notes that the AmeriCorps program is a new program. The alternative reading would be illogical because to read "were" in its alternative form would be to discuss in the past tense projects that have not yet been implemented. It is our opinion that this link allows the AmeriCorps benefits to be encompassed by the existing published income exclusions for JTPA benefits. Therefore, for residents of Public and Indian Housing and for recipients of Section 8 Housing Assistance, AmeriCorps benefits may not be included as income. 03-C8-95 04:25PM FROM P&E BR PAS PARK CTR P05 .IBIRICT. New MEXICO BILL RICHARDSON CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTLE ON WASHINGTON CHIEF DEPUTY MAJORITY WHIP NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS . HOUSE Office BUILDING COMMITTEES WASHINGTON DC 20515 ENERGY AND COMMERCE (202) 225-8180 NATURAL RESOURCES WHIP OFFICE: H. 188 US Capitol Street COMMITTEE ON WASHINGTON, DC 20815 HELSINKI COMMISSION ON HUMAN Phones Congress of the United States thouse of Representatives Washington, DC 20515-3103 October 5, 1994 The Honorable Bob Nash Under Secretary for Small Community and Rural Development Administration Building 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250 Dear Under Secretary Nash: I would like to congratulate you on completing a successful application for Americorps members to serve as a USDA Rural Development Team. I am extremely pleased that one of the Rural Development teams will work in the Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico Four Corners area. I would like to make you aware of an immediate need for their assistance in Aztec, New Mexico. The Aztec district field office of the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) desperately needs help processing an overwhelming amount of housing applications. I have been informed that over 130 applications await processing, however, because of lack of personnel the office is only able to process 3 applications per month. I realize that with their limited staff the office is doing an excellent job. With an extra staff person, the office could process an additional 25-30 applications per month. I hope that you share my concern that many deserving people cannot get homes because FmHA cannot process the paperwork. I understand that the 50 college graduates and professional students recruited to the Rural Development Team will be sent to the Four Corners area to address economic development problems. Lack of loan processing has slowed down the growth of the housing market in the Aztec area. I urge you to use the Four Comers Rural Development Team to help the FmHA process home loans. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me. With warm regards, Bell Ruhardon Bill Richardson Chief Deputy Majority Whip BR/kk DISTRICT OFFICES SANTA Fe GALLUE LAS VEGAS: CLIVIS 411 PASSO DE FERALTA GALLUP City HALL SANTA FE. NM #7501 SAN MIQUEL COUNTY COURTHOUSE 2ND AND Asisc STREETS 002 Mitcussu SIFFET P.O. Box 1905 (505) 986-7230 GALLUP, NM 87301 Clovis, NM BAIDI LAS VEGAS, NM 87701 (608) 722-6522 (505) 709-3380 (806) 425-7270 THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE OF RECYCLED FIRERS 03-C8-95 04:25PM FROM P&E BR PAS PARK CTR P06 03-08-95 03:08PM FROM FMHA ESS P02 ESS (FILE COPT) L. Honorable Bill Richardson U.S. House of Representatives 2349 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-3103 NOV. 2 8 1984 Dear Congressman Bill Richardson: Thank you for your letter concerning the delay in processing applications for Farmers Home Administration housing assistance in the Aztec County Office. Under the Department of Agriculture's reorganization, these programs will be administered by the Rural Housing and Community Development Service. We regret any inconvenience which may have been caused by a temporary shortage of full time staff in that office. In addition to hiring another full time employee, an Americorps member has been assigned to that location. You may be assured that all applications will be processed as expeditiously as possible. We appreciate your bringing this matter to our attention, and we hope you find this information helpful. Sincerely, BOB. J. NASH Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Economic and Community Development cc: ESS . FILE COPY ESS - Durkin ESS - Suspense SFHPD - J. Craun LAPIS . S. Hart OES . 116-A (2) State Director - New Mexico NOTE TO FILE: Steve Anaya, State Office, advised that the office's clerk left some time ago, and was, replaced by another a few months ago. Apparently, during the same time the office was without a clerk, the assistant was out due to surgery. Consequently, the office was briefly understaffed. The office now has 3 FT staff and an Americorps member. 11/7. FINAL:ESS:MDurkin:dw:11-17-94:720-9928:85-ESS246 Control No. 85-ESS246 Log No. 72431 Incoming Date: 10/28/94 Location: ESS Recall Name: bill