Ask the Scholar

Document scope · 1 page
doc
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory. For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.

Scholar Source Context

Document identity
localId
23932529
label
AmeriCorps Fifth Anniversary [1]
core
doc
dtoType
document
pageCount
1
Source metadata
Source extras
naId
23932529
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
42-t-7763274-20130124S-024-004-2015
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
9b9d69baae00bf07
ocrText
DC Commission on National and Community Service December 15, 2000 Shirley Sagawa, Deputy Assistant to the President White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear Ms. Sagawa: We are very proud and excited to announce the establishment of the DC Commission on National and Community Service. The Commission will fund national service AmeriCorps programs and engage citizens in service and volunteerism as a strategic resource to address problems facing the communities of the nation's capital. We respectfully propose that you consider a White House event to recognize the launch of the new DC Commission and the continued support of President Clinton national and community service here in the District. Working in collaboration with local volunteer agencies, businesses and community non-profits, the Commission will develop a comprehensive vision and strategic plan for community service initiatives in the District of Columbia. In addition, the Commission will incorporate the Mayor's City-Wide Strategic Plan that resulted from Citizen Summit of 1999, into its funding decisions in recognition of the fact that service and volunteerism are critical to revitalize District neighborhoods and create greater opportunity for its youth. We recognize the extraordinary time constraints on the President Clinton's schedule and thus are willing to be flexible about the possible dates and times for this propsoed White House event. Respectively, Tracy Gray, Ph.D. DC Commission Vice Chair "Endres, Tom" <[email protected]> 07/14/99 02:29:48 PM Record Type: Record To: Shirley S. Sagawa/WHO/EOP CC: Subject: Case for Senior Expansion This is the piece we are working on which I memtioned on the phone. The Proposal section is where we are. Serveal thoughts are: 1) 1) Mark Freedman has a new book coming out re: senior service and also is about to release a study on service interests of boomers so one possibility would be to get someone to propose expansion at this event (we've thought of VP but after initial interest, idea's been dropped. 2) Another idea is to launch 4th NSSC program (It's now or never since existing programs have had the first shot, but with exception of SCP, aren't interested in change. 3) I don't think we should link to AmeriCorps at this point but could get started via "H". 4) It develops outside the federal arena, perhaps states or independent sector. Comments appreciated. Let me know if there is a problem opening the attachment. Also, one development which I don't think we mentioned is that we now have strong national non-profit Senior Corps Partners: Save the Children (FGP); Child Welfare League/Generations United (FGP); Luthern Social Services of America (SCP); Volunteers of America (RSVP); Points of Light Foundation (RSVP) and BB/BS (RSVP). Each national oganization sponsors a number of local affiliate projets. We are working with national offices to learn from local affiliate experience and share thorughout national network. We are also preparing national organizations for the Aging of America and its impacts on their future. It's going great! We have seen some wonderful article this month in their journals. I'm especially excited about BB/BS because they are begining to see a whole new solution to their recruitment problem. One last thought. I scripted Harris for a meeting recently. The line that stuck was: "If this century has given us the longevity revoluntion, then the challenge of the next century is to use the additional 20 to 30 years of productive living to wise use through service and for the benefit of humankind." Thought you might enjoy that perspective. <<GROWTHCASE.doc>> A CASE FOR DEVELOPING POTENTIAL FOR SENIOR SERVICE Demographic Revolution --- A Gerontological Explosion America is in midst of a demographic revolution as a "gerontological explosion" begins to rock this country. There are twice as many older adults today as there were thirty years ago, and the number will more than double by 2030. Soon nearly a quarter of the American population will be over 65, as the demographics of the entire nation come to approximate those of Florida today. The demographic bulge is not monolithic however. It comes with a younger and an older component, each of which has very separate needs and applies very different pressures. The young old component is upon us now and we must find immediate ways to engage this growing segment of the population in productive activities which sustains them as active contributing members of our society. Failure to plan and engage this group heightens the potential that due to increasing inactivity, isolation, and loneliness; they will likely become more frail and dependent sooner than necessary. All the while, their accumulated life skills and abilities lost at a time which they are most needed to help renew America. By 2020 when the "grandparent boom" is fully underway, more than 1 in every 6 Americans will be 65 and older, compared with 1 in 8 today. That is an increase of 20 million seniors. By the middle of the 21st century, the number of Americans over 65 will exceed those under 18. This aging of the baby boomer generation some 75 million strong --- is expected to have an impact on our society of equal magnitude to the tidal wave of immigration at the turn of the century. Just as their over whelming numbers redefined childhood and then adolescence in the 20th century, the spike of senior citizens born between 1946 and 1964 will also remake the final stage of life, forcing new answers to questions about success in later life, quality of life, and medical needs with their costs. Seniors --- America's Untapped Resource America now possesses and soon will possess to an even greater degree -- not only the largest, but the healthiest, best educated, and most vigorous collection of seniors in our nation's history. Only 5 % of these older adults reside in nursing homes; fewer than 20% encounter substantial disability, and more than 60% report no disability whatsoever. Currently, 2/3 of seniors have completed high school and a 1/3 have attended college. Spending nearly a third of their life in retirement, many in this growing pool of the "young old" have time, skills and energy. Retirement frees up 25 hours per week for men and 18 for women. This surplus of unstructured time is further bolstered by an increase in life expectancy (from 48 in the 1900s to 76 today with predictions past 80 for the mid 21st century) and an increase in early retirement (both voluntary and involuntary) In 1948, 90% of men between 55 and 64 were working; today only 67% are in the paid labor force. Having realized the American dream, retirement is a second chance for the aging baby boomers to give something back to their communities. Research provides substantial evidence that productive engagement and social contact are linked to prolonged physical and mental health. A 25 year National Institutes of Mental Health study finds that "highly organized activity is the single strongest predictor, other than non smoking, of longevity and vitality". Similarly, 55% of elder respondents to a Louis Harris poll lament the loss of usefulness after retirement. Isolation and loss of purpose have been shown to cause increased risk of deterioration, illness and untimely death. The fist two result in premature dependency and rising cost of care. It is no surprise that surveys show high levels of interest on the part of seniors in serving their communities. According to the Independent Sector 1994 National Survey, when seniors 65 and over were asked to serve in the previous year, 82.4 percent did. Compared to the 35.7 percent who initiated the service themselves rather than in response to a call to serve, the importance of an organized recruiting effort is evident. Seniors: A Proven Resource in Serving and Meeting Community Needs One of the most important public policy challenges as we enter the 21st century will be to tap the vast productive and humanitarian potential germinating within retired and semi-retired citizens. This is not a compassionate gesture toward the elderly, but one of considerable urgency for our society. We are in no position to squander the time, talent, experience and resources of our seniors at a juncture when so many social, educational, environmental and other needs remain urgent and unmet. To plan for the Aging of America through comprehensive public policy which balances the potential contribution of seniors against their potential cost burden would not only be responsible and good policy, but enlightened national interest. National service by seniors is one of America's best kept secrets. It is also a secret that senior service programs work and are cost effective: Nearly 24,000 Foster Grandparents work to meet the needs of children at risk. The program is the nation's largest, longest standing, and most effective mentoring program. With modernization the programs potential in meeting the needs of children at risk in day care settings, head start centers and schools unlimited. Twelve thousand Senior Companions work to provide non-medical support to adults at risk of being placed in nursing homes or dependent care facilities. This program provides a potential framework for supporting the informal care giving system upon which long-term care services primarily rest. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides opportunities for over 455,000 citizens 55+ to contribute over 83 million hours of service directly related to education, the environment, public safety, and critical unmet human needs. Current Senior Corps efforts demonstrate the cost effectiveness, potential savings and multiplier effect in using seniors to meet community needs. On the "senior side" as stated above, seniors stay well longer. On the "service side", there is ample evidence that the programs of the Senior Corps meet essential community needs: * Senior Companion Program. Since 1975, some 35 studies attest to its effectiveness. Most recent include a 1994 look at Current and Future Roles of Senior Companions in Home and Community-based Long Term Care by the Research Triangle Institute which indicated that " Companions provided a high quality of care, as perceived by clients and agencies Companions are client-oriented rather than simply task- oriented they are age peers whose life experiences contribute to their services they are trained and supervised". Also in 1994, an evaluation of the Senior Companion and Visiting Nurse Associations of America Public Private Partnership Program by the University of Maryland Center on Aging indicated that " the overall advantage of having Senior Companions as part of the health team was assisting the client in the prevention of premature institutional and unnecessary health emergencies through regular assessment of the client in the home as the eyes and ears of the Visiting Nurse Health Team." * Foster Grandparent Program. A review of evaluations (some 31 studies have been conducted on the program) provides similar testimony. A 1994 Evaluation Report on the Foster Grandparent Program by the Office of Policy Research and Evaluation of ACTION indicated that "more than 80% of station supervisors at volunteer sites reported development of a sense of well-being, self-esteem, and interpersonal and social skills in children served 70% reported improvements in self-awareness, moral and ethical behavior, communication, language skills, self- help, eating and dressing and 50% reported improvements in basic academic skills and physical and motor skills of the children served." * RSVP Program. A not yet released 1996 Evaluation of the RSVP Program by WESTAT found that the volunteers perform a wide range of useful services for their communities and organizations. Over 90 percent of RSVP volunteers provide direct services, for example, annually serving more than 23 million meals to individuals such as elderly shut-ins and the homeless; providing 300,000 families and 108,000 patients or other individuals with general health support services; providing more than 11 million hours of direct education services through over 21,000 school stations and 6,800 volunteers assisting children in 1,600 Head Start centers; assisting 528,000 homeless families; and providing nearly 1.3 million seniors, over 200,000 children, 59,000 patients and 1.1 million individuals with 10 million hours of professional and technical services such as tax counseling, insurance assistance, help filing out Medicare applications, computer support, etc." Additionally, organizations housing RSVP volunteers benefit significantly in tangible and intangible ways from service by seniors. "In addition, the evaluation found that RSVP volunteers assisted their organizations by freeing up 15 million hours of regular staff time; recruiting 100,000 additional volunteers; and raising more than $11 million in cash and $114 million in-kind resources for their organizations." "Almost 2/3 of station volunteer supervisors indicated that their organizations or services would be affected negatively by volunteer removal; 61% foresaw negative effects on service, 21% expected their organizations to be harmed; and 10% thought their programs would end." Challenges to Growing Senior Service Critical mass is missing. While the absolute numbers involved in Senior Corps community service are impressive, these efforts are actually quite small, scarce and scattered, There is nothing resembling critical mass in most areas. Approximately 3/4 of 1% of seniors 55 and older are involved nationally --- in contrast to the roughly 5% of the eligible population that was engaged by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30's. Cultural barriers abound. Our youth-oriented nation undervalues, stereo types, and automatically ascribes frailty to seniors, failing to see them as serious, capable, and productive citizens and service-providers. This barrier is not limited to external images; community programs frequently underutilize seniors in service assignments, either by ignoring their possible contributions or placing them in assignments that don't fully utilize their skills or abilities. Current Senior Service Programs are limited. As they currently exist, the nature and quality of Senior Corps service opportunities reveal several limitations. For example, few men participate in the programs (from 10% of Foster Grandparents; 14% of Senior Companions; and 25% of RSVP volunteers.) In addition, both the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs are legally restricted to low-income individuals, thereby screening out many working class and middle income individuals, including large numbers whose fixed incomes put them slightly above the eligibility line. Lack of a flexible service schedule (both Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions have a mandatory 20 hour service week) and access to other service incentives such as educational stipends are also barriers to fulfilling older American's potential for national service through existing Senior Corps Programs. PROPOSALS [ To Be Developed: Launch Experience Corps. Currently a demonstration initiative which needs to be moved to the mainstream] D+C 6/24/99 AmeriCorps is working here Federally funded community Those critics ignore that AmeriCorps makes it possible for people like Judy service program is finding Curry to give back to her community. Curry, a mother of two who wants to success in the Rochester area. eventually earn a degree in theology, says she couldn't afford to volunteer without Add Rochester AmeriCorps as further the $600 a month AmeriCorps stipend evidence of uncommon community- and the $4,725 provided for educational mindedness that exists in this region. expenses. While the Clinton administration's 5- Critics ought to view Rochester year-old community service program has AmeriCorps as proof that helping people been taking its knocks in Congress from to volunteer for community service those who question its financial manage- works. In a community with one of the ment and accomplishments, AmeriCorps highest levels of per-capita donations to in Rochester is being hailed as a commu- the annual United Way campaign, nity asset. Rochester area residents are enlisting in A recent study by the Center for Gov- AmeriCorps at a steadily increasing rate. ernmental Research found that the more The ranks of local AmeriCorps volun- than 40 local nonprofit agencies served teers will soon jump from 94 to more by Rochester AmeriCorps were satisfied. than 100. In fact, 90 percent indicated that Ameri- There are lots of people in Rochester Corps volunteers improved the effective- and across the nation who'd like nothing ness of their services. better than to be able to share their time Clearly, the Rochester program doesn't and talents. AmeriCorps helps them do fit the picture painted by AmeriCorps' that and at the same time helps establish congressional PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION AmeriCorps thriving here Criticized federal are Time program gets raves locally, from helpers and those they help. BY STAFF WRITER MICHAEL WENTZEL For almost two years, Peter Sigrist has spent 40 hours a week tutoring boys and orga- nizing fund-raisers for their step team, as part of an Action for a Better Community pro- gram. Sigrist postponed a career in urban planning in favor of volunteer work in violence prevention, to honor a close friend who was killed in a shooting. "I wanted to do something positive in Rochester," he saíd. Sigrist, a 1997 graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., found that opportunity as a member of Rochester AmeriCorps, a branch of one of the most controversial com- munity service organizations in the country. President Clinton's pro- posal to increase AmeriCorps' $472 million budget by more than $100 million, in order to add thousands of volunteers, has been viewed skeptically by a Congress that questions both the agency's financial management and accomplish- ments. Clinton promoted Ameri- Corps as a way to boost volun- teerism and to increase aid to students. But critics and Clin- ton opponents call Ameri- Corps a sham and an example of big government because volunteers receive pay. In Rochester, where AmeriCorps is ending its fifth year and starting to recruit its largest number of volunteers ever, the assessment is over- whelmingly positive. ANNETTE LEIN staff photographer "It would be a hardship for Doing good AmeriCorps volunteer Judy Curry works with Elisa Anderson as Machelle us not to have AmeriCorps," Loyd reads, left, in an after-school program for kids at the Genesee Settlement House. AMERICORPS, PAGE 8A Curry says that AmeriCorps has turned her into an activist in the community. PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION 8A DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1999 AmeriCorps What you can do Rochester AmeriCorps is FROM PAGE 1A accepting applications for participation in the community said Zetta Denno, vice president for service program's next term that programs at Genesee Settlement begins in September. House, which has four AmeriCorps Corps members work for a volunteers on staff. "We would not variety of organizations, including be able to have some programs with- the Rochester School District, out them. And it is clear they are Monroe County Probation Office, having an impact on the children." Catholic Family Center, A Center for Governmental Re- neighborhood groups and search study of the more than 40 lo- settlement houses. cal agencies served by Rochester For information, call 262-1778 AmeriCorps supports her opinion or visit the AmeriCorps office at with statistics. Monroe Community College's Seventy-four percent of the host Damon City Campus, 228 E. agencies reported that having Main St. AmeriCorps members enabled them to serve more people and 55 Other participants percent said their presence permit- AIMEE K. WILES staff photographer Three other organizations ted extended hours. Almost 80 percent reported be- Helping kids AmeriCorps member Peter Sigrist, 24, with mem- administer AmeriCorps programs in the Rochester area: ing able to add new services and bers of the step dance team of adolescents from Frederick Doug- The Urban League of Rochester more than 90 percent indicated that lass Middle School whom he works with for 40 hours a week. has 16 members who work on AmeriCorps members improved repair and cleanup projects on the effectiveness of services. the. Erie Canal and as tutors in "AmeriCorps volunteers are god- "I had never volunteered any- members drop out or are dismissed city schools. For information, call sends," said Stephanie Fitzgerald, where other than Bible school," she before fulfilling their year's commit- 325-6530. education training coordinator at said. "But AmeriCorps has turned ment. Rosche put Rochester's loss Rural Opportunities has three the Center for Youth Services. me into a busy person and I'm active rate at about 20 percent. Moreover, volunteers who conduct pesticide Rochester AmeriCorps, a $1 mil- in a lot of things in the community." about half of Rochester AmeriCorps safety training for farm workers in lion program operated by a consor- In her AmeriCorps position, Cur- members sign up for a second year. several upstate counties. For tium of community agencies and ry, a graduate of MCC, helps first- When Rochester AmeriCorps information, call 546-7180. headquartered at Monroe Commu- graders with their homework, read- began, about 75 percent of the mem- Monroe County Legal Assistance nity College, will recruit 100 people ing and confidence every weekday bers were women and 80 percent Corp. has three AmeriCorps - six more than last year - for ser- at Genesee Settlement House - a were African-American. In the most members who are lawyers. They vice that begins in September. 35-hour-a-week job. To support her- recent group, about two-thirds were primarily help people who are In return for a one-year, full-time self and her children, she also works women and 60 percent were mentally ill secure housing and commitment, AmeriCorps mem- as many as three nights a week as a African-American. other services. For information, bers get individual medical cover- nursing assistant at the Jewish Almost half the volunteers are in call 325-2520. age, a child care subsidy and $8,340 Home of Rochester. their 20S. But some have been older - about $600 a month after taxes. At Donnest Bridges, an AmeriCorps than 50. The percentage of college "I thought it would be valuable to completion of service, a member member assigned to the Norton graduates has grown from 12 percent have some life experience under my can get $4,725 toward educational Street Neighborhood Empower- to 27 percent. belt before going into a rigorous expenses or to pay off school loans. ment Team office who puts in about "A lot of the work we are asking training program, and I wanted to "If all someone is looking for is a 40 hours a week, also works part people to do does not strictly re- come back and do something worth- job, this is not a good one," said Mar- time to supplement income for her- quire a college degree, but it does while," Wang said. ilyn Rosche, Rochester AmeriCorps self and her two children. help," Rosche said. "We are trying to Wang and other AmeriCorps project director. "It just doesn't pay "The sacrifice of income was ex- be as diverse as we can in as many members provided the Center for much." pected," she said. "You have to make ways as we can." Youth Services staff with a new per- Critics, such as Citizens Against sacrifices when there's something In surveys, a high percentage of spective, Fitzgerald said. Waste in Government, claim that you really want to do. Now I feel in- Rochester AmeriCorps members "They have helped us be more each AmeriCorps volunteer actually volved in my neighborhood and that say they are satisfied with their vol- sensitive to different cultures. costs taxpayers $27,000, when health I'm making a difference." unteer assignments because they They've done research for us that care, child care and administrative By August, when this year's term have acquired work and leadership keeps us soundly based. I can't imag- costs are considered. ends, 94 AmeriCorps members will experience. Many say AmeriCorps ine us doing as well as we do and see But AmeriCorps members, some have contributed almost 150,000 also has solidified a personal com- ing as many kids as we do without of whom have second jobs to cover hours of community service. mitment to community service. AmeriCorps." living expenses, say they could not In their first six months, volun- Melissa Wang, a Yale University Wang's AmeriCorps experience afford to participate in community teers provided prevention and inter- graduate from Pittsford, postponed could result in a long relationship service without the stipend or the vention services to more than 3,000 medical school for a year to join with the center. Wang plans to con- money for education. young people in the area. More than AmeriCorps. As a staff member of tinue as a volunteer after she starts Judy Curry, a mother of two who 1,500 youths took part in activities the Center for Youth Services, she classes at the University of hopes to get a bachelor's degree and with AmeriCorps volunteers. meets regularly with teens to dis- Rochester Medical Center in Sep- then a theology degree, was attract- National studies have shown that cuss anger management, drug abuse tember, and hopes to bring some fel- ed by the education package. about 40 percent of AmeriCorps and date rape prevention. low students, as well. PHOTOCOPY PRESERVATION CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE FISCAL YEAR 2001 BUDGET Overall Request The President's 2001 Budget requests $851.3 million for the Corporation for National and Community Service. This represents an increase of $119.7 million, or 16%, above the amounts available in 2000. The budget will support service by Americans in communities across the country, including full-time and substantial part-time service by 62,000 AmeriCorps members; support for more than 1 million students in service-learning programs in elementary and secondary schools as well as institutions of higher education; and support for a half million seniors engaged in service to their communities. Highlights AmeriCorps will grow to 100,000 members annually over the next four years, reaching a goal for 2001 of 62,000 members. Since the launch of AmeriCorps five years ago, more than 150,000 Americans have served on the front lines in hard-pressed neighborhoods-tutoring in schools, responding to natural disasters, helping to make our streets safer, building homes, and more. The budget for AmeriCorps will increase by $73 million to accomplish this expansion. Among the initiatives is an effort to an enable former AmeriCorps members to serve in communities through a partnership with nonprofit organizations and a new AmeriCorps Reserves program. This program would be modeled on the Military reserves program where young professionals would serve in the Reserve Corps on weekends and/or after work The mission of the Reserve Corps would be to address national problems and crises, including natural disasters and domestic social problems while, at the same time, working to renew and reinvigorate civic life by committing to service, responsibility, and citizenship. The AmeriCorps Reserves would build on the AmeriCorps Continuing Service initiative announced by the President at the 5th Anniversary of AmeriCorps. For service-learning, the budget includes $51 million, an increase of $8 million above 2000 levels, to give opportunities for more than a million students in middle schools, high schools, and colleges to participate in service-learning. Two new youth initiatives in the President's Budget, funded under this category, are: Community Coaches: The Corporation for National Service will award $5 million in grants to promote the use of community coaches in service- learning. Community coaches, some of whom will be AmeriCorps members, will help young people design and implement their own community projects. This initiative is modeled after the Community Coaches program started by the non-profit organization, Do Something. Already, Do Something is supporting 110 community coaches in communities across the country. Youth Empowerment Grants: The budget includes $3 million to reward and support the creativity of youth by proving fellowships to young people that have developed innovative youth driven solutions to community problems facing young people in their own communities. The grants would be awarded by the Corporation for National Service to community- based organizations to support youth-led projects ranging from solutions to prevent youth violence, ways to improve civic participation or social justice, programs to improve academic achievement, or other youth development initiatives. The President's Budget expands funds for senior service by $9.7 million. These funds will provide additional opportunities for thousands of older Americans to serve their communities. The budget challenges members of our older population to rededicate themselves to community participation and create a legacy for future generations. A new request is $7.5 million for America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth. This effort is a nationwide crusade to help all children grow into healthy, strong, and productive adults by assuring these five promises are fulfilled: (1) An ongoing relationship with a caring adult-parent, mentor, tutor or coach; (2) A safe place with structured activities during non-school hours; (3) A healthy start; (4) A marketable skill through effective education; and (5) An opportunity to give back through service. The budget expands funding for program administration, including funds for state commissions on national service, to address requirements related to financial management, grants management, and systems implementation. Other Information About National Service In addition to these major programs of the Corporation for National Service - AmeriCorps, service-learning and the Senior Corps - there are a number of initiatives that are helping to build the ethic of service among all Americans. Experience Corps. With demonstration funds the Corporation has supported programs to engage seniors in their communities in new and exciting ways to address critical community needs, including literacy, the need for independent living among seniors, and housing. As part of this initiative, the Seniors for Schools program has accomplished improvements in reading scores and other outcomes for young children. The Experience Corps for Independent Living expands the size and scope of volunteer efforts on behalf of independent living service for frail elders and their caregivers in selected communities. A partnership with Habitat for Humanity uses the time, talents, experience, and resources of older persons to help build the capacity of local Habitat affiliates to move people out of substandard housing into their own homes. Some key features of the effort are: Sustained service in sufficient numbers. Seniors serve between 15-20 hours per week in groups targeted at specific needs, such as tutoring young children in schools. The accomplishments are significantly greater than those that are achieved by episodic volunteering. Such sustained service can often add a new program dimension; for example, participating Habitat affiliates are able to build homes throughout the week, not only on weekends. Incentives. Modest incentives are necessary to obtain this level of sustained service in order to defray out-of-pocket costs. Focus on impact. All programs have strong evaluation components; results of these efforts have been extremely positive. Leaders. The programs make use of seniors as leaders who manage projects and supervise other volunteers. Funds to continue demonstration efforts, and support their adoption by communities and other senior programs, are included in this budget. AmeriCorps*Promise Fellows. Under a partnership with America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth, AmeriCorps* Promise Fellows, 550 strong, are serving as catalysts and coordinators for a whole range of projects with Communities of Promise. The President's Budget proposes to double the size of this program. Service Scholarships for High School Students. The Corporation for National Service sponsors $1,000 scholarships, ½ of which is provided by local funds, for a junior and senior in a high school doing outstanding service in their communities. This past year, about 4,000 scholarships were awarded. The President's Budget includes funds for 15,000 such scholarships next year. CLINTON ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES NEW BUDGET INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY SERVICE January 11, 2000 Today, the White House will announce an investment of over $850 million in President Clinton's FY 2001 budget to support community service and to empower more Americans to renew our civic life. This increase of nearly $120 million for the Corporation for National Service keeps AmeriCorps on track for the President's goal of 100,000 members each year by the year 2004. The budget will also include a new "AmeriCorps Reserves" program, modeled after the military reserves, and designed to engage former Corpsmembers in times of need. Finally, the Administration will also announce $15.5 million in new initiatives that reward innovations in youth service, as well as additional resources to encourage service by senior citizens, and to engage students in learning through community service. EXPANDING AMERICORPS AND CREATING A NEW "RESERVES" PROGRAM TO ENGAGE AMERICORPS ALUMS IN COMMUNITY SERVICE. Keeping AmeriCorps On Track for 100,000 Members a Year. With a $73 million increase, AmeriCorps will be able to grow to 100,000 new members a year over the next four yeas. Since the launch of AmeriCorps five years ago, more than 150,000 Americans have served on the front lines in hard-pressed neighborhoods-tutoring in schools, responding to natural disasters, helping to make our streets safer, building homes, and more. In fact, more Americans have served in AmeriCorps in the last five years than have served in the entire history of the Peace Corps. "AmeriCorps Reserves" to Engage Former Corpsmembers in Service. The President's budget includes $5 million to create a new AmeriCorps reserves program that will enable former Corpsmembers to re-engage in service to their communities, particularly in times of crisis. This pilot program would be modeled on the military reserves: former AmeriCorps members would serve in the Reserve Corps on weekends and/or after work, and would address national crises, including natural disasters. The Reserves will build on the AmeriCorps Continuing Service initiative, which connects AmeriCorps alums to community service projects through a partnership with national non-profit organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the National Mentoring Partnership and the YMCA. "COMMUNITY COACHES" AND OTHER INNOVATIVE INVESTMENTS IN YOUTH-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS. Community Coaches. For the first time, the Corporation for National Service will award $5 million in grants to place a "community coach" in nearly 1,000 schools. Community Coaches - AmeriCorps members, teachers, and counselors - can help students make the most of their community service and can act as a vital link between the school, the business sector, and the local community. This initiative is modeled after the Community Coaches program pioneered by the national youth leadership non-profit organization Do Something. Do Something is already supporting community coaches in more than 100 schools in 75 communities across the country. Youth Empowerment Grants. The budget also includes $3 million for new Youth Empowerment Grants, competitive fellowships that reward young social entrepreneurs dedicated to solving problems in their communities. The Corporation for National Service will award the grants to community-based organizations that sponsor young people who have designed and developed their own projects. These will include efforts to prevent youth violence, programs to improve civic participation, and initiatives that engage older students in tutoring and mentoring. America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth. The budget will include $7.5 million for this national crusade to help all children grow into healthy, strong, and productive adults. America's Promise focuses on five promises for every child: (1) an ongoing relationship with a caring adult -- parent, mentor, tutor or coach; (2) a safe place with structured activities during non-school hours; (3) a healthy start; (4) a marketable skill through effective education; and (5) an opportunity to give back through service. SUPPORTING SENIOR CITIZENS IN SERVICE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES. The President's budget expands funds for senior service by $9.7 million. These funds will provide additional opportunities for thousands of older Americans to serve their communities. AmeriCorps: VISTA & Technology http://AmeriCorps.org/vista_tech/index.htm We're part of the Corporation for National Service AMERICORPS Bridge The Digital Divide: Start the new millenium by bringing the advantage of technology to some of our neediest communities "We're going to take AmeriCorps *VISTA volunteers Looking for a way to give back, to feel the kind of job satisfaction of qualify them in the information helping people in need that you don't find in a typical 9 to 5 corporate and then through the help of A job? What about taking your interest in the internet and other computer the Case Foundation and usin technologies into communities that might not otherwise have access? YMCAs as delivery points, ma that these youngsters get the information technology in thos AmeriCorps* VISTA has a unique opportunity for the next 12 months for YMCAs so that they can be up you. You could be one of up to 500 AmeriCorps VISTA members speed, so that they can be at serving on technology projects with non-profit organizations and schools leading edge of the new age." throughout the U.S. You'll help them effectively use technology to General Coli increase the impact of their work in the low-income communities they America's P serve. Supporting you would be the significant resources of some of America's technology leaders: America Online, Gateway, IBM, Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and WinStar for Education. In addition, leading non-profits including NetDay (the NextDay project), Save the Children US (Power UP), Tech Corps, United Way of America (Teaming for TECHnology), and the YMCA of the USA (Power UP) and the Corporation for National Service will help to ensure that you receive the support you need to make the experience meaningful for you and for the low-income community you serve. Why do our country's low-income communities need this technology assistance? There is a great "digital divide" between schools in low-income communities and those in middle/high-income areas. Only 6% of all wired schools have the trained personnel to actually put technology to use in the curriculum. AmeriCorps VISTA members can build the infrastructure to make this happen. 1 of 2 1/10/2000 12:49 PM AmeriCorps: VISTA & Technology http://AmeriCorps.org/vista_tech/index.html What some Also, as more agencies become involved in assisting low-income AmeriCorps*VISTAs hav residents from "welfare to work," the need for technology training will already accomplished: only increase. As an AmeriCorps*VISTA, the access to technology and job training you'll provide is critical to help people find jobs and get off Computers valued at over welfare. $150,000 recycled and de to over 40 nonprofits in o What exactly would I be doing? alone More than 1000 Y2K han Each of the projects is defined by the needs of the specific community distributed to local agenc you'd be assigned to. You could: Storefront community ou with computer lab and co volunteers are now offeri assess technology needs of schools, agencies training to residents of six design technology plans with faculty, students, and community neighborhoods members raise funds or donations of equipment, software, or networking services recruit community volunteers and donors for computer installation, wiring, teacher training, class instruction, email mentors, and to staff computer labs and classrooms locate resources for curriculum development As an AmeriCorps*VIS develop curriculum for both students and parents, or community you could help "bridge members at-large digital divide" for schoo provide training aimed at securing technology-based employment the children they serve, nonprofits and the large communities that they S W e have a role just for you as an AmeriCorps*VISTA in To request an applicatio one of these technology-based projects. please email us at acorpstech@infosystec. or call 1-800-942-2677. 2 of 2 1/10/2000 12:49 PM AmeriCorps Programs in New York Albany Ecumenical Program for Urban Service (EPRUS) Sponsor: The National Council of the Churches of Christ Activities: Members serve in schools and community organizations in low-income neighborhoods, primarily offering tutoring and mentoring support, leading after school recreation and enrichment activities, assisting runway and homeless youth, providing drug abuse prevention and other healthy lifestyle information, and delivering gang prevention and intervention assistance. New York State Waterway Community Corps Sponsor: New York State Corps Collaboration Waterways Program Activities: Through this statewide initiative, members serve in nine youth corps to enhance and protect the environment of urban and rural communities along the linked New York State Canal/Hudson River corridor. Members clean up and restore parks, community gardens, green spaces and watersheds; provide environmental education for school children; improve access to sites along the waterway corridor; involve communities through volunteer recruitment and utilization; and address human needs of residents of the communities along the corridor. New York State Council on Children and Families Sponsor: NY State Council on Children and Families Activities: AmeriCorps members focus on early childhood and family literacy. Members support the early literacy development of fax: 300 400 3-5 year old children in ways that 1) by encourage new mothers in hospitals to read from the start of their children's lives, 2) work with children in head start centers, and establish lending libraries. In the area of adult literacy, members tutor 75-100 parents to enhance their reading abilities and improve their employment readiness skills. Members help adults prepare for the GED, write resumes and prepare for job interviews. Albany Service Corps Sponsor: Albany School Success AmeriCorps Program Activities: AmeriCorps members support school success through three principal initiatives: 1900 improve the literacy of 500 students, provide extended day programming for 500 youth; and 3) to imprové school attendance of 300 students. The program goals are to improve the achievement potential of at-risk youth. Albany YMCA, Albany YMCA AmeriCorps Program Sponsor: Education Award Only Albany YMCA Activities: Members tutor, mentor, and provide after school services and activities for 80+ of the most at-risk students in Albany. Expected impacts include improvement in grades as well as in school attendance. Members also provide support services to 500+ people through other a wide initiatives and programs that otherwise would not exist. This program model successfully vanety replicates one in NH. 1 Bronx Bronx Youth Conservation Corps (Save a Generation, AmeriCorps) Sponsor: Save A Generation State Program Fordham Univ. Activities: Members focus on educational and environmental concerns in the Bronx area of NYC. Some members clear and restore large wilderness parks and provide upkeep to smaller urban areas by planting trees, repairing trails, and improving erosion control. Members also remove graffiti from shops and public places. Other members serve in the schools by tutoring jr. high students, assisting with the development of community gardens, monitoring the lunchroom and providing needed support to prevent truancy and increase attendance. The program partners with Fordham University. Hundreds of students and thousands of community residents will benefit from their efforts. Latino Pastoral Action Center Program Sponsor: Latino Pastoral Action Center Program Activities: AmeriCorps members improve the literacy of 150, 5-7 year old students through a comprehensive school day and extended day program. Additionally, members improve the academic performance of 150 6-14 year olds through an after school program. Members also serve to increase the access and use of community services by 100 youth and their family. members. Brooklyn YouthBuild Brownsville-Brooklyn Sponsor: YouthBuild USA Activities: The service Member activities focus primarily on renovating houses and buildings for the homeless and low income families. YouthBuild USA has a substantial number of affiliate organizations across the country. Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenged, and low-income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. Sunset Park Family Health Center Network Community Mealthcorps Sponsor: National Association of Community Health Centers Activities: The Sunset Park Family Health Center Network is a large community health center serving the low income and medically under-served communities of southwest Brooklyn. AmeriCorps members link individuals in Brooklyn with(our health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. RF/CUNY on behalf of New York City Technical College Technorps Sponsor: TechCorps State Program CUNY / NYC Technical college Activities: childreno AmeriCorps members serve in various sites in the Ft. Green area of Brooklyn and focus on literacy and the school success of children: Thirty members will tutor, mentor and assist with child development activities in after school sites, fifteen members will support the America Reads initiative, and five Members will assist parents in the development of computer literacy. 2 Church Avenue Merchants Association, Inc. (CAMBA) Sponsor: Brooklyn's Healthy AmeriCorps State Program Activities: AmeriCorps Members provide education in parenting, HIV and pregnancy and assistance in managed care for 100 low-income high-risk parents and teens in Brooklyn, New York. Members also provide health education for local children and youth. Buffalo Canisius College NE university Sponsor: Northeastern University Center for Sport in Society Activities: AmeriCorps Members recruit college and high school students to tutor and mentor school age youth during full-time summer and year-round after school programs. The full-time Members train part-time Members and community volunteers in curriculum development and tutoring skills and all Members expand the program's partnership with families, schools and community agencies. Buffalo Place Foundation Sponsor: AmeriCorps Ranger Escort State Program Activities: AmeriCorps Members increase public safety visibility and effectiveness through identifying potential crimes and patrolling the streets of downtown Buffalo. Expected impacts include a 10% decrease in crime and a 20% increase in the perception of a safer downtown area. Additionally, members provide safety escorts for 500 people and distribute safety tips to 3000 people. Delhi Catskill Outdoor Education Corps State Program Sponsor: SUNY College of Technology Activities: AmeriCorps members will develop an outdoor recreation/education facility in the Catskill Mountains. Members will clear- or construct hiking trails, picnic areas, gardens, natural areas, and an amphitheater. Member service will provide the community with an information clearinghouse on outdoor education and recreation; opportunities for outdoor recreation skill development; and a natural laboratory to study the environment. Elizabethtown Families First in Essex County Sponsor: Families First in Essex County State Program Activities: AmeriCorns Members serve in eleven agencies throughout Essex County to address all five goals of the Summit as well as the human needs of its citizens. Members tutor, mentor, and counsel youth, train parents of youth with disabilities, and provide educational support to older adolescents. Program goals are to improve the academic and behavioral performance of students in schools and to increase the numbers of community agencies and businesses that collaborate. 3 Irving Seneca Nation of Indians Sponsor: The Strengthening Foundations Project Tribe Territory Activities: Members provide culturally appropriate tutoring to 200 youth grades 7-12, during the school year to improve their grades by at least one a grade level. Summer component includes environmental clean up and reforestation activities, with a minimum of 50 cords of wood to be distributed to elders. Seneca language and culture will be emphasized in member training and community activities. This program serves two Seneca reservations 40 miles apart in rural upstate New York. Locust Valley On Your Marks, Summerbridge Sponsor: Summerbridge National Activities: Summerbridge National AmeriCorps Members provided tutoring and mentoring support in after-school, weekend, and summer settings, provided enrichment class instruction, provided service and service-learning opportunities for elementary, middle, secondary school and college students, and cultivated young educators. Main Street The Institute for Human Services, Inc. Sponsor: AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative Activities: Twenty AmeriCorps members serve in single site placements throughout rural Stuben County supporting various goals of the Summit. Members provide 3750 of the county's youth with positive role models and alternative activities through tutoring, mentoring, and planned activities. Members ensure that youth and their families receive the support needed to succeed in and stay in school. Additionally, members provide support to ensure that children have safe and healthy home environments and behaviors. Specific member services include providing safe places, substance abuse prevention counseling, adolescent pregnancy training, health care counseling, and alternative after school activities. New Paltz Research Foundation of SUNY-New Paltz Sponsor: AmeriCorps Education Awards Program Activities: Members provide tutoring and literacy assistance to 500+ youth; after school, weekend, and summer activities in 4 community centers; and involve youth in community service efforts. New York National Substance Abuse Service Corps Sponsor: Phoenix House of Culif 4 Activities: The National Substance Abuse Service Corps is a collaborative effort of substance and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention programs and educational institutions. It seeks to services. expand and improve the local networks of substance and alcohol abuse treat ment and prevention Jumpstart New York City Sponsor: Jumpstart for Young Children ,Inc. Activities: Jumpstart recruits and trains part-time AmeriCorps members (who are mostly college students) to work individually with preschool children, helping them to develop the literacy and social skills that are crucial to school success. Jumpstart's AmeriCorps members serve a 20- month, part-time term of service (900 hours), which includes working one-on-one with a preschool child during the school year and team teaching in a preschool classroom during the summer. AmeriCorps members' service also includes a focus on communicating and collaborating with children's families; extensive training in early childhood education; and the opportunity to plan and execute an annual community event, Jumpstart KidsFest. Project FIRST Americops Sponsor: Public Education Network Activities: Project FIRST AmeriCorps Members refurbish and install technological components related to Internet access in schools, and assist educators, students and adult learners in using the technology. Members also provide direct instructional support at schools and community forums. Youth Action YouthBuild AmeriCorps Sponsor: YouthBuild USA, Inc. Activities: Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenges, and low income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. NewYork/Americorps I Have a Dream AmeriCorps Foundation Sponsor: I Have a Dream Foundation Activities: Members enable (IHAD) sites to intensify their outreach to Dreamers, their families and the community. In addition to tutoring and mentoring and providing academic and social enrichment, members recruit and train community volunteers, organize family involvement activities and lead Dreamers in community service projects. New York City LISC Ameri cops Sponsor Local Initiatives Support Corporation (2LISC) Activities: Members engage in community revitalization activities including housing outreach and education, job training, youth education programs, neighborhood planning, and human services planning. Teach for America, New York Sponsor: Teach for America Activities: AmeriCorps Members teach under-served youth at inner city and rural public schools. Members assume leadership roles on school committees, sponsoring after school and 5 enrichment and recreational opportunities. Members also coordinate and implement service projects addressing specific community needs. AmeriCorps 100 New York Sponsor: 100 Black Men of America Inc. Activities: The AmeriCorps 100 program will improve the quality of life for K-12 youth in under served communities by enhancing their ability to be academically and socially competitive. Through tutoring and mentoring, students' academic performance will improve, school attendance will increase and youth will have more opportunities to participate in community service. Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families Sponsor Harlem Children's Zone state Program Activities: AmeriCorps members provide in-class and after school literacy-based and conflict resolution training for children in grades 1-5 in three elementary schools in Harlem, NY. Additionally, AmeriCorps members address community needs by supporting family literacy, providing crises support to families, developing a Community Safety Task Force and improving the physical environment of the Harlem Children's Zone. New York State Substance Abuse Service Program Sponsor: Phoenix House AmeriCorps program Activities: Members assist various communities by developing linkages between treatment providers, organizations, and schools. Members provide substance abuse prevention counseling and education to community residents, including individuals in recovery, educators, school-aged youth and parents. YMCA of Greater New York Sponsor: YMCA School Success Program Activities: This is An extended day youth-based program where 72 AmeriCorps Members facilitate classroom-based service activities and enrichment activities, in 12 low-performing schools. Members also lead physical fitness and health awareness activities and provide community service-learning activities. Expected impact includes 120 service projects, a 5-percent increase in student reading and math scores, and a 15-percent increase in student fitness levels. Fund for the City of New York [Red Hook) Americorps Sponsor: State Program Fund for the City of NY Activities: Members serve either on the Community (C) Team to address public safety in public places and the upkeep of green spaces, the Unity (U) Team for mediation services, or the Family (F) Team that focuses on the safety of children during and after school. The program has established strong partnerships with the justice system, local police, and victim services agencies. Grand Street Settlement Americanps Sponsor: AmeriCorps State Program Activities: 40 part time AmeriCorps members serve in various sites throughout the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Members address school safety, school readiness and school success issues 6 of community residents. By escorting youth to after school activities, program attendance has increased. Service Members in the Early Head Start Program and work with parents support family literacy and school readiness. Members also provide homework assistance, computer training, and one to one tutoring to promote school success. Public Space for Public Life: Parks Council and National Audobon Society Initiative Sponsor: The Parks Council Activities: AmeriCorps members support the creation, reclamation and restoration of neighborhood parks and public spaces in New York City, including a wetland park and a 10 acre forested area in Queens. Additionally, members engage elementary school students in building science and math skills through exploration of the natural world using the National Audubon Society curriculum. Members will build five new science gardens at schools in Manhattan, engage public school students in applied science research and environmental restoration projects, and involve students in observing bird life in their communities. Don't Trash New York Sponsor: New York Restoration Project Activities: AmeriCorps members focus on environmental clean up in New York City. Members clean, create, restore and maintain 350 acres of parkland; provide neighborhood ecology at 2 outdoor science learning facilities for 100 students; build a boat with community students; engage community leaders in the creation of a plan for sustainability; and link public spaces to the public education system. City College's Empowering Communities Program Sponsor: City College of the City University of New York Activities: AmeriCorps Members from the City College of New York facilitate a community service learning program that increases community members' computer skills and school success. Members train community members in computer skills, tutor students after-school, and work with parents to involve them more their child's education. Expected impacts include: Community members be trained in computer skills and while targeted youth will show an improvement in college preparatory skills. Lower East Side/Chinatown Amen Corps Sponsor: Pace University Activities: 11 part-time and 46 reduced part-time members serve the primarily Asian community in Lower Eastside NYC. Members tutor and mentor low achieving junior high students to improve their grades and attendance; provide college and career counseling to high school students and their parents to increase the rate of h.s. graduation, college matriculation and career/employment options; and provide service-learning opportunities to students to help them increase their problem solving skills. Teachers for Tomorrow Sponsor: Teachers for Tomorrow, Inc. Activities: Members serve as Teaching Fellows in yearlong apprenticeships to mentor teachers in schools throughout New York City. The goal is to provide Fellows the opportunity to learn the art of teaching from leading educators. Outcome goals are to strengthen the educational success 7 of disadvantaged public school students and increase the number of talented young people who pursue careers as urban schoolteachers. Harlem Independent Living Center (5 Sponsor: Creating Opportunity Activities: AmeriCorps Members serve in a consortium of six Independent Living Centers that serve the disabled community throughout New York City. Members focus their service activities in three areas: housing, youth and the 10th anniversary of ADA 2000. Specifically, some members will develop database to identify 250 accessible housing units and help landlords as well as realtors learn ways of increasing housing accessibility. Other members provide mentoring, peer counseling and information referral to 150 youth to help 60% transition from High School. Regarding the ADA 2000, members other educate and inform 500 individuals and organizations and engage 150 actively in planning the event. HILC is the lead agency in this consortium. 2 about the planning of +DA 2000. (G Ecumenical Program for Urban Service (EPRUS) Sponsor: Education Awards Program for of EPRUS Activities: Members provide mentoring, skill-learning, employment, education, healthy start, safe places, and volunteer generation activities. Habitat for Humanity-New York City NY C Habitat Ameri corp Sponsor: Habitat for Humanity Activities: Members construct and rebuild homes and buildings, including single family dwellings in urban communities. They provide crew leadership, recruit and work with community volunteers, educate homeowners on settlement procedures and basic home repair, and conduct community needs assessment. Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara Sponsor: The ARC of the US Activities: Members mentor individuals with mental retardation on a one-to-one basis, teach independent living skills, and assist integration into community life. Members serve as liaisons between the community and disabled persons and educate community groups, local businesses and the general public about the needs of developmentally disabled. AmeriCorps Community Service Internship Sponsor: Bank Street College of Education Activities: Members provide classroom and after-school literacy training & reading/ tutoring support for 700+ elementary school students who do not perform at grade level. Oneonta Oneonta Rural School Empowerment Program Sponsor: SUNY Oneonta Research Foundation Activities: AmeriCorps members improve the school success of youth in Oneonta County. Focusing on reading and math, members tutor and mentor 900 students in school and engage 450 8 students in after school and evening programs. Additionally, through the development of 15 Youth Leaders in Action service clubs, members provide leadership training for 225 youth. Oswego Oswego AmeriCorps Program Sponsor: Oswego City-County Youth Bureau Activities: AmeriCorps members serve in multiple agencies throughout Oswego County to provide positive prevention services to youth and families. Members assist youth and families with basic needs that permit self-sufficiency such as with food, clothing, shelter, childcare and safety. Additionally members provide school readiness, literacy readiness and tutoring opportunities by supporting parents of preschoolers, assisting with in school and after school activities, and establishing a summer reading program for elementary students. Members also provide positive alternatives and relationships for youth and their families by developing a youth leadership program, establishing parent support groups and developing meaningful community service projects. Members will serve at least 2000 youth and their families. Peekskill Community Health Corps Sponsor: National Association of Community Health Centers Activities: AmeriCorps Members link individuals in under-served communities with health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. Plainview AHRC Adult Day Services Program Sponsor: NY SARC Nassau County Activities: Thirty Year part-time AmeriCorps Members provide shopping services and companionship to homebound elderly and/or disabled citizens and respite care services for the care givers of disabled adults. Members, who themselves are disabled, work in teams with college students who are fulfilling their college community service requirements. This program links and integrates adults with developmental disabilities with college students and the elderly homebound population in need of services resulting in 75% of each population gaining a better understanding and acceptance of each other. Port Ewen YouthBuild USA Multi-State AmeriCorps Initiative Sponsor: YouthBuild USA, Inc Activities: Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenged and low income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. 9 Poughkeepsie YRDC AmeriCorps Sponsor: Youth Resource Development Corporation (YRDC) Activities: Members focus on academic success and environmental revitalization by engaging youth in service. Members mentor and provide after-school care, summer and workplace learning opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities. Additionally members tutor and teach literacy skills to youth at schools and community centers that have significant concentrations of low-income students. Members also serve to help reduce the crime against, and by youth by introducing conflict resolution and violence prevention skills. Using service-learning activities, members engage youth in environmental projects such as community gardening, making playgrounds and public spaces cleaner and safer, and environmental stewardship. Long Lake NY Adirondack Youth Conservation AmeriCorps Sponsor: Student Conservation Association, Inc NY Activities: AmeriCorps Members serve in a residential environmental conservation program in the Adirondacks region. Members build, repair, refurbish and restore recreational and natural areas such as hiking trails, campgrounds, historic buildings and sites. Additionally, Members use service-learning models to provide environmental and ecological education for 400 to 800 in school, after-school, and out-of-school youth. Sixty to 100 volunteers will be recruited and trained by Members to assist with these activities. Program operates from October to August applications are due by July + Rensselaer NYS Office of Children & Family Services Sponsor: Governor's Innovative School Violence Prevention Program Activities: Twenty full time AmeriCorps members serve to reduce the number of violent incidents (including physical, verbal and mental abuse) that youth impose on others and to decrease the incidence of violence in schools and youth center settings. Approximately 400 youth, between pre-school and high school, learn principles of anger control, non-violent resolution of problems, early warning signs of rage, improved communication techniques, and empathy/understanding of others. As a result of member service, students' grades will increase and absenteeism will decline. Additionally, corps members will engage the community in ways that help them develop more positive attitudes and images of youth as well as increase the local interest in developing new youth services. Rochester Monroe County Legal Assistance/Homelessness Prevention Sponsor: National Association of Public Interest Law (NAPIL) Activities: Members secure affordable housing for low income families, assist domestic violence victims, and coordinate projects to prevent homelessness. 10 Monroe Community College NY's Enterprise Communi Sponsor: State Program Monroe Comm College Activities: 94 full-time AmeriCorps Members serve in 25 community-based organizations in Rochester, New York's Enterprise Community. The purpose of this program is to increase the reality and perception of public safety in the community. Members provide assistance to police substations, prevention and intervention education to youth around the issues of substance abuse and conflict resolution, and implement positive developmental and community service activities with for neighborhood youth. Expected impacts include: a 20% increase in geographic area covered by Neighborhood Watch and block clubs; a 20% increase in contacts at police substations; a N reported increase in intervention/prevention services offered to youth; and a 10% increase in he numbers of youths participating in targeted activities. National Farmworker Environmental Education Program Sponsor: Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs Activities: AmeriCorps members train migrant and seasonal farmworkers in methods of reducing their exposure to pesticides and accessing health, education, and supportive services. Members become state-certified safety trainers. Schenectady The Schenectady Bridge Builders Sponsor: Schenectady County Job Training Agency Activities: AmeriCorps Members serve in teams to tutor students in grades K-3; mentor youth in after school programs in conflict resolution, personal safety, and drug resistance; rehabilitate 2 single family low income houses; and construct community paths and revitalize nature trails. As a result of the tutoring services provided to 2000 students and family members, ninety five percent of the participating students will be able to read independently by age 8. Additionally, forty percent of parents will complete activities at home to strengthen student-reading skills., Three hundred youth will learn new skills improve their attitudes and behavior, Two low or moderate-income families will own newly renovated homes, not otherwise available to them and The community parks will be more accessible to the public as well as to the disabled community. Volunteers will also contribute 100 hours to a greenhouse and community gardens. Our Experience is the Best Teacher Sponsor: Self-Advocacy Association of New York Activities: 6 AmeriCorps members, with developmental and other disabilities, give disability awareness presentations to at least 3000 students with and without disabilities and teachers in order to increase the acceptance and inclusion of students with disabilities Additionally, Members provide sensitivity awareness training for 1600 staff of organizations that support individuals with disabilities and to 3000 individuals from other civic, government or community groups. In addition to increasing community awareness and sensitivity, member serviceSwill are improve the involvement and employment opportunities of people with disabilities and strengthen their self-advocacy skills. 11 Syracuse Syracuse Community Health Center-HealthCorps Sponsor: National Association of Community Health Centers Activities: AmeriCorps Members link individuals in under-served communities with health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. Syracuse Area Catholic Charities AmeriCorps Program Sponsor: Syracuse Area Catholic Charities Activities: AmeriCorps members serve in seven centers in the greater Syracuse, NY region with attention in three areas: 1) to assist with the early childhood education of 150 3-5 year olds to foster school readiness and school success, 2) to teach and model pro-social skills to 1200 children 5-18 years and 3) to transport 800 low income children and women to medical appointments to improve compliance with medical treatment. Members work with children in schools and in after school programs. Additionally, members will expand their service to support the needs of refugee youth in the area, which includes providing them an orientation to the community and to the schools, providing support with the adjustment to a new culture, and teaching ESL and assisting with citizenship classes. Goldberg Marriage and Family Therapy Program Sponsor: Syracuse University Activities: Members, who are Masters students in the Goldberg Marriage and Family Therapy program at Syracuse University, providesfamily therapy to children, adolescents, couples, individuals and families in central New York addressing family issues such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, family conflict, marital discord. and poverty. Utica Family Nurturing Center of Central NY Sponsor: Family Nurturing Center of Central NY, Inc. Activities: Twenty full time AmeriCorps members provide home-based and community based parenting education and support services for 250+ low income families. Members teach and demonstrate ways for parents to provide quality play and learning activities for children, aged birth to six. Members also provide education on lead screening, fire safety, accidental injuries and asthma. Additionally, members provide information and referral services for 600 parents of low income households. For the 1998-99 program year, the program will eliminate part time member positions. West Seneca West Seneca Youth Bureau-Share the Word Sponsor: Universities at Buffalo, Buffalo State College and the King Urban Center Activities: Members will adopt elementary and secondary schools with low retention rates in order to increase retention through tutoring and providing public awards for the students' work. 12 Members also design and implement service projects with these students. Expected impacts include: a 75% improvement in test scores of students tutored; a 75% satisfaction rate among service recipients; and a 75% improvement in student retention rate. Weed & Seed Urban Suburban AmeriCorps / W&S us A ) Sponsor: West Seneca Youth Bureau-Weed & Seed Activities: AmeriCorps members conduct health and wellness workshops and community outreach activities to ensure that 5000 residents and children are provided a nurturing environment and a healthy start in life. Other members work with community residents and non- profit organizations to identify and create safe places for youth. Additionally members serve to increase the capacity of existing community organizations and enhance their volunteer efforts by recruiting 1000 new participants who address the goals of the Summit. Members will also help form to and coordinate junior block clubs to involve 2000 youth in community service. 13 Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html AmeriCorps*S and National Direct We're part of the Corporation for National Service Programs: Alabama Alaska AMERICORPS Arizona Arkansas California Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Colorado Direct : New York Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Ecumenical Program for Urban Service (EPRUS) Florida Tri-City Shalom AmeriCorps Georgia National Direct Hawaii H. Ward Greer Idaho Illinois Executive Director Indiana Albany United Methodist Society, inc. lowa 423 Clinton Avenue Kansas Albany, NY, 12206 Kentucky Louisiana Issue Areas: Education, Other Human Needs Maine The National Council of the Churches of Christ is the nation's largest Maryland ecumenical organization. The Council's mission is to support its member Massachusetts denominations and churches in working toward social, economic and racial Michigan justice. The Council received a National Direct grant in 1994. AmeriCorps Minnesota Mississippi Members serve in schools and community organizations in low-income Missouri neighborhoods, primarily offering tutoring and mentoring support, leading Montana after-school recreation and enrichment activities, assisting runaway and Nebraska homeless youth, providing drug abuse prevention and other healthy lifestyle Nevada information, and delivering gang prevention and intervention assistance. New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York State Corps Collaboration Waterways Program New York New York Waterway Community Corps North Carolina State Program North Dakota Linda Cohen Ohio Oklahoma One Steuben Place Oregon Albany, NY 12208 Pennsylvania phone: 518-432-8757 Puerto Rico fax: 518-432-8767 Rhode Island South Carolina [email protected] South Dakota Issue Areas: Education, Environment, Other Human Needs Tennessee Through this statewide initiative, AmeriCorps members will serve in 9 corps to Texas enhance and protect the environment of urban and rural communities along the Utah linked New York State Canal/Hudson river corridor. Members will clean-up Vermont Virgin Islands and restore parks, community gardens, green spaces and watersheds; provide Virginia environmental education for school children; improve access to sites along the Washington waterway corridor; involve communities through volunteer recruitment and West Virginia utilization; and address human needs of residents of the communities along the Wisconsin corridor. Wyoming Tribes & Territories New York State Council on Children and Families NY State Council on Children and Families State Program Dan Crawley 5 Empire State Plaza Suite 2810 Albany, NY, 12223-1553 fax: 518-474-6294 fax: 518-473-2750 1 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm. Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth AmeriCorps members focus on early childhood and family literacy. Members support the early literacy development of fax: 300-400 3-5 year old children in ways that 1) encourage new mothers in hospitals to read from the start of their children's lives, 2) work with children in head start centers, and 3) establish lending libraries. In the area of adult literacy, members tutor 75-100 parents to enhance their reading abilities and improve their employment readiness skills. Members help adults prepare for the GED, write resumes and prepare for job interviews. Albany Service Corps Albany School Success AmeriCorps Program State Program Kevin Jobin-Davis Program Coordinator 7 Hoffman Avenue Albany, NY, 12209 phone: 518-434-2677 fax: 518-434-5358 Issue Areas: Education, Environment,AmeriCorps members support school success through three principal initiatives: 1) to improve the literacy of 500 students, 2) to provide extended day programming for 500 youth, and 3) to improve school attendance of 300 students. The program goals are to improve the achievement potential of at-risk youth. Albany YMCA, Albany YMCA AmeriCorps Program Education Award Only David Brown Executive Director 274 Washington Avenue Albany, NY, 12203 phone: 518-449-7196 fax: 518-434-0255 Issue Areas: Child/Youth, Education Members tutor, mentor, and provide after school services and activities for 80+ of the most at-risk students in Albany. Expected impacts include improvement in grades as well as in school attendance. Members also provide support services to 500+ people through other initiatives and programs that otherwise would not exist. This program model successfully replicates one in NH. Bronx Youth Conservation Corps (Save a Generation, AmeriCorps) Save A Generation State Program Gary Bogel 664 Grote St. Bronx, NY, 10457 phone: 718-365-5456 fax: 718-365-5442 Issue Areas: Education, Environment, Child/Youth Members focus on educational and environmental concerns in the Bronx area of NYC. Some members clear and restore large wilderness parks and provide upkeep to smaller urban areas by planting trees, repairing trails, and improving erosion control. Members also remove graffiti from shops and public places. Other members serve in the schools by tutoring jr. high students, assisting with the development of community gardens, monitoring the lunch room and providing needed support to prevent truancy and increase attendance. The program partners with Fordham University. Hundreds of students and thousands of community residents will benefit from their efforts. 2 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm Latino Pastoral Action Center Latino Pastoral Action Center State Program Raymond Rivera President and CEO 14 West 170th Street Bronx, NY, 10452 phone: 718-681-2361 fax: 718-681-2360 Issue Areas: Education AmeriCorps Members improve the literacy of 150 5-7year old students through a comprehensive school day and extended day program. Additionally, members improve the academic performance of 150 6-14 year olds through an after school program. Members also serve to increase the access and use of community services by 100 youth and their family members. YouthBuild Brownsville-Brooklyn YouthBuild Brownsville-Brooklyn National Direct Yaniyah Pearson Executive Director 1757 Union Street Brooklyn, NY, 11213 phone: 718-221-1414 fax: 718-221-0404 [email protected] YouthBuild USA, Inc., is a national non-profit organization that engages educationally at risk youth in a combination of service and youth development activities. The service activities focus primarily on renovating houses and buildings for the homeless and low income families. YouthBuild USA has a substantial number of affiliate organizations across the country. Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenges, and low income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. Sunset Park Pamily Health Center Network Community HealthCorps National Direct Orianne Sharir Director 150-55th St., Station 20 Brooklyn, NY, 11220 phone: 718-630-7349 fax: 718-492-5090 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs The Sunset Park Family Health Center Network is a large community health center serving the low income and medically underserved communities of southwest Brooklyn. In conjunction with the National Association of Community Health Centers, a non-profit organization which provides professional support services for over 800 community health centers nationwide, AmeriCorps members link individuals in Brooklyn with our health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. 3 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html RF/CUNY on behalf of New York City Technical College TechCorps State Program Georgianna Glose 300 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY, 11201 phone: 718-260-5173 fax: 718-260-5446 Issue Areas: Education AmeriCorps members serve in various sites in the Ft. Green area of Brooklyn and focus on literacy and the school success of children. Thirty members will tutor, mentor and assist with child development activities in after school sites, fifteen members will support the America Reads initiative, and five Members will assist parents in the development of computer literacy. Church Avenue Merchants Association, Inc. (CAMBA) Brooklyn's Healthy AmeriCorps State Program Brian Corrigan Program Director 2211 Church Avenue Brooklyn, NY, 11226 phone: 718-826-3967 fax: 718-826-6013 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Child/Youth AmeriCorps Members provide education in parenting, HIV and pregnancy and assistance in managed care for 100 low-income high-risk parents and teens in Brooklyn, New York. Members also provide health education for local children and youth from 100 families. Expected impacts include reduced incidence of childhood illness of targeted population; 75% of teens will reduce their high risk behaviors; 75% of families will demonstrate that they are receiving better health care. Canisius College Northeastern University/Canisius College National Direct Mark Notaro Site Director 2001 Main Street Buffalo, NY, 14208 phone: 716-888-3252 fax: 716-888-3190 Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety The Northeastern University Center for Sport in Society increases awareness of sport's relation to society and develops programs that identify current problems and offer solutions promoting the benefit of sport. The Center, founded in 1984, designed the program models used by sites: Project TEAMWORK (conflict resolution) and Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) concerning gender-based violence. President Clinton recognized TEAMWORK as a national model in 1994. AmeriCorps Members recruit college and high school students to tutor and mentor school-age youth during full-time summer and year-round after school programs. The full-time Members train part-time Members and community volunteers in curriculum development and tutoring skills and all Members expand the program's partnership with families, schools and community agencies. 4 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm. Buffalo Place Foundation AmeriCorps Ranger Escort Program State Program Joyce Emke 671 Main Street Buffalo, NY, 14203 phone: 716-856-3150 fax: 716-852-8490 buffaloplace@compuserve Issue Areas: Public Safety AmeriCorps Members increase public safety visibility and effectiveness through identifying potential crimes and patrolling the streets of downtown Buffalo. Expected impacts include a 10% decrease in crime and a 20% increase in the perception of a safer downtown area. Additionally, members provide safety escorts for 500 people and distribute safety tips to 3000 people. SUNY College of Technology at Delhi Catskill Outdoor Education Corps State Program Thomas Ostrom Farrell Hall Room 13 B Delhi, NY, 13753 phone: 607-746-4061 fax: 607-746-4346 Issue Areas: Education, Environment AmeriCorps members will develop an outdoor recreation/education facility in the Catskill Mountains in association with SUNY College. Members will clear or construct hiking trails, picnic areas, gardens, natural areas, and an amphitheater. Member service will provide the community with an information clearinghouse on outdoor education and recreation; opportunities for outdoor recreation skill development; and a natural laboratory to study the environment. Families First in Essex County Families First in Essex County State Program John Haverick Executive Director Water Street Elizabethtown, NY, 12932 phone: 518-873-9544 fax: 518-873-9570 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Education AmeriCorps Members serve in eleven agencies throughout Essex County to address all five goals of the Summit as well as the human needs of its citizens. Members tutor, mentor, and counsel youth, train parents of youth with disabilities and provide educational support to older adolescents. Program goals are to improve the academic and behavioral performance of students in schools and to increase the numbers of community agencies and businesses that collaborate. Seneca Nation of Indians The Strengthening Foundations Project Tribe Territory Dean Seneca 1490 Rt. 438 Irving, NY, 14081 5 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm phone: 716-673-3170 fax: 716-673-3332 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Environment, Child/Youth Members provide culturally appropriate tutoring to 200 youth grades 7-12 during the school year to improve their grades by at least a grade level. Summer component includes environmental clean up and reforestation activities, with a minimum of 50 cords of wood to be distributed to elders. Seneca language and culture will be emphasized in member training and community activities. This program serves two Seneca reservations 40 miles apart in rural upstate New York. On Your Marks, Summerbridge On Your Marks Summerbridge National Direct Pascale Pierre-Louis Assistant Director Friends Academy Duck Pond Road Locust Valley, NY, 11560 phone: 516-393-4283 fax: 516-671-2025 pascale [email protected] Issue Areas: Education Summerbridge National promotes school success while preparing students for high-school programs and developing high school and college students as future educators. Summerbridge National AmeriCorps Members provided tutoring and mentoring support in after-school, weekend, and summer settings, provided enrichment class instruction, provided service and service-learning opportunities for elementary, middle, secondary school and college students, and cultivated young educators. The Institute for Human Services, Inc. AmeriCorps Kids First Initiative/Steuben County State Program Julie Lawson 28 Main Street Main Street, NY, 14801 phone: 607-359-2134 fax: 607-359-2113 Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Education, Public Safety, Child/Youth Twenty AmeriCorps members serve in single site placements throughout rural Stuben County supporting various goals of the Summit. Members provide 3750 of the county's youth with positive role models and alternative activities through tutoring, mentoring, and planned activities. Members ensure that youth and their families receive the support needed to succeed in and stay in school. Additionally, members provide support to ensure that children have safe and healthy home environments and behaviors. Specific member services include providing safe places, substance abuse prevention counseling, adolescent pregnancy training, health care counseling, and alternative after school activities. Research Foundation of SUNY-New Paltz AmeriCorps Education Awards Program Education Award Only Tonda Highley Project Director Career Advising and Fieldwork Center 6 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html HAB 705, 75 S. Manheim Blvd. New Paltz, NY, 12561-2499 fax: 914-257-3265 fax: 914-257-3674 Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth Members provide tutoring and literacy assistance to 500+ youth; after school, weekend, and summer activities in 4 community centers; and involve youth in community service efforts. Phoenix House of California NSASC c/o Phoenix House of California, Inc. National Direct Central Chari Anhouse National Substance Abuse Service Corps 164 West 74th Street New York, NY, 10023 phone: 212-595-5810 fax: 212-496-6035 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs Phoenix House is one of the nation's oldest, largest, and most respected substance abuse prevention and treatment providers. They are dedicated to: helping individuals address alcohol and other drug abuse; devising innovative solutions to meet emerging issues; and training staff, both their own and those from other agencies. The National Substance Abuse Service Corps is a collaborative effort of substance and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention programs and educational institutions. It seeks to expand and improve the local networks of substance and alcohol abuse treat and prevention services. Jumpstart New York City Jumpstart for Young Children, Inc. National Direct David Carmel Site Director 17 West 17th Street, 8th Floor New York, NY, 10011-5510 fax: 212-929-9232 fax: 212-366-6971 david [email protected] Issue Areas: Education Jumpstart is a non-profit specifically geared to providing school readiness activities to children and their families, while providing young people who are mostly college students with a training program that results in early childhood certification. Jumpstart engages young people in service to their communities by preparing pre-school age children to enter school. Members are paired with a pre-school child, engaging the child and their families in school readiness activities, particularly around early childhood literacy. Members garner community interest and support through an annual Children Across the City day where parents, their children, and other community members are introduced to a variety of learning activities for preschool age children. New Visions for Public Schools Project FIRST, National Direct Beth Lief Program Officer 96 Morton Street New York, NY, 10014 7 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html phone: 212-645-5510 fax: 212-645-2836 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, The Public Education Network (PEN) represents the largest network of community-based organizations focused on providing high-quality public education opportunities for students. PEN provides the technical, monitoring and fiscal support needed by 76 local education funds in 27 states and Washington, DC, to create model programs and initiatives. Project FIRST AmeriCorps Members refurbish and install technological components related to Internet access in schools, and assist educators, students and adult learners in using the technology. Members also provide direct instructional support at schools and community forums. Youth Action Programs and Homes, Inc. Youth Action Youthbuild AmeriCorps National Direct Elijah Eltheridge 218 East 106th Street New York, NY, 10029 phone: 212-860-8170 fax: 212-860-8894 [email protected] Children and Youth YouthBuild USA, Inc., is a national non-profit organization that engages educationally at risk youth in a combination of service and youth development activities. The service activities focus primarily on renovating houses and buildings for the homeless and low income families. YouthBuild USA has a substantial number of affiliate organizations across the country. Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenges, and low income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. I Have A Dream Foundation-New York I Have a Dream Foundation-New York/AmeriCorps National Direct Donald Hatcher Program Director 330 Seventh Ave. New York, NY, 10001 phone: 212-293-5480 fax: 212-293-5478 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education The I Have a Dream Foundation (IHAD) model connects individuals who want to sponsor a group of children with neighborhood in need. An entire elementary school class or an age group in a housing project become Dreamers and receive academic and social support designed to see them through high school and into productive lives. Those Dreamers who graduate from high school are eligible for college or vocational school tuition assistance. Members enable (IHAD) sites to intensify their outreach to Dreamers, their families and the community. In addition to tutoring and mentoring, providing academic and social enrichment, members recruit and train community volunteers, organize family involvement activities and lead Dreamers in community service projects. New York LISC, New York City LISC AmeriCorps National Direct 8 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps AmeriCorps* State and National Direct New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm. Carmen Maldonado 733 Third Avenue 9th Floor New York, NY, 10017 phone: 212-455-9336 fax: 212-687-1396 Issue Areas: Environment, Other Human Needs The Local Initiatives Support Corporation is a national non profit organization that provides funding and technical guidance to local Community Development Corporations (CDC's) which are rebuilding neighborhoods across the nation. Members engage in community revitalization activities including housing outreach and education, job training, youth education programs, neighborhood planning, and human services planning. New York / Teach For America, Inc. Teach for America National Direct Cami Anderson Executive Director 126 East 31st Street 4th Floor New York, NY, 10016 phone: 212-532-2563 fax: 212-532-2611 Issue Areas: Education Teach for America (TFA) is a national teacher corps dedicated to improving educational achievement of under-served school age youth. TFA places a diverse group of recent college graduates as teachers in urban and rural school districts facing critical teacher shortages. AmeriCorps Members teach under-served youth at inner-city and rural public schools. Members assume leadership roles on school committees, sponsoring after school enrichment and recreational opportunities. Members also coordinate and implement service projects addressing specific community needs. AmeriCorps 100 New York AmeriCorps fax: 100-New York National Direct Luther Gatling President 105 East 22nd Street 9th Floor New York, NY, 10010 phone: 212-777-7070 Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs The 100 Black Men of America, Inc. (The 100) is a membership organization of professional African American men formed in 1986 and has 77 chapters nationally and internationally. The 100 focuses on providing exemplary role models through local community service and mentoring to children in at-risk environments. The AmeriCorps 100 program will improve the quality of life for K-12 youth in underserved communities by enhancing their ability to be academically and socially competitive. Through tutoring and mentoring, students' academic performance will improve, school attendance will increase and youth will have more opportunities to participate in community service. Rheedlen Centers for Children and Families The Harlem Children's Zone State Program 9 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm Rasuli Lewis 2770 Broadway New York, NY, 10025 phone: 212-866-0700 fax: 212-932-2965 [email protected] Issue Areas: Environment, Public Safety, Other Human Needs, ,AmeriCorps members provide in-class and after school literacy-based and conflict resolution training for children in grades 1-5 in three elementary schools in Harlem, NY. Additionally, AmeriCorps members will address community needs by supporting family literacy, providing crises support to families, developing a Community Safety Task Force, and improving the physical environment of the Harlem Children's Zone. Phoenix House Foundation, Inc. New York State Substance Abuse Service Program State Program Keith Brown 33 West 60th Street, 5th Floor New York, NY, 10023 phone: 212-757-2100, ext. 6991 fax: 212-757-2208 Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs The Phoenix House AmeriCorps program expands and improves the network of substance abuse and alcohol treatment/prevention services available to New Yorkers. Members assist various communities by developing linkages between treatment providers, organizations, and schools. Members provide substance abuse prevention counseling and education to community residents, including individuals in recovery, educators, school-aged youth and parents. YMCA of Greater New York YMCA AmeriCorps School Success Program State Program Julie Morales Program Director 333 Seventh Avenue New York, NY, 10001 phone: 212-828-4857 fax: 212-876-3782 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education YMCA School Success program is an extended day youth-based program where 72 AmeriCorps Members facilitate classroom-based service activities and enrichment activities in 12 low-performing schools. Members also lead physical fitness and health awareness activities and provide community service-learning activities. Expected impact includes, 120 service projects, a 5-percent increase in student reading and math scores, and a 15-percent increase in student fitness levels. Fund for the City of New York (Red Hook) State Program Adam Mansky 351 West 54th, 2nd New York, NY, 10019 phone: 212-373-8093 fax: 212-262-3890 [email protected] 10 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*S and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm Issue Areas: Public Safety AmeriCorps members serve in three teams to address the public safety needs of the community. Members serve either on the Community (C) Team to address public safety in public places and the upkeep of green spaces, the Unity (U) Team for mediation services, or the Family (F) Team that focuses on the safety of children during and after school. The program has established strong partnerships with the justice system, local police, and victim services agencies. Grand Street Settlement AmeriCorps State Program Pablo Tejada Program Director 80 Pitt Street New York, NY, 10002 phone: 212-505-6338 fax: 212-505-5660 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety 40 part time AmeriCorps members serve in various sites throughout the lower east side of Manhattan. Members address school safety, school readiness and school success issues of community residents. By escorting youth to after school activities, program attendance has increased. Service in the Early Head Start Program and work with parents support family literacy and school readiness. Members also provide homework assistance, computer training, and one to one tutoring to promote school success. The Parks Council Public Space for Public Life: Parks Council and National Audobon Society AmeriCorps Initiative State Program Sean Andrews Director of the Parks Council Green Neighborhoods Program 457 Madison Avenue, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10022 phone: 212-838-9410 x240 fax: 212-371-6048 Issue Areas: Environment, Education AmeriCorps members support the creation, reclamation and restoration of neighborhood parks and public spaces in New York City, including a wetland park and a 10 acre forested area in Queens. Additionally, members engage elementary school students in building science and math skills through exploration of the natural world using the National Audubon Society curriculum. Members will build five new science gardens at schools in Manhattan, engage public school students in applied science research and environmental restoration projects, and involve students in observing bird life in their communities. New York Restoration Project Don't Trash New York State Program Joseph Pupello President 1290 Avenue of the Americas, 2nd Floor New York NY 10104 phone: 212-258-2333 11 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*St and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm fax: 212-307-7972 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Environment AmeriCorps members focus on environmental clean-up in New York City. Members clean, create, restore and maintain 350 acres of parkland; provide neighborhood ecology at 2 outdoor science learning facilities for 1000 students; build a boat with community students; engage community leaders in the creation of a plan for sustainability; and link public spaces to the public education system. City College of the City University of NewYork City College's Empowering Communities Program State Program Marina Fernando 138th Street & Convent Avenue New York, NY, 10031 phone: 212-650-5418 fax: 212-650-7906 Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth AmeriCorps Members from the City College of New York facilitate a community service learning program that increases community members' computer skills and school success. Members train community members in computer skills, tutor students after-school, and work with parents to involve them more their child's education. Expected impacts include: Community members will be trained in computer skills and targeted youth will show an improvement in college preparatory skills. Pace University Lower East Side/Chinatown AmeriCorps State Program Margaret Boyle Director Center for Urban Education One Pace Plaza New York, NY, 10038 phone: 212-346-1107 fax: 212-346-1078 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education 11 part-time and 46 reduced part-time members serve the primarily Asian community in Lower Eastside NYC. Members tutor and mentor low achieving junior high students to improve their grades and attendance; provide college and career counseling to high school students and their parents to increase the rate of h.s. graduation, college matriculation and career/employment options; and provide service-learning opportunities to students to help them increase their problem solving skills. Teachers for Tomorrow, Inc. Teachers for Tomorrow Education Award Only Katherine Stevens Executive Director 52 Vanderbilt Avenue 2nd Floor New York, NY, 10017 phone: 212-885-6997 fax: 212-599-3493 Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth 12 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm Members serve as Teaching Fellows in year long apprenticeships to mentor teachers in schools throughout New York City. The goal is to provide Fellows the opportunity to learn the art of teaching from leading educators. Outcome goals are to strengthen the educational success of disadvantaged public school students and increase the number of talented young people who pursue careers as urban school teachers. Harlem Independent Living Center CREATING OPPORTUNITY State Program James Billy 5-15 West 125th Street New York, NY, 10027 phone: 212-369-2371 fax: 212-369-9283 Harlemilc.aol.com Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Child/Youth AmeriCorps Members serve in a consortium of six Independent Living Centers that serve the disabled community throughout New York City. Members focus their service activities in three areas: housing, youth, and the 10th anniversary of ADA 2000. Specifically, some members will develop a database to identify 250 accessible housing units and help landlords as well as realtors learn ways of increasing housing accessibility. Other members provide mentoring, peer counseling and information referral to 150 youth to help 60% transition from High School. Regarding the ADA 2000, members educate and inform 500 individuals and organizations and engage 150 actively in planning the event. HILC is the lead agency in this consortium. Ecumenical Program for Urban Service (EPRUS) Education Awards Program of EPRUS Education Award Only Doran Porter Managing Director 475 Riverside Drive Room: 832-A New York, NY, 10115-0050 fax: 212-870-2631 fax: 212-870-3341 Issue Areas: Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs, Child/Youth Members provide mentoring, skill-learning, employment, education, healthy start, safe places, and volunteer generation activities. Habitat for Humanity--New York City New York City Habitat* AmeriCorps National Direct Kelly Smith Volunteer Director 115 23rd Street New York, NY, 10010 phone: 212 358 7955 212 358 7959 Habitat for Humanity is a non profit organization incorporated in 1976 in rural Georgia. Its mission is to build affordable housing for low income people, requiring that the prospective homeowner contribute sweat equity hours by working on both her and her neighbor's home. The houses are built by volunteers and with donated funds and materials. Habitat has grown to include more than 900 affiliates in the United States and 40 countries. Members 13 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm construct and rebuild homes and buildings, including single family dwellings in urban communities. They provide crew leadership, recruit and work with community volunteers, educate homeowners on settlement procedures and basic home repair, and conduct community needs assessment. Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara The ARC'S AMERICORPS PROJECT-NIAGARA, National Direct Lisa Pirinelli Project Coordinator 719 Ashland Ave. Niagara Falls, NY, 14301 phone: 716-282-0257 fax: 716-282-5654 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs The Arc of the United States is the nation's largest volunteer organization solely devoted to improving the welfare of Americans with mental retardation and their families, working through 1200 chapters across the nation. AmeriCorps Members mentor individuals with mental retardation on a one-to-one basis, teach independent living skills, and assist integration into community life. Members serve as liaisons between the community and disabled persons and educate community groups, local businesses and the general public about the needs of developmentally disabled. Bank Street College of Education AmeriCorps Community Service Internship Education Award Only Barbara Coleman Program Director 610 West 112 Street NY, NY, 10025 phone: 212-875-4472 fax: 212-875-4759 Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth Members provide classroom and after-school literacy training & reading/ tutoring support for 700+ elementary school students who do not perform at grade level. SUNY Oneonta Research Foundation Oneonta Rural School Empowerment Program State Program Cathy Martinez Project Director 207 Alumni Hall Oneonta, NY, 13820 phone: 607-436-2651 fax: 607-436-2760 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education AmeriCorps members improve the school success of youth in Oneonta County. Focusing on reading and math, members tutor and mentor 900 students in school and engage 450 students in after school and evening programs. Additionally, through the development of 15 Youth Leaders in Action service clubs, members provide leadership training for 225 youth. Oswego City-County Youth Bureau Oswego AmeriCorps Program 14 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps AmeriCorps* State and National Direct New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hml State Program Kathleen Andolina Oswego AmeriCorps Program Coordinator 70 Bunner Street Oswego, NY, 13126 phone: 315-349-3451 fax: 315-349-3231 Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Child/Youth, Education AmeriCorps members serve in multiple agencies throughout Oswego County to provide positive prevention services to youth and families. Members assist youth and families with basic needs that permit self sufficiency such as with food, clothing, shelter, child care and safety. Additionally members provide school readiness, literacy readiness and tutoring opportunities by supporting parents of preschoolers, assisting with in-school and after school activities, and establishing a summer reading program for elementary students. Members also provide positive alternatives and relationships for youth and their families by developing a youth leadership program, establishing parent support groups and developing meaningful community service projects. Members will serve at least 2000 youth and their families., Peekskill Area Health Center Community Health Corps National Direct Anne Kauffman Nolon MPH/President & CEO 1037 Main Street Peekskill, NY, 10566 phone: 914-734-8747 fax: 914-734-8745 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs The National Association of Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization which provides professional support services for over 800 community health centers that furnish needed preventive and primary health care to medically underserved communities through over 2,000 sites nationwide. AmeriCorps Members link individuals in under-served communities with health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. NY SARC Nassau County AHRC Adult Day Services Program State Program Jo Ann Weiss 115 East Bethpage Rd Plainview, NY, 11803 phone: 516-293-1111 fax: 516-293-1877 Issue Areas: Homebound Elderly, Other Human Needs Thirty 2 Year Part-Time AmeriCorps Members provide shopping services and companionship to homebound elderly and/or disabled citizens and respite care services for the care givers of disabled adults. Members, who themselves are disabled, work in teams with college students who are fulfilling their college community service requirements. This program links and integrates adults with developmental disabilities with college students and the elderly homebound population in need of services resulting in 75% of each population gaining a better understanding and acceptance of each other. 15 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm Ulster YouthBuild Partnership YouthBuild USA Multi-State AmeriCorps Initiative National Direct Bonnie Landi YouthBuild Director Rt. 9W Port Ewen, NY, 12466 phone: 914-331-6680 fax: 914-331-4655 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs YouthBuild USA, Inc., is a national non-profit organization that engages educationally at risk youth in a combination of service and youth development activities. The service activities focus primarily on renovating houses and buildings for the homeless and low income families. YouthBuild USA has a substantial number of affiliate organizations across the country. Members serve directly with community based organizations to rehabilitate abandoned housing and build new homes for homeless people, persons with HIV/AIDS, the physically challenges, and low income families. They build awareness of community issues and generate volunteers for local service projects. / Youth Resource Development Corporation (YRDC) YRDC AmeriCorps State Program Joel Greenbaum Executive Director 98 Cannon Street Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601 phone: 914-473-5005 fax: 914-473-5045 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Environment, Public Safety, Other Human Needs, Child/Youth,AmeriCorps members focus on academic success and environmental revitalization by engaging youth in service. Members mentor and provide after-school care, summer and workplace learning opportunities for youth and persons with disabilities. Additionally members tutor and teach literacy skills to youth at schools and community centers that have significant concentrations of low income students. Members also serve to help reduce the crime against and by youth by introducing conflict resolution and violence prevention skills. Using service-learning activities, members engage youth in environmental projects such as community gardening, making play grounds and public spaces cleaner and safer, and environmental stewardship. Student Conservation Association NY, NY Adirondack Youth Conservation AmeriCorps State Program Robert Coates Route 86 Ray Brook, NY, 12977 phone: 518-897-1211 fax: 518-899-1394 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Environment AmeriCorps members serve in a residential environmental conservation program in the Adirondacks region. Members build, repair, refurbish and restore recreational and natural areas such as hiking trails, camp grounds, 16 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html recreational and historic buildings. Additionally, members use service learning models to provide environmental and ecological education for fax: 400-800 in-school, after school, and out of school youth. 60-100 volunteers will be recruited and trained to assist with these activities. NYS Office of Children & Family Services Governor's Innovative School Violence Prevention Program State Program Richard Nells Associate Commissioner Program Support NYS Office of Children and Families Services 52 Washington St Rensselaer, NY, 12144 phone: 518-472-3181 fax: 518-474-9452 Issue Areas: Public Safety, Child/Youth Twenty full time AmeriCorps members serve to reduce the number of violent incidents (including physical, verbal and mental abuse) that youth impose on others and to decrease the incidence of violence in schools and youth center settings. Approximately 400 youth, between pre-school and high school, learn principles of anger control, non-violent resolution of problems, early warning signs of rage, improved communication techniques, and empathy/understanding of others. As a result of member service, students grades will increase and absenteeism will decline. Additionally, corps members will engage the community in ways that help them develop more positive attitudes and images of youth as well as increase the local interest in developing new youth services. Monroe County Legal Assistance Homelessness Prevention National Direct Leanna Hart Gipson Executive Director 80 St. Paul Street Suite 700 Rochester, NY, 14604 phone: 716-325-2520 fax: 716-325-2559 [email protected] Issue Areas: Other Human Needs The National Association of Public Interest Law (NAPIL) is a national coalition of law student organizations that offers grants and other forms of assistance to students and recent graduates engaged in public interest employment. It works with member organizations to create public interest legal employment and training opportunities, remove the economic barriers that confront public interest lawyers, and provide informational resources for public service work. Members secure affordable housing for low income families, assist domestic violence victims, and coordinate projects to prevent homelessness. Monroe Community College State Program Marilyn Rosche Project Director Damon City Campus 228 East Main Street Rochester, NY, 14604 phone: 716-262-1778 fax: 716-262-1565 17 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm [email protected] Issue Areas: Public Safety, Education 94 full-time AmeriCorps Members serve in 25 community-based organizations in Rochester, New York's Enterprise Community. The purpose of this program is to increase the reality and perception of public safety in the community. Members provide assistance to police substations, prevention and intervention education to youth around issues of substance abuse and conflict resolution, and implement positive developmental and community service activities with neighborhood youth. Expected impacts include: a 20% increase in geographic area covered by Neighborhood Watch and block clubs; a 20% increase in contacts at police substations; a reported increase in intervention/prevention services offered to youth; and a 10% increase in numbers of youths participating in targeted activities. Rural Opportunities, Inc. (New York) National Farmworker Environmental Education Program National Direct Michel Attia Migrant Occupational Safety Training Administrator 339 East Avenue #401 Rochester, NY, 14504 phone: 716 546 6325 716 546 7337 [email protected] Founded in 1971, the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs coordinates national projects benefiting farmworkers and farmworker organizations. Since 1992, the Association has been funded to train farmworker program staff on pesticide safety for farmworkers and the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency Worker Protection Standards. The Association provides its member organizations with technical assistance, training and information. AmeriCorps members train migrant and seasonal farmworkers in methods of reducing their exposure to pesticides and accessing health, education, and supportive services. Members become state-certified safety trainers. Schenectady County Job Training Agency The Schenectady Bridge Builders State Program 334 State Street Schenectady, NY, 12305 phone: 518-382-5951 fax: 518-382-5988 Issue Areas: Environment, Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs AmeriCorps Members serve in teams to tutor students in grades K-3; mentor youth in after school programs in conflict resolution, personal safety, and drug resistance; rehabilitate 2 single family low income houses; and construct community paths and revitalize nature trails. As a result of the tutoring services provided to 2000 students and family members, ninety five percent of the participating students will be able to read independently by age 8. Additionally, forty percent of parents will complete activities at home to strengthen student reading skills. Three hundred youth will learn new skills improve their attitudes and behavior. Two low or moderate income families will own newly renovated homes, not otherwise available to them. The community parks will be more accessible to the public as well as to the disabled community. Volunteers will contribute 100 hours to a greenhouse and community gardens. Self Advocacy Association of New York 18 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.html Our Experience is the Best Teacher State Program Stephen Holmes Administrative Coordintor Capital District DSO, Bldg. 10 Balltown & Consaul Schenectady, NY, 12304 phone: 518-382-1454 fax: 518-382-1594 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Disability awareness/ community inclusion of people with disabilities., Other Human Needs 6AmeriCorps members, with developmental and other disabilities, give disability awareness presentations to at least 3000 students with and without disabilities and teachers in order to increase the acceptance and inclusion of students with disabilities. Additionally, members provide sensitivity awareness training for 1600 staff of organizations that support individuals with disabilities and to 3000 individuals from other civic, government or community groups. In addition to increasing community awareness and sensitivity, member service will improve the involvement and employment opportunities of people with disabilities and strengthen their self advocacy skills. Syracuse Com. Hlth. Center Syracuse Community Health Center-HealthCorps National Direct Joan Francis Project Director 819 South Salina Street Syracuse, NY, 13202 phone: 315-476-7921 fax: 315-475-1448 Issue Areas: Other Human Needs The National Association of Community Health Centers is a non-profit organization which provides professional support services for over 800 community health centers that furnish needed preventive and primary health care to medically underserved communities through over 2,000 sites nationwide. AmeriCorps Members link individuals in under-served communities with health centers through referral, education, and follow-up programs. Members also link primary care patients to other health and social service organizations. Syracuse Area Catholic Charities Syracuse Area Catholic Charities AmeriCorps Program State Program Beth Scanlon Syracuse Area Catholic Charities AmeriCorps Program 1654 W. Onondaga Street Syracuse, NY, 13204 phone: 315-455-7096 fax: 315-455-2352 Issue Areas: Education AmeriCorps members serve in seven centers in the greater Syracuse, NY region with attention in three areas: 1) to assist with the early childhood education of 150 3-5 year olds to foster school readiness and school success, 2) to teach and model prosocial skills to 1200 children 5-18 years and 3) to transport 800 low income children and women to medical appointments to improve compliance with medical treatment. Members work with children in schools and in after school programs. Additionally, members will expand their service to support 19 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps* State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.htm the needs of refugee youth in the area, which includes providing them an orientation to the community and to the schools, providing support with the adjustment to a new culture, and teaching ESL and assisting with citizenship classes. Syracuse University Goldberg Marriage and Family Therapy Program Education Award Only Anne Gosling Director of Clinical Training Slocum 008 MFT Program Syracuse, NY 13244 phone: 315-443-3026 fax: 315-443-4062 Issue Areas: Other Human Needs, Child/Youth, Public Safety Members, who are Masters students in the Goldberg Marriage and Family Therapy program at Syracuse University, provide family therapy to children, adolescents, couples, individuals and families in central New York addressing family issues such as domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, family conflict, marital discord, and poverty. Family Nurturing Center of Central NY, Family Nurturing Center of Central NY, Inc. State Program Donna LaTour-Elefante Executive Director 285 Genesee Street Utica, NY, 13501 phone: 315-738-9773 fax: 315-738-9773 Issue Areas: Education, Other Human Needs Twenty full time AmeriCorps members provide home-based and community based parenting education and support services for 250+ low income families. Members teach and demonstrate ways for parents to provide quality play and learning activities for children, aged birth to six. Members also provide education on lead screening, fire safety, accidental injuries and asthma. Additionally, members provide information and referral services for 600 parents of low income households. For the 1998-99 program year, the program will eliminate part time member positions. West Seneca Youth Bureau-Share the Word Sharing the Words, America Reads State Program Mark Lazzara 620 Main St. West Seneca, NY, 14224 phone: 716-674-5600 fax: 716-675-2055 [email protected] Issue Areas: Education, Child/Youth,l partnership with Universities at Buffalo, Buffalo State College and the King Urban Center, 38 full-time AmeriCorps Members provide one-on-one tutoring to 2500 at-risk children in Buffalo, New York. Members will adopt elementary and secondary schools with low retention rates in order to increase retention through tutoring and providing public awards for the students' work. Members also design and implement service projects with these students. Expected impacts include: a 20 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM Joining AmeriCorps : AmeriCorps*State and National Direct : New York http://americorps.org/joining/direct/direct_ny.hm 75% improvement in test scores of students tutored; a 75% satisfaction rate among service recipients; and a 75% improvement in student retention rate. West Seneca Youth Bureau-Weed & Seed Weed & Seed Urban Suburban AmeriCorps (W&S USA) State Program Mark Lazzara Executive Director 620 Main Street West Seneca, NY, 14224 phone: 716-674-5600 fax: 716-675-2055 [email protected] Issue Areas: Environment, Education, Public Safety, Other Human Needs, Health and WellnessChild/Youth AmeriCorps members conduct health and wellness workshops and community outreach activities to ensure that 5000 residents and children are provided a nurturing environment and a healthy start in life. Other members work with community residents and non-profit organizations to identify and create 15 safe places for youth. Additionally, members serve to increase the capacity of existing community organizations and enhance their volunteer efforts by recruiting 1000 new participants who address the goals of the Summit. Members will also help form and coordinate junior block clubs to involve 2000 youth in community service. Please go to the Applying to AmeriCorps page Can't find one of our programs near you? Still want to volunteer in your community? Try this: VOLUNTEER NOW! Enter Zip Code: GO More About SERVEnet More About YSA Please send questions or comments to: [email protected]. If you represent a project on the above list and want to update the information for your listing, please send an e-mail to: [email protected] with any changes. Please be specific in identifying your project name, state, and the correction(s) that need to be made. This will enable us to directly update our database, from which the web pages are built on a monthly basis. 21 of 21 6/4/99 2:01 PM New York Times, Metro Edition February 2, 2000 Volunteers Switch to Indoor Effort By JODI WILGOREN This is a story about recycling. Not cans, bottles and newspapers. But people, energy and lives. In a way, it is an unremarkable tale. The heroes are rather ordinary. And that, of course, is the point. Once upon a time, there was a welfare mother living in the Bronx named Annette Williams. She had finished high school pregnant at 18, and gave birth to four children in four years. After they had gone off to school, Ms. Williams spent a lot of time watching soap operas. One day in 1989, Ms. Williams saw an advertisement on television seeking volunteers for local schools. Her daughter was struggling with reading -- the teachers were talking about putting her in special-education classes -- and Ms. Williams figured volunteering at school might help her own family and fill her yawning days. "I realized that this wasn't what I was supposed to be doing, sitting home, watching soaps, contributing nothing," said Ms. Williams, now 39, reflecting recently. "We all need to be working. We all need to be giving something back." Trained by the New York City School Volunteer Program -- now called Learning Leaders -- Ms. Williams began reading to children and tutoring them. She soon became president of the parents' association at Public School 59 (and, later, at her children's middle school and high school). She brought children outside to plant flowers in a scrappy lot next to the school, and, that first summer, got a job in a city program that hired students to clean up parks. Founded in 1956, the school volunteer program is the oldest group of its kind in the country, and has more than 9,000 participants -- two-thirds of them parents of school-age children -- logging nearly a million hours in schools throughout New York. Most Learning Leaders spend at least two hours a week visiting classes during the day to tutor students one-on-one or in small groups on reading, writing and math. A recent study showed that a third of struggling students in the program reached grade level after a year. Today, Ms. Williams is vice president for community outreach of New York Restoration Project, an environmental group founded by the actress and singer Bette Midler that maintains and restores seven parks in upper Manhattan and, last spring, bought 51 community gardens throughout the city to save them from being auctioned and destroyed. Ms. Williams earned a bachelor's degree at Touro College, taking classes four hours a night while working full time -- and, most days, spending her lunch break reading out loud in local schools. "I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, didn't have a focus," Ms. Williams said, remembering the old days. "As a parent, you are a teacher -- and their first teacher -- but you need tools. New York City School Volunteers was my tool. It gave me my focus back." But this story is not just about the reinvention of Ms. Williams. Others are recycling, too. The New York Restoration Project is staffed largely by members of Americorps, the national community service program, who are paid $1,250 a month -- plus a $4,800 educational grant at year's end -- for doing some of the dirty work to make the country a better place to live. In this case, they spend most of their time picking up trash -- 10, 15 bags per person, per day -- and beautifying parks by painting benches, pruning bushes and planting seeds. Ms. Williams knows the work well -- she used to do it herself, until a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis forced her to leave the field for a desk job. And she knows that in the cold and snowy winter, there are often gaps in the gardeners' schedules. So this week, 18 Americorps volunteers are being recycled as Learning Leaders volunteers, reading to children, tutoring them, just like Ms. Williams did all those years ago. Last week, the Americorps crew, in their dirty coveralls and knit caps, sat around the drafty locker room of the New York Restoration Project, recalling their best memories and worst nightmares of seventh grade, as part of a 12-hour training session to become volunteers in schools in East Harlem. They hope to bridge the generation gap between students and their parents, and they see connections between the work they are doing in neglected parks and working with needy students. They welcome the human contact to break up days dominated by dirt. "The reason why we are in the parks is because the system doesn't work," said Roy Luchesse, 28, a drummer from Ozone Park, Queens, who joined Americorps because he likes to be outdoors. "That's the same reason we're going to go to the schools: the system isn't working." Several of the Americorps workers are recent college graduates who majored in English literature or philosophy and were seeking something different to do for a year before heading to graduate school. But others are using the program to recycle their lives. They have come from Idaho, Texas, Minnesota and tranquil oases of Westchester County to work in Washington Heights, one of the poorer neighborhoods of the city, and, like Ms. Williams before them, hope to find new focus. Derick Jackson, 45, is a reggae musician from the Lower East Side, who strokes his gray beard as he ponders the connections between tilling the soil and tutoring young minds. Lisa Navarro, 26, used to help produce soap operas and is switching to horticulture. William Johnson, 46, spent years, maybe decades, as a seasonal worker for the city's parks department, and is dreaming these days of starting his own landscaping business. For now, they are becoming tutors. Role models. Maybe, even, friends. "The kids are our future," said Mr. Johnson, the philosopher of the group, whom everybody calls Grandpa. "Changing, improving, making better, working with what we've got, enhancing what is there. The park was there, we're just making it better. Like the individual child was there, we're just helping them find themselves." Ms. Midler, the self-proclaimed compost queen who became an environmental hero when her organization rescued the community gardens from the auction block, has already made the link to Learning Leaders. She reads aloud each spring at Public School 59 -- Annette Williams's old school -- and last year sent students to see "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway. "I think one thing leads to another," Ms. Midler said of the move from parks to schools. "The whole thing is filling in the gaps, picking up the slack in areas where there's no effort made. When you see the holes, you want to fill them." Ms. Williams stopped regularly volunteering in the schools three years ago, but plans to start again in September, when the youngest of her six children enters Public School 21. She is also getting married -- to a park police officer -- this summer, and hopes to someday get a master's degree and open up a school focused on environmental studies. "Gardens are food for the soul, but being able to work with kids is for the soul, too," she said. "I have a lot of things I want to still do. Recycle myself again." New York Times, Metro Edition February 2, 2000 Volunteers Switch to Indoor Effort By JODI WILGOREN This is a story about recycling. Not cans, bottles and newspapers. But people, energy and lives. In a way, it is an unremarkable tale. The heroes are rather ordinary. And that, of course, is the point. Once upon a time, there was a welfare mother living in the Bronx named Annette Williams. She had finished high school pregnant at 18, and gave birth to four children in four years. After they had gone off to school, Ms. Williams spent a lot of time watching soap operas. One day in 1989, Ms. Williams saw an advertisement on television seeking volunteers for local schools. Her daughter was struggling with reading -- the teachers were talking about putting her in special-education classes -- and Ms. Williams figured volunteering at school might help her own family and fill her yawning days. "I realized that this wasn't what I was supposed to be doing, sitting home, watching soaps, contributing nothing," said Ms. Williams, now 39, reflecting recently. "We all need to be working. We all need to be giving something back." Trained by the New York City School Volunteer Program -- now called Learning Leaders -- Ms. Williams began reading to children and tutoring them. She soon became president of the parents' association at Public School 59 (and, later, at her children's middle school and high school). She brought children outside to plant flowers in a scrappy lot next to the school, and, that first summer, got a job in a city program that hired students to clean up parks. Founded in 1956, the school volunteer program is the oldest group of its kind in the country, and has more than 9,000 participants -- two-thirds of them parents of school-age children -- logging nearly a million hours in schools throughout New York. Most Learning Leaders spend at least two hours a week visiting classes during the day to tutor students one-on-one or in small groups on reading, writing and math. A recent study showed that a third of struggling students in the program reached grade level after a year. Today, Ms. Williams is vice president for community outreach of New York Restoration Project, an environmental group founded by the actress and singer Bette Midler that maintains and restores seven parks in upper Manhattan and, last spring, bought 51 community gardens throughout the city to save them from being auctioned and destroyed. Ms. Williams earned a bachelor's degree at Touro College, taking classes four hours a night while working full time -- and, most days, spending her lunch break reading out loud in local schools. "I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, didn't have a focus," Ms. Williams said, remembering the old days. "As a parent, you are a teacher -- and their first teacher -- but you need tools. New York City School Volunteers was my tool. It gave me my focus back." But this story is not just about the reinvention of Ms. Williams. Others are recycling, too. The New York Restoration Project is staffed largely by members of Americorps, the national community service program, who are paid $1,250 a month -- plus a $4,800 educational grant at year's end -- for doing some of the dirty work to make the country a better place to live. In this case, they spend most of their time picking up trash -- 10, 15 bags per person, per day -- and beautifying parks by painting benches, pruning bushes and planting seeds. Ms. Williams knows the work well -- she used to do it herself, until a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis forced her to leave the field for a desk job. And she knows that in the cold and snowy winter, there are often gaps in the gardeners' schedules. So this week, 18 Americorps volunteers are being recycled as Learning Leaders volunteers, reading to children, tutoring them, just like Ms. Williams did all those years ago. Last week, the Americorps crew, in their dirty coveralls and knit caps, sat around the drafty locker room of the New York Restoration Project, recalling their best memories and worst nightmares of seventh grade, as part of a 12-hour training session to become volunteers in schools in East Harlem. They hope to bridge the generation gap between students and their parents, and they see connections between the work they are doing in neglected parks and working with needy students. They welcome the human contact to break up days dominated by dirt. "The reason why we are in the parks is because the system doesn't work," said Roy Luchesse, 28, a drummer from Ozone Park, Queens, who joined Americorps because he likes to be outdoors. "That's the same reason we're going to go to the schools: the system isn't working." Several of the Americorps workers are recent college graduates who majored in English literature or philosophy and were seeking something different to do for a year before heading to graduate school. But others are using the program to recycle their lives. They have come from Idaho, Texas, Minnesota and tranquil oases of Westchester County to work in Washington Heights, one of the poorer neighborhoods of the city, and, like Ms. Williams before them, hope to find new focus. Derick Jackson, 45, is a reggae musician from the Lower East Side, who strokes his gray beard as he ponders the connections between tilling the soil and tutoring young minds. Lisa Navarro, 26, used to help produce soap operas and is switching to horticulture. William Johnson, 46, spent years, maybe decades, as a seasonal worker for the city's parks department, and is dreaming these days of starting his own landscaping business. For now, they are becoming tutors. Role models. Maybe, even, friends. "The kids are our future," said Mr. Johnson, the philosopher of the group, whom everybody calls Grandpa. "Changing, improving, making better, working with what we've got, enhancing what is there. The park was there, we're just making it better. Like the individual child was there, we're just helping them find themselves." Ms. Midler, the self-proclaimed compost queen who became an environmental hero when her organization rescued the community gardens from the auction block, has already made the link to Learning Leaders. She reads aloud each spring at Public School 59 -- Annette Williams's old school -- and last year sent students to see "Beauty and the Beast" on Broadway. "I think one thing leads to another," Ms. Midler said of the move from parks to schools. "The whole thing is filling in the gaps, picking up the slack in areas where there's no effort made. When you see the holes, you want to fill them." Ms. Williams stopped regularly volunteering in the schools three years ago, but plans to start again in September, when the youngest of her six children enters Public School 21. She is also getting married -- to a park police officer -- this summer, and hopes to someday get a master's degree and open up a school focused on environmental studies. "Gardens are food for the soul, but being able to work with kids is for the soul, too," she said. "I have a lot of things I want to still do. Recycle myself again." NOT foR RELEASE 2000 AmeriCorps Digital Divide Program Overview Nine Star Enterprises, Inc. $115,608 to support 10 AmeriCorps members Anchorage, AK 10 AmeriCorps members serve in 8 technology centers located in schools and community-based organizations to provide computer software skills development through tutoring or small group instruction to 2,400 low-income children, youth, and adults living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Anchorage. City of Selma $234,000 to support 20 AmeriCorps members Selma, AL AmeriCorps members provide computer technology training to public school teachers, staff and volunteers so that they can incorporate the use of computers so that they improve their academic performance or develop greater interest in the Information Technology field. Member service activities will also help establish computer resource centers in five public housing communities. Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative (SEARK) $374,400 to support 32 AmeriCorps members Monticello, AR AmeriCorps members assist teacher in developing technology skills. Members provide support services and demonstrate hands-on application of skills to meet classroom instructional needs. It is anticipated that teachers will use their improved technology skills to improve instruction and classroom management. Additionally, members provide students with technology assistance weekly. Access to Software for All People (ASAP) $440,167 to support 30 full-time and 5 part-time AmeriCorps members Berkeley, CA 35 AmeriCorps members develop, design, and implement technology enhanced curriculum for 450 3rd-5th grade students from 2 Berkeley schools resulting in 80% of students increasing their technology competency. Volunteer Florida Community Literacy $314,608 to support 27 AmeriCorps members Tallahassee, FL AmeriCorps members are reducing the digital divide in six rural counties by increasing community access to current computer technology. Members refurbish 500 pre-owned computers for at least 20 computer labs in low-performing schools, non-profit organizations, and programs that serve persons with disabilities. Members also lead 120 workshops targeted at helping teachers, community members, and persons with disabilities to use computers, software applications, and the internet. Of the 1,200 youth taught by AmeriCorps members in the computer labs at school, at least 80% will indicate improved computer skills. Communities in Schools $210,185 to support 20 AmeriCorps members Thomasville, GA AmeriCorps members provide daily computer training and technical assistance to youth at Parental Information Resources Centers, Local Technology Centers, and in Youth Detention Centers at thirteen sites around Georgia in order to improve students' academic performance in reading and math and to increase students' use of computer and internet resources. Members also provide computer training to teachers in the Youth Detention Centers so that they increase their computer usage with their students. Lake County Public Library $125,091 to support 20 part-time AmeriCorps members Merrillville, IN 20 part-time AmeriCorps members serve in the Lake County Public Library system in one of thirteen sites. Members serve during after school times to assist community members and youth to access the internet for research purposes. Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA) $139,995 to support 24 AmeriCorps members Annapolis, MD AmeriCorps members serve in communities providing one-on-one tutoring to up to 100 children by helping them expand their competencies in information technology, thereby aiding in school and later workplace success. Civic Works, Inc. $116,535 to support 10 AmeriCorps members Baltimore, MD AmeriCorps members serve at three neighborhood centers, Park Heights, Upper Fells Point, and the Goodnow Police Athletic League (PAL), in order to provide structured and drop-in computer training for children and adults. Sessions will focus on computer basics, keyboarding skills, Internet usage and spreadsheets resulting in an 80% increase in their computer skills. Technology Education and Access for Michigan (TEAM) $105,300 to support 9 AmeriCorps members Ann Arbor, MI Nine AmeriCorps members serve in eight regions of the state under the supervision of one of the Commissioners of the state's Commission on Technology to map assests related to the digital divide in each region. The members form a leadership team in each region and develop a strategic plan and implement one of the goals of the strategic plan. Office of the Attorney General of Mississippi $583,163 to support 50 AmeriCorps members Jackson, MS AmeriCorps members provide after-school tutoring and computer instruction to 5,000 students on weekday afternoons and some weekends, resulting in increases in educational achievement as measured by grades. Members also contact up to 2,000 families in the local communities during school hours and weekends to encourage them to become more computer literate. In the community, members provide computer training and learning experiences for 150 staff members and volunteers with the host non-profit agencies. Members will also develop an on-line mentoring program. Partner sites include 25 community-based organizations including eight Big Brothers Big Sisters regional locations and Boys and Girls Clubs in the state. Mississippi Department of Education $467,938 to support 30 full-time and 20 part-time AmeriCorps members Jackson, MS AmeriCorps members bridge the digital divide in schools across Mississippi with ten members providing technical support to 50 Power Up school sites, resulting in 80% of the faculty and staff demonstrating greater computer proficiency. Forty members provide support services to teachers at the TeachNet sites and these members also tutor at-risk K-12th grade students at 50 Power Up sites, resulting in an 85% proficiency of the targeted 10,000 students. The University of Montana $244,383 to support 20 full-time and 6 part-time AmeriCorps members Missoula, MT 26 AmeriCorps members coordinate and implement school-based technology programs for 300 youth and parents designed to increase regular access to computer technology by 20% in 5 rural communities. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services $140,353 to support 12 AmeriCorps members Raleigh, NC AmeriCorps members teach 300 blind and visually impaired students of all ages keyboarding and computer skills, adaptive software skills, and email and Internet skills at newly developed technology centers for the visually impaired at Asheville-Buncombe Community College, Carteret Community College, and College of Albemarle, with 85 percent of students demonstrating keyboard skills of 20 wpm, proficient skill in use of adaptive software and access devices, and proficient use of email and Internet skills. as demonstrated by student demonstration and teacher observation. Members assist in development and implementation of volunteer programs resulting in a 500% increase in the volunteer team and 400 volunteer hours recorded. The program serves visually disabled individuals within 19 low-income counties in the Eastern and Western regions of North Carolina. Monmouth Center for Vocation Rehabilition (MCVR) $265,492 to support 20 AmeriCorps members Toms River, NJ AmeriCorps members serve in Monmouth and Ocean counties to provide training in computer and technology use for individuals with disabilities and Welfare/TANF participants who are interested in expanding their vocational and computer skills. Recruitment efforts for this program will be on expanding the presence of members with disabilities in AmeriCorps. Results include an 85% increase in knowledge of computers and various software programs. Union County College $234,000 to support 20 AmeriCorps members Cranford, NJ AmeriCorps members will serve 116 students in Elizabeth and Plainfield in the College's Career Center. At the institute, members will teach computer skills to underemployed and unemployed minorities, non-English speakers and single parents. AmeriCorps members will complement the technology training with ESL and GED classes. Results will be measured twice a year by following-up on student's records and employment results. NJ Community Development Corporation $175,478 to support 15 AmeriCorps members Paterson, NJ AmeriCorps members install computers in classrooms, train school teachers in computer technology, establish other computer labs and generate volunteers to teach computer skills to other community groups in the city of Paterson. International Youth Organization $166,667 to support 3 full-time and 26 part-time AmeriCorps members Newark, NJ AmeriCorps members tutor computer literacy in three sites, mentor students in after school programs and serve welfare-to work students in an effort to increase the success of those programs. Results will be measured according to tools developed by Rutgers University Technology &Training Center. West Side Ecumenical Ministry $16,927 to support 1 full-time and 9 part-time AmeriCorps members Cleveland, OH AmeriCorps members will help at risk school age teens and low income families who reside in Cleveland's West Side to acquire computer technology and Internet access skills. Members will be added to three existing programs within West Side Ecumenical Ministry and will serve at three additional area grass-roots organizations. Members expose children to state of the art computers and software, introduce teens to computers and provide them withhomework and Internet activities, and through the use of computers, help welfare to work clients and displaced workers seek and secure permanent employment. Potential impacts of the program include an expansion of services to three neighboring non-profit organizations. Impact will be measured by pre and post testes that measure participant's improvement in technology skills. Volunteer Action Center $175,500 to support 8 full-time and 20 part-time AmeriCorps members Lorain, OH Twenty-eight AmeriCorps members expand and improve access to the Internet and technology for low-income students and adults in Loraine County, Ohio. Members serve in three existing technology centers located in designated 21st Century middle schools; and develop four new centers through collaboration with Power Up and Yahoo; and provide technical assistance to non-profits serving in low-income areas to increase their capacity to use technology. Salt Lake County $151,828 to support 10 AmeriCorps members Salt Lake City, UT 10 AmeriCorps members coordinate 4 community technology resource centers in Salt Lake County to provide access to technology for adults and young people from low-income communities who have limited or no access to computers. Washington State Employment Security Department $559,627 to support 34 AmeriCorps members Lacey, WA 34 AmeriCorps members establish technology hubs in 9 community access centers in 6 counties to provide technology and training to at least 500 community members with social, economic, or academic challenges so that they become familiar with basic productivity software and the internet. ARCH Training Center, Inc.'s Eliminating the Divide in the National Capital Region $421,177 to support 36 full-time AmeriCorps members Washington, DC (2 sites) and Silver Spring. MD AmeriCorps members serving with the ARCH Training Center provide technology training and support to children, young adults and senior citizens. Corps members equip individuals with the skills they need to succeed academically, to gain employment at livable wages and volunteer in computer centers. CityCares' AmeriCorps Partners in Technology $198,284 to support 16 full-time AmeriCorps members Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; New York. NY; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Newark, NY; Baltimore, MD CityCares' AmeriCorps members serve as project managers for the Partners in Technology Program. Members develop organizational technology plans for project partners by conducting assessments; recruit and manage volunteers to assist project partners in improving their technology capacity; and recruit and manage volunteers to provide computer literacy and/or job training technology tutoring to children, adults and project partner staff. Institute for Community Service and Development's Technology Education Corps $234,000 to support 20 full-time AmeriCorps members Houston, TX; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Macomb, IL; Alexandria, VA Technology Education Corps members serve in community learning centers, schools and libraries as information and technology teachers. Members provide training on practical applications of software. Members also provide training in using e-mail and the Internet. Lower Mississippi Delta Service Corps, Inc.'s Delta Service Corps $190,500 to support 15 full-time AmeriCorps members Cleveland, MS; West Memphis, AR; Baton Rouge, LA AmeriCorps members provide computer skills training to students, parents and teachers. Members also refurbish and repair computer hardware, construct and maintain school web pages and provide assistance to teachers integrating computer use into curriculum design. Magic Johnson Foundation's Technology Center $234,000 to support 8 full-time and 24 part-time AmeriCorps members Harlem, NY; Brooklyn, NY; Washington, DC; Los Angeles, CA AmeriCorps members serve in Magic Johnson Technology Centers instructing community members and youth in technology skills to enhance educational and employment opportunities. Members also recruit and train volunteers. National Council of La Raza's Project Digital Divide $234,00 to support 20 full-time AmeriCorps members Chicago, IL; San Jose, CA; El Paso, TX AmeriCorps members serve in Hispanic community-based organizations providing youth, community members, and families technological skills designed to address local digital divide needs. Activities include in-school tutoring and support, intergenerational computer instruction, and job-skills training. Members also recruit volunteers to help sustain the efforts of these programs. NetDay's AmeriCorps Bridge $877,124 to support 68 full-time AmeriCorps members Detroit, MI; New York, NY; Oakland, CA Members train teachers in basic technology and educational software programs; serve as a resource to teachers in incorporating technology into the classroom; assist children with technology projects in the classroom; and train community members in Internet usage. Seedco's Digital Divide Project $409,500 to support 15 full-time and 40 part-time AmeriCorps members New Haven, CT; New York, NY (2 sites); Washington, DC; Philadelphia. PA; Patterson, NJ; Memphis, TN Members serve in community-based organizations and schools providing instruction to youth and community members in basic computer and technology skills. Members also recruit volunteers to provide additional instruction and services in the technology centers, and schools. Operating sites are partnerships between local institutions of higher education and local community-based organizations. Tequity's Corps $278,957 to support 52 part-time AmeriCorps members Oakland, CA and Washington, DC Members train teachers to use technology and software and to implement technology into the curriculum; provide technical support in the classroom; and provide education- and workforce skills-related technology instruction in community centers. Volunteers of America's AmeriCorps *TECHBRIDGE $233,997 to support 20 full-time AmeriCorps members Minneapolis, MN and Sioux Falls, SD AmeriCorps members provide technology access and training to youth, community members, jail inmates, and senior citizens instructing them in basic computer skills, helping them feel more comfortable using the Internet, and assisting them in acquiring marketable skills. Members also train youth to serve as mentor-teachers for older citizens. YouthBuild USA's AmeriCorps Technology Service Demonstration Project $599,648 to support 5 full-time and 93 part-time AmeriCorps members Dayton, OH; Austin, TX; Portland, OR; Washington, DC AmeriCorps Members provide technology training to children and low income adults. Activities also include computer refurbishing, Internet wiring and website design and support for community organization. 2000 AmeriCorps Digital Divide Program Overview Nine Star Enterprises, Inc. $115,608 to support 10 AmeriCorps members Anchorage, AK 10 AmeriCorps members serve in 8 technology centers located in schools and community-based organizations to provide computer software skills development through tutoring or small group instruction to 2,400 low-income children, youth, and adults living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Anchorage. City of Selma $234,000 to support 20 AmeriCorps members Selma, AL AmeriCorps members provide computer technology training to public school teachers, staff and volunteers SO that they can incorporate the use of computers so that they improve their academic performance or develop greater interest in the Information Technology field. Member service activities will also help establish computer resource centers in five public housing communities. Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative (SEARK) $374,400 to support 32 AmeriCorps members Monticello, AR AmeriCorps members assist teacher in developing technology skills. Members provide support services and demonstrate hands-on application of skills to meet classroom instructional needs. It is anticipated that teachers will use their improved technology skills to improve instruction and classroom management. Additionally, members provide students with technology assistance weekly. Access to Software for All People (ASAP) $440,167 to support 30 full-time and 5 part-time AmeriCorps members Berkeley, CA 35 AmeriCorps members develop, design, and implement technology enhanced curriculum for 450 3rd-5th grade students from 2 Berkeley schools resulting in 80% of students increasing their technology competency. Volunteer Florida Community Literacy $314,608 to support 27 AmeriCorps members Tallahassee, FL AmeriCorps members are reducing the digital divide in six rural counties by increasing community access to current computer technology. Members refurbish 500 pre-owned computers for at least 20 computer labs in low-performing schools, non-profit organizations, and programs that serve persons with disabilities. Members also lead 120 workshops targeted at helping teachers, community members, and persons with disabilities to use computers, software applications, and the internet. Of the 1,200 youth taught by AmeriCorps members in the computer labs at school, at least 80% will indicate improved computer skills. NOT FOR RELEASE 2000 Learn and Serve America Digital Divide Programs Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium's Building Digital Traditions $260,000 Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium will create a community of self-supported rural Alaskans who can effectively use new information technology and communication tools in a global society. The project will provide a technology skills training program for 45 students and four teachers in basic computer operations, desktop publishing, multimedia design, and using the Internet. Students will then implement service-learning projects including: connecting village community and village centers to high-speed networks and the internet; conducting special technology training workshops; and planning and holding "NetDay" events. Finally, the project will establish community Technology Learning Centers. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Technology Leadership Program $250,000 The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, building on their existing Learn and Serve America Tribal funding, plan to develop leadership skills in Native American students by collaborating with other technology-related programs. They will work with their local 21st Century Community Learning Center and Community Technology Center to: provide technology tutoring for elementary and middle school students, develop service-learning activities that utilize technology, and develop and implement technology solutions to meet the needs of the total Reservation community. The Band will work in area schools, community centers, the government center, assisted living centers. and Indian Museum and will engage 50 students and 25 community members, annually. Karuk Community Development Corporation's Bridging the Digital Divide $387,000 Karuk Community Development Corporation will promote the use of digital technologies. The project will form service-learning cadres composed of 225 youth to provide technology training events for tribal and non-tribal communities and organizations. The project will also work with the school systems to integrate technology into the classroom. Educational software will be added in the areas of GED preparation, business learning, remedial elementary and high school applications, and parent-child exploratory software. Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity $500,000 Working with the Wisconsin Rural Challenge. this applicant seeks to: improve access to technology and improve skills in rural communities; develop entrepreneurship and leadership skills in young people; and promote community, economic sustainability and collective strength of rural areas. They plan to divide the state into 3 geographic regions and to recruit 7th - 10th grade students to become Technology Consultants who will assess communities' needs (social and technological) and design and implement strategies to meet those needs. Results anticipated will include not only improved access to, but more effective use of technology in participating rural areas, leading to increased long- term vitality of those communities. Pennsylvania Department of Education's Pennsylvania Youth Address the Digital Divide $500,000 The Pennsylvania Digital Divide Initiative (PDDI) will provide access to computers and other technologies for schools and community organizations, provide training in the use of these technology resources, and put these technology resources and skills to work in developing communities. Pennsylvania's Youth Driven Service-Learning Center (YDSLCs) will implement the initiative by obtaining, refurbishing, and distributing recycled computers to schools and community organizations using Philadelphia's Urban Corps model. The Commonwealth will publish downloadable manuals to guide others who wish to replicate YDSLC or Urban Tech Corps projects in their schools and communities. YDSLC students will map technology assets, assess technology needs in their local communities then link individuals and organizations to support locally defined development efforts. PDDI will train AmeriCorps and VISTA volunteers to serve while YDSLCs serve as networking hubs for trained volunteers by connecting them to technology needs in their communities. University of South Florida's The Interlink Project $500,000 USF will make four subgrants to predominantly Hispanic and African American communities in Florida and Tennessee to provide more equitable access to technology during and beyond the school day. The Interlink Project will place high school students and senior adult volunteers in school settings to coach and mentor K-5 students around digital literacy. University students and faculty will assist with curriculum design and the integration of literacy and technology. This intergenerational project is expected to generate 120 K-12 participants in addition to 200 other volunteers in its first year. Learning Systems Group's School-Based Digital Divide $178,000 Learning Systems Group (LSG) intends to work with the National Service-Learning Leader Schools to bridge the digital divide. LSG intends to provide four subgrants to Leader Schools in at least two states to develop or enhance exemplary service-learning projects, such as students teaching students or seniors to use computers; repairing or reconditioning computers for schools or nonprofits; training teachers in educational technology. The project intends a broad dissemination strategy, culminating in a conference in the project's final year to showcase best practices. Campus Compact for New Hampshire's Connect NH: Bridging the Digital Divide through Service-Learning $350,000 The New Hampshire Campus Compact is proposing a K-12/higher education partnership designed to bring computer skills to rural schools. In year one. they plan to 1) award K- 12/campus technology access subgrants; 2) award K-12 teacher education training in technology subgrants; 3) recruit, select, and train a technology council for youth that encourages young people to participate in developing solutions to bridge the digital divide; 4) plan, implement, and evaluate training modules to create technology based activities (surfer guide training, e-mail buddies), mentoring and tutoring program, youth voice enhancement, and community asset mapping. 2 Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a publication. Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room. 17 [ Getting Started: A Guide for Americorps Members] September 1999 Getting THIS I AMERICANS: @LBRONCO OTHER THEY I AMOUNT * SERVICE * AM M AM A Guide for AmeriCorps Memb Clinton Presidential Records Digital Records Marker This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. This marker identifies the place of a publication. Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room. Volume 2, No. 3, Summer 2000 AmeriCorps NEWS FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THE AMER CORPS NATIO NAL SERVICE NETWORK Say Good Morning To port their efforts to restore national parks and support organic farming," 'Sunrise' And AmeriCorps Johnson said. The three AmeriCorps members F or years we've been used to to learn about AmeriCorps members will be submitting journal entries and seeing sports heroes on the and help support the work they do." photographs to the web site every covers of cereal boxes. Starting this Because Sunrise is a certified month. The web address is summer, a new kind of hero will be organic cereal, General Mills decided www.sunrisecereal.com. General appearing on boxes of Sunrise to feature members who are involved Mills also plans to donate up to Organic Cereal, a General Mills in projects focused on organic farm- $100,000 to support AmeriCorps product. Get ready to share break- ing and the environment. projects. For every person who vis- fast with AmeriCorps members. The company hopes the real-life its the web site and enters a code Three AmeriCorps members— stories of AmeriCorps members will found on the cereal box, Sunrise Juliet Schraeder, John Kearney and draw a strong response from readers Cereal will donate $1. Molly O'Neill-will appear on boxes and eaters. "We expect thousands Johnson said that General Mills of Sunrise. An estimated 5 million would like to continue the project in cereal boxes will carry stories and SUNRISE coming years. "The alliance pictures of these members. between AmeriCorps and Sunrise is Why did General Mills According to Tom MERICORPS SERVICE Proudly Supports one of the most unique choose AmeriCorps? and exciting projects AMERICORPS ever to hit General Johnson, General Mills. People I work Mills spokesperson, with across the com- "AmeriCorps mem- pany-graphic bers are doing amaz- artists, marketers ing things that are and packaging engi- extremely interesting neers-are very and beneficial to the energized and tell me earth and to their Juliet Schraeder John Kearney Molly O'Neill frequently that this is communities. We wanted one of the coolest things to introduce AmeriCorps to a wide of people to respond by contacting we've ever done," he said. audience of people. We are giving the web site to follow the adventures Sunrise cereal lovers the opportunity of Juliet, John and Molly and sup- Continued on page 6 WHAT'S INSIDE WHAT'S INSIDE WHAT'S INSIDE WHAT'S INSIDE WHAT'S INSIDE WHAT'S INSIDE Letter from the President,page New PSA page2 Letter from CEO page3 VISTA Turns 35 page 3 National Youth Service Day page 4 Serving This Year and Beyond page 6 Bridging the Digital Divide page 7 Cheers for Yahool page 8 Calling Al Writers page 8 09/13/00 DRAFT The Corporation for National Service AmeriCorps Member and Alumni Affairs Goal: Help AmeriCorps members to develop skills and increase knowledge Goal: Foster a sense of AmeriCorps member identity Goal: Educate AmeriCorps members about the opportunities and restrictions of the AmeriCorps program and the education award Goal: Increase the benefits of AmeriCorps membership Goal: Prepare members for a lifelong commitment to service Goal: Provide opportunities for AmeriCorps alumni to fulfill their pledge to a lifetime of service. Currently offered services/benefits: Member handbook Welcome letter to newly enrolled members Web site pages geared to members and alumni AmeriCorps newsletter NCCC update Fellows newsletter All AmeriCorps Awards National days of service AmeriCorps gear Life After AmeriCorps publication All member gatherings in some states Anniversary celebrations Working on: Web-based recruiting AmeriCorps Experience Book Mass distribution e-mail messages to alumni Alumni Registry Member Directory On-line Community - improved web offerings AmeriCorps side panel for college rings and AmeriCorps signet ring Future projects: AmeriCorps e-mail AmeriCorps identification card with pledge on back Standard training curriculum on history of national service, AmeriCorps 101, non-profit management, life after AmeriCorps etc. More schools to match the education award and offer special fellowships for AmeriCorps alumni Member and alumni satisfaction survey