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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 Quarterly Progress Reports - North Carolina - Oklahoma [2]
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USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 Quarterly Progress Reports - North Carolina - Oklahoma [2]
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24226
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/Americorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 Quarterly Progress
Reports - North Carolina - Oklahoma [2]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
8
1
AMA
ГЛА NO. 85055276918
SUMMARY OF PROGRESS THIS REPORTING QUARTER TOWARD
ACCOMPLISHING ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
(1) DIRECT SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
Objective #1 is to assist low income residents in the
various colonias to obtain section 306C grants for the
necessary pluming work and connection charges needed to hook
up to existing systems. I did start work on this objective
this quarter, however I have not received any feedback on
the promoting that I performed. This coming quarter I plan
to visit with colonia residents and help them fill out the
applications and make sure they are complete.
Objective #2 is to assist water associations with their
applications for funding under the RECD Water and Waste
Disposal Program. I have been working with the following
water associations : 1) Anthony Water and Sanitation
District application for a waste water treatment plant, 2)
Berino MDWCA colonia pre-applicatin for a water system
improvements project, 3) Village of Columbus application for
a water system installation, 4) La Union pre-application for
the installation of a water system, 5) Village of Magdalena
pre-application for water system and sewage treatment
improvements, 6) City of Sunland Park, pre-application for
wastewater improvements project, 7) City of Truth or
project. Consequences pre-application for water system improvements
Objective #3 is to meet with leaders, and group
organizations. This quarter I have continued to make as
many contacts with group organizations, board members of the
various water associations listed above and city officials.
(2) AMERICORPS MEMBER DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVE:
Objective #1 is to be actively involved with the
Interagency Policy Task Force for Rural and Urban
Development. The goal of this group of individuals from
various agencies is to develop a comprehensive action plan
to improve the quality of life of colonia residents. I am
presently serving on two committees, one on health concerns
and the other on economic development. In the committee on
health concerns we are focusing on environmental problems
that could adversely effect the health of citizens residing
along the border. Also, we are working towards increasing
awareness and document community concerns regarding
USDA
PHA NO. 09
environmental quality and identify specific solutions to
incorporate into the committee's action plan.
(3) COMMUNITY BUILDING/STRENGTHENING OBJECTIVES:
Objective #1 is to assist the colonia of Desert Air to
organize as a non-profit corporation with enough members to
have a feasible water system. I have assisted the community
with their Article of Incorporation and their Bylaws. The
community has organized as a non-profit corporation and is
in the process of applying for funding under the RECD Water
and Waste Disposal Program which will benefit 450 residents
that have no running water.
Objective #2 is to assist one of the rural areas that
submitted an Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community
application perform on of its objectives in its strategic
plan. I have contacted Jesus Prieto, Planning Director for
the City of Sunland Park, NM, who has provided me with the
Empowerment Zone & Enterprise Community Strategic Plan. I
have been reviewing the plans and expect to start working on
this objective in the next quarter know that I have the
necessary training.
PRIMARY CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED THIS QUARTER
Local lack of interest after not getting EZ/EC funding.
Need grant writing training.
NATIONAL IDENTITY ACTIVITIES THIS QUARTER
Attended a one week training at Memphis, TN where I
participated in classes, group discussion, and workshops
related to community development. In addition, I gained
knowledge in the areas of community development roles and
approaches to community development.
Volunteer with the Mesilla Valley Habitat for Humanity
with a project to build six new homes for Las Cruces
Families. I was a go-fer and helped construct one home.
NNI
AmeriCorps*USA
Operating Site Quarterly Report
Date this report was completed: April 71,1995
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name of person completing this report: DON Montoya
Position of person completing this report: AmeriCorps worker
Operating Site ID # (Please refer to attached list): Grents. RECD Housing and WITHER/Sever
Telephone number: (905)287-7941
Fax number: 505-285-4297
e-mail address (if available):
OPTIONAL FORM $ (7-$0)
FAX TRANSMITTAL
# of pages >
To "John Thomas
From DON Montoye
-1-
Dept./Agency
state RECD
Phone 287-2941
For .
Pax (505)761-4976 1
(505)285-4297
NSM 7540-01-317-7366
5000-101
BENEFIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: Grents RECD
2. Program name: Grants- AmeriCares
3. Corporation grantee name: New Mexico state Office of RECD
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? 11/1/94
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
Full-time
/
1700
Part-time
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
0
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
0
-5-
Operating Site U.S.
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail. describe your central activities, project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
of the 8 rural communities N. have been working with
since the outset, two are responding according to community
assessments.
RECO programs were introduced primarily at the first meetings
with the rural communities. we are glad to report that applications
have been received by each community.
Some degree of success has been achieved iN promoting HEP
guaraw teed rural housing loans. Bank personuel, realtors, and
contrac for, were invited to meet with Eric Schmieter of the
state office iN late March. This meeting generated interest iN working
with owe another toward a seldom used program,
Communities are moving toward empowering them selves to seek
funds from all sources that will provide services to their. specific
villages,
#s OF MEETINGS
# OF GRANTS/LOANS
&
Operating are
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights, or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
IN oNe particular village a core group has been established
to start setting up IN iN frastructure aNd working toward seaking
water and waste water funds along with establishing as fire
department. Agencies have boon contacted and sources have been
identified which CEU assist the community.
-7-
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of anoual
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available. describe evaluation data that indicate
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives, (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
collection plans established, ex.).
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed. data
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
Initially the Grants office of RECD was setup to take
advantage of established former Farmer Home Administration
programs, the AmeriCorps worker would work toward each community
applying for loans and grants through these resources.
Community Needs were SOON found to vary substantially
and Ameri Corps worken. assistance would Not be available as the
Need regoired.
The focus changed to creating a working unit iN each
community (infrastructure). It was immediately assessed that
many of the communties had No organizations which coold address
their Needs. This abropt change for many of the villages appeared
to be 2 long drown out process.
The time spent by He Grants office is beginning to show
froilful results, INdividuals from far out rural areas are coming
into the office, and are are assisting iN the empowerment of the
lookl government. Both state, Fateral, and private resources are
beginning to respond to the Needs in a outlying areas.
&
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
to Create IN infrastructure iN each community so they CaN
help themselves.
2. Generate resources focused ON community Needs
3, Establish a Network to maintain their goals and direction
4. Establish and maintain a strong local government
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
- Create a link with other governmental structures
- Generate 2 tax base for the community
- Create a strong local government
-9.
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved.
obstacles to achieving program objectives. significant sources of delay. program elements not meeting
expectations, events or incidents that caused concern)
IN working toward creating an economically self-
supporting entity appeared almost impossible. Local
government was almost NON-existant on NON- functional
for a long period. we found iN many situations "Do Not Disturb"
signs upon entry. Progress was almost. impossible dream.
Patience has paid off, fruition is coming about. we are beg.
inning to see the progress of positive Kinking being gewerated
iN some of the commonities, we hope others areas will be forth
Doming.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Anached 10 this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in site-
specific skills.
-10-
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
identity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials: projects
with other AmeriCorps programs; training members in national skill areas (comnunication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training.
environmental audits, or citizenship education): graduations or swearing-in ceremonies. use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
Oor rural communities do Not foster or promote anything
of personal recognition: Ameri Coros is mentioned bot has
little or NO meaning. Area NOWS Papers do not carry much infor.
motions OW haddening, "estbach"
At some point up will get the NOWS media involved when 2
major break through is achieved.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership, etc.)
No comment
-11-
APR 7 ' 95 14:22 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 001
NM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Economic and Community Development
405 E. Florida
Deming, NM 88030
(505)546-8885
FAX (505)546-0038
DATE: April 7, 1995
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES (including cover sheet): 08
PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING PAGE(S) TO:
NAME: John Thomas
FAX NUMBER: (505)761-4976
TRANSMITTED FROM:
NAME: Lawrence Garia
FAX NUMBER: (505)546-0038
NOTES: Quartely Report
APR 7 95 14:23
NG
PAGE. 002
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: Deming, New Mexico
2. Program name:
3. Corporation grantee name:
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
X
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? October 18, 1995
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
Full-time
2
900 approx.
Part-time
0
0
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities: NONE
(d) Ford number 01 use memoci
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
NONE
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
NONE
-5-
APR 7 ' 95 14:23 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE 003
Operating Site ID #;
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail, describe your central activities, project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
CDBG Survey -- I helped the City of Deming fill out 150 income surveys. The
City of Deming is considering applying for a Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) for general neighborhood improvements, including street and sidewalk
improvements, recreation and parks, blight removed and housing rehabilitation
in the Bell School neighborhood.
Grant Writing Workshop -- We started the workshop with a few ice breaking
activities. We covered everything from the basic principles of proposal writing,
such as distinguishing between goals and objectives, to developing budgets. Most
of the 20 AmeriCorps members that attended will use these skills throughout their
term as well as their future careers.
Back-Flow Prevention for Water Systems -- This training seminar provided me
with additional skills and knowledge to help assist the national effort to
safeguard the drinking water of Rural America.
Attended Training conference in Memphis, Tennessee -- This course was titled
Community Development Process and Methods Training Course. I learned a basic
understanding of community development principles, practices, theories and
methods. I had much group interaction with local situations. In addition,
I now have a greater understanding of the USDA reporting policies and procedures,
This will allow me to work with greater effectiveness and efficiency.
APR 7 '95 14:24 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 004
Operating Site ID #:
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights, or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME
APR 7 ' 95 14:25 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 005
Uperating sue IV #;
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives. (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available, describe evaluation data that indicate
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed, data
collection plans established, etc.).
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
I have made 4 contacts with the cities officials and have met personally with
them. I have informed them that I am available to assist the community in any
way that I can. They said they would keep in touch and let me know of anything
that I may be of assistance with.
I have also been attending the local town meeting regularly. I am becoming
familiar with the cities key people and their different attitudes with their
communities, as far as the meetings go.
APR 7 95 14:25 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 006
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
2
I have made key contacts in the Hildalgo county having to do with the
Federal Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) Initiative.
I also set up a meeting with the technical assistance team for April
10, 1995 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss this in further detail. I will have
more on this on my next quarterly report.
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
On April 25, 1995 our cluster planned a clean-up of a community youth
center. We plan on many of the local people from the community to help
participate with the clean-up of the youth center.
APR 7 '95 14:26 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 007
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved,
obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay. program elements not meeting
expectations, events or incidents that caused concern.)
I have been working with the Peoples Water Co-op in order to get a new
community well built. This system has been designed and funded from the
State. The obstacle that is holding the project up is the water rights. The
current well has only 6.35 acres-feet. The new water system would require an
additional 7.0 acres-feet in order to accomodate the families in need of clean
drinking water. This next quarter I hope to get this problem resolved and
continue with the building of the community water system. I have been in
contact with the Engineer of this system and he has told me that they are
currently looking into the possibility of transferring nearby water rights
that are located near the proposed water well sight.
APR 7 ' 95 14:27 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 008
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
dentity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials: projects
with other AmeriCorps programs: training members in national skill areas (communication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training,
environmental audits. or citizenship education); graduations or swearing-in ceremonies, use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
Training in Memphis, Tennessee. Explained more in detail on the first page
of this report.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership, etc.)
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in site-
specific skills.
-10-
NM
FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
305 WEST HILL
ROOM 162, FEDERAL BUILDING
GALLUP, NEW MEXICO 87301
FAX COVER SHEET
DATE 4/11/95
ATTENTION: Juhn Thomas
PAGES SENT
8
OFFICE PHONE NO.
TELEFAX NO.
COMMENTS:
$
Here is stamp quarterly
Report
FROM:
Gallup C/O
TELEFAX NO.
(505) 722-0847
(505) 722-4357
OFFICE PHONE NO.
VERIFY NO.
DISPATCHED BY
am
Operating Site ID #: GALLUP NEW MEXICO
STACY SCHIAVONE-AMERICORP VOLUNTEER-RURAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: RECD OFFICE - GALLUP NEW MEXICO
2. Program name: NATNE AMERICAN OUTREACH
3. Corporation grantee name:
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/[-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? 11/2/94
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
2nd QOIR
1st are
Full-time
I
477
361
Part-time
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
0
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
0
-5-
GALLUP, NEWMERICO
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail. describe your central activities, project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
SECOND QUARTER REPORT: Native American Outreach
DESCRIPTION:
I have presented information on RECD 502 and 504 programs at 11
meetings on the Navajo reservation, throughout McKinley county.
The presentations have either been at the monthly chapter meeting
or planning meeting. The information has been presented to
community leaders, members and seniors at the following communities
on the Navajo reservation
Breadsprings Chapter
Churchrock Chapter
Standing Rock Chapter
Iyanbito Chapter
Ojo Encino Chapter
Whitehorse Chapter
Twin Lakes Chapter
Chichiltah Chapter
Red Rock Chapter
Ramah Chapter
Pinevale Chapter
Our office is currently working applications for 504 Grant funds
from Breadsprings, Iyanbito, and Whitehorse chapters as well as the
pueblo of Zuni. Four of these applications are waiting for funding
and 3 more are waiting for home inspections by the county
supervisor.
QUANTITATIVE RESULTS:
11 presentations given to Navajo Communities
1 504 grant approved in the Breadsprings Chapter
6 504 grant applications awaiting funding
-6-
Operating Site ID #:
EALLUP, NEW MEXICO
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights, or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people. projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
ELLEN HALEY OF THE BREADSPRINGS CHAPTER; is
THE FiRST 504 GRANT RECIPIENT will TO BE
iN McKiNley county
CONTACTED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE Americorps pRoGRAM.
-7-
Operating Site ID #: GALLUP NEW MEXICO
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available, describe evaluation data that indicate
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives, (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
collection plans established. etc.).
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed. data
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
AT THiS poiNT, I hAVE Accomplishen Almost 1/3
OF my DIRECT SERVICE OBJECTIVE. ThAT is, To RECEIVE AN AVERAGE
of AT LEAST / APPLICATION FROM EACH OF THE 21 NAVAJO
CHAPTERS AND THE PUEBID OF ZuNi, ThE thought
bEhiND this objective is TO ESTABLISH AT LEAST /
SUCCESS story iN EACH community, ,50 that RECD'S
PROGRAMS CAN CONTINUE TO SPREAD IN THESE.
AREAS BY WORD OF MOOTH.
-8-
Operating Site ID #:
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
Communities G1 so FAR) ARE bEING INFORMED AND
DIRECTED TO PROGRAMS THAT ARE AVAILABILE TO
THEM THROUGH RECD AND OTHER SOURCES.
-9-
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved,
obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting
expectations, events or incidents that caused concern.)
ThE most SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGE HAS BEEN TO
CONTINUE WORKING ON my OBJECTIVES EVEN
THOUGH THE RESULTS INITIALLY WERE VERY
Slow iN COMING AND ARE NOW STARTING
TO PRK. UP.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in site-
specific skills.
-10-
Operaung Site ID #:
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
identity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials; projects
with other AmeriCorps programs: training members in national skill areas (communication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid): participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training.
environmental audits. or citizenship education); graduations or swearing-in ceremonies, use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
- NONE-
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership. etc.)
- NONE -
-11-
WA
AMBRICORPS QUARTERLY REPORT:
NATIONAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES FOR THE TIME PERIOD
10-17-94 TO 4-17-95
TO:
Mary McBride
Rural Economic and Community Development
Wenatchee, Washington
FROM:
Mary Ann Beeson- Americorps Member Grant County
Grant County Community Action Council
Moses Lake, Washington
RE:
Quarterly Report
I
11:10AM FROM P&E BR PAS PARK CTR
2
organizing a community effort to paint the emergency shelter for the homeless serving Grant
County. At the being of my term of service I worked with case workers that provided services to
a large number of homeless individuals in our county. I was aware of the physical condition of the
housing units that serve as a shelter and that repairs, painting, and donations were sorely needed.
I, along with a case worker who serves the homeless, presented information on the picture of
homelessness in Grant County to several community service clubs in our area. By this effort we
were able to enlist the volunteer help of three of these clubs to paint the shelter units.
Having the units painted was in itself a wonderful accomplishment, however what has been even
better is what happened after the task was completed. By informing the community that
homelessness is a significant issue in Grant County, programs that serve the homeless saw several
positive results occur. A community club offered to help families at the shelter buy Christmas
presents for their children, another asked that we prepare a "Wish List" of things the shelter needed
so that their members could purchase items the emergency housing program could not afford,
donations of furniture and household items were offered at a higher rate than had previously
occurred, and a university student organization encompassing Washington and Idaho selected the
emergency shelter as the site to serve during their Spring Break 1995. Forty university students
completed the housing unit repairs and yard work that needed to be done. I believe that my ability
to participate in the initial effort to make a difference for the homeless of Grant County helped to
serve as a catalyst for the unanticipated, but highly beneficial help received.
3
04-28-05 10:25AM P03
FROM P : E BR PAS PARK CTR
4-28-95 111
RECD State Off. -->9p17033052982
EUM Pg. 04/16
04/28/95 08:16am 509 664 0202
SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TOWARD ACCOMPLISHING ANNUAL OBJECTIVES:
Note: The plan of work developed for the Americorps USDA member serving Grant County was
developed according to the Americorps Program Planning document provided in October 1994. In
this document it was stated that Americorps USDA would have objectives covering only community
service and community building activities. As this process was followed by Grant County, direct
service and Americorps member development activities are discussed but were not directly described
as objectives in the submitted workplan.
1) Direct Service Objectives:
Direct services to the community through the Americorps position have thus far been accomplished
in the following ways. The Americorps member has been directly involved in efforts that helped
the community: 1) renovate and upgrade the physical conditions of emergency housing units
serving Grant County, 2) provide a Young Parent Achievement Award by serving to fundraise for
prizes, write nominee questionnaires, interview nominated young parents, and present the award,
3) send Grant County high school students to the "Expanding Your Horizons-Math and Science
Careers for Girls" conference in Spokane by serving as a chaperon, and 4) speaking to parents and
high school students on the issue of teenage pregnancy. The EZ/EC proposal identified direct
services to be provided to the community by a Community Resource and Funding Alternative
Center. As the Center is not functioning at this time, the Americorps position has served as a
means to implement some of these services. For example, those that related to parenting, human
development, and providing funding information.
2) Americorps Member Development Objectives:
The function of the Americorps position in Grant County and types of information the member
should receive additional training in for maximal effectiveness during their term has been explored.
The areas identified were: fundraising, alternative economic development tools and strategies, and
housing issues. As Grant County is classified as "economically distressed" and there is a severe
shortage of affordable housing, we feel these areas require more in depth knowledge. This reporting
period the Americorps member has been trained both on site and through special sessions in: small
business development, grantseeking and grantwriting, and microloan lending as an economic
development tool. The bulk of Americorps member development will, however, occur during the
next quarter as several conferences and training sessions are being offered in Eastern Washington
from the last week in April to the middle of May.
4
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RECD State Off. -->9p17033052982
BCM Pg. 00/12
3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
The focus of the community service and community building objectives described in the workplan
for Grant County was the establishment of a Community Resource and Funding Alternative Center
in the nominated enterprise community BNA known as Larson. Up to this point in time
considerable progress has been made toward realizing this focus. As was pointed out in the
workplan the process for development of the Resource Center would change depending on whether
or not the Grant County EZ/EC proposal was funded. As it was not chosen for funding,
researching and identifying alternative sources for funding the Center's proposed activities became
a main activity of the Americorps member.
During this reporting period Objective A of the workplan (laying a foundation for implementing the
EZ/EC proposal) was accomplished. The process toward completing Objective B (administering
a community needs survey) is proceeding at a steady pace. As was stated previously, a pilot survey
was distributed and the results received analyzed, which has allowed for the refinement of the full
scale survey before its actual distribution. Objectives C and D of the workplan were devised with
an assumption of funding availability for the development of the Resource Center. As this was not
the case several alternative measure for establishing and implementing proposed activities of the
Center have been pursued. The Americorps member worked to identify potential private and
corporate interests in the proposed Center. Discussions were held with The Housing Authority of
Grant County regarding the location and operation of the Resource Center in the Larson BNA, in
which this organization has a strong presence through office location and affordable housing
provision. At this time the best strategy for providing funding to establish the Resource Center
seems to be pursuing an Implementation Grant from the Community Development Block Grant
Program. The Housing Authority of Grant County is interested in leading this community effort,
of which the Americorps member will participate.
Community building activities have been pursued by presenting information to community groups
on alternative funding resources, assisting two groups in identify potential funding resources, and
by participating in community partnerships aimed at improving Grant County (such as, the Family
Policy Network). Considerable progress has been made towards: coordinating and conducting a
community workshop on grantwriting and funding availability for non-profits, as well as, convening
parties interested in microloan lending. Dates and times are basically all that remains to be
finalized.
5
PRIMARY CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED:
The challenges I have encountered thus far as an Americorps member fall into two general
categories. One simply being that the purpose and existence of the USDA Americorps program was
fairly unknown in the rural community I serve. The basic challenge was to inform people of the
purpose and function of the Americorps program and why the Department of Agriculture was
involved. As the program was a new initiative it was understandable that unfamiliarity was an
issue. I believe that this challenge has been, for the most part, resolved. I have been able to
discuss my role as an Americorps member with numerous individuals and organizations within our
area and feel that what is being done through this program is better understood. The second
challenge I have encountered is that of finding the resources to carry out proposal components.
This has delayed a portion of the community building objectives, however I feel comfortable that
progress is being made and appropriate strategies are being taken to implement the objectives.
Considerable Information and effort has been made on the part of the Americorps Washington state
director, Mary McBride, to aid our community and myself in overcoming any problems that have
developed.
NATIONAL IDENTITY ACTIVITIES:
Activities that fostered the national identify of Americorps have occurred through the Grant County
position by discussions the member has had with community members, groups, and local media
members regarding the purpose of the Americorps program in general and the activities occurring
in Grant County specifically.
CHANGES IN PROGRAM ORGANIZATION OR KEY STAFF POSITIONS:
Changes within the organization of Grant County Community Action Council this reporting period
involved a change of supervisors for the Americorps position. John Poling, the deputy director and
supervisor for the position left the agency at the end of November 1994. Cherie Beuckman, the
executive director, is currently acting as supervisor for the Americorps member.
6
AMERICORPS QUATERLY REPORT
From: Christine Kwan
Coalition for the Homeless
Yakima County. Washington
Cluster: Wenatchee
QUARTERLY REPORT
APRIL 1995
Christina P. Kwan
PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS QUARTER:
This has been a very busy and an exciting quarter. I attended the RE CD Ameri Corps
Craining in Memphis, TN. It was a great opportunity to meet other members from across the
country and to compare success stories and concerns we all seem to have in common. The
hotel we stayed in seemed to be located at the end of the airport runway and we had to duck
every time a plane landed or litted off. It added greatly to the sense of adventure.
Upon my return to the Y akima V alley I was asked to help the Housing Foundation
conduct some research on approximating the number of tarmworkers employed during peak
harvest seasons to be better able to estimate the need for housing.
The rest of my time I have kept extremely busy assisting Mr. Bullamore in arranging a
bus tour through the city of Y akima to view the accomplishments of the many housing
organizations in Y akima. We invited boardmembers. bankers, participants and other interested
parties, but sadly not very many people showed up.
At this time I have just finished with the organization of a one day workshop/conterence
on Farmworker Housing Issues. The agenda entails such topics as cost and function of various
differents kinds of housing (i.e. mobile homes YS. permanent structures) and other related topics.
UNIQUE SUCCESSES OR "GREAT STORIES":
The housing situation in the Y akima V alley is extremely grimm. The little bit of housing
that is available is financially far out of the reach of most families, tarmworkers or otherwise.
Fortunately there are many agencies that are trying to address the issues and are able to report
some success stories. I have finally been able to identity at least two small project I would like to
address and maybe complete by the end of August: The need to inform the gener public about
the existance of these organizations could be met by hosting an "InfoFer" in the
Summyside Grandview area. AP the agencies that are currently located in Y akima, but are able
to serve the entire valley could send a representative and give out information about their
agencies - how to apply. what they do, etc. Many people are simply not aware that such
resources and agencies exist.
My second project is directly related to the first. After inve stigating the matter, I
discovered that we need a written, centralized index of all the organizations that deal either
directly or indirectly with housing issues. I envision a one page resume from each agency
explaining what they do, how to apply. who would quality, and their mission etc. I feel that such
information would greatly benefit many people who are currently living in severely substandard
04/20/93
conditions
SUMMARY OF PROGRESS THIS REPORTING QUARTER TOWARD
ACCOMPLISHING ANNUAL OBJECTIVE:
The direct service objective would be met by educating the gener public to the
resources available. I feel sometimes that the issues of lack of adequate housing are simply
being ignored. I have received much feedback from the public about have the term "subsidized
housing" raises a lot of resentment and sometimes even hostility. There is a need for affordable
housing. not more subsidies. I feel that making information more readily available will at least
open the channels of communica toward addressing and tackling the issues.
PRIMARY CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED THIS
QUARTER:
While conducting my research I was puzzled and surprised by the hostility and mistrust
encountere from some of the tarmer sigrowers I attempted to interview. It is a constant
challenge to continue in this work. That is why I feel it is so important to educate the general
public about the issues we are taced with Increased knowledge and awareness may decrease
the tear and hostility present today.
AMERICORPS QUATERLY REPORT
From: John Glenn
Rural Community Assistance Team
Thurston County, Washington
Cluster: Wenatchee
Quarterly Report
AmeriCorge National Service Program
April, 1996
To: Mary McBride. RECD/ AmeriCarps Supervisor
From: John Glenn, Governor's Rural Community Assistance Team
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter
I was givon an ambiguous, broad project that entalled the creation of an evaluating mechanism for the
Washington Community Economic Revitalization Team (WA-CERT). I narrowed and defined the scope in
a preliminary draft proposal, and eventually created 1 survey that serves as & comprehensive evaluation
tool reflecting the initial goals of the WA-CERT program. I mailed part 1 of the survey to all those who
applied for assistance through the WA-CERT process in FFY94. Part I evaluates customer service and
application processing
Consequently. FFY94 was the pilot year of the WA-CERT, so an evaluation of this alternative approach to
government should be quite useful in streamlining the process, to better serve those rural communities
previously dependent on natural resources # the heart of their economy. This is an issue of great
importance in Washington State and on: char must be thoroughty and accurately addressed.
This survey will provide valuable feedback from those who have utilized the WA-CERT as A clearinghouse
for federal and state funding assistance, whether their project received funding or not This feedback can
only contribute in making the process more efficient and use friendly.
Part 2 of the survey is currently being drafted, and will aid to evaluating the effectiveness of the program in
funding economic diversification projects In timber dependent communities, using the goals of the federal
Economic Adjustment Initiative as a framework. Have the projects we've funded been successfull
Unique successes or "great stories"
Attending the AmeriCorps conference in Tennessee and meeting follow AmeriCorps friends from around
the nation, sharing project goals and successes, and being unked under a cause/ movement, has been the
highlight or my experiences with other national service participants.
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
1) Direct Service Objectives
Service of this kind is executed daily via the telephone. I am in continuel contact with community
members primarily in 8 contaxt of supplying information. Information on the WA-CERT program,
available to those in many rural communities throughout Washington, as well as the status of projects
submitted through the WA-CERT process are common requests.
Though this element was limited to telephone communication this quarter, next quarter will reflect 1
broadened scope with community site visits and personal interviews (this is explained in the section,
challenges ancountered this quarter).
2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives
As this question is Interpreted as personal growth through training and experience, I will briefly comment
that I am grateful I've had this opportunity to learn first-hand about the legislative process (tracking
legislation for the purposed Governor's Community Assistance Team w well M following several other
bills), about professionallsm associated with working for a government agency, community development
(from training and attending meetings monthly). and about being assigned a long-term project and working
towards completing that project. All of these were annual objectives for TDB.
3) Community Building/ Strengthesing Objectives
This category to my strongest contribution M an AmeriCarps member. Not only are my day to day
activities with the GRCAT and the WA-CERT oriented towards assisting those in rural communities via
phona fax, or grant/loan application processing, but my ovaluation project will have positive ramifications
on those same communities that are la need of assistance.
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter
An issue of direct community participation, as an important element in goals of the AmeriCorps program.
came to be x the conference in Memphis. Other then monthly meetings, this aspect was lacking
throughout this appointment. la speaking with the organizers and fellow members in Memphis, is was falt
that the spirit of the AmeriCorps program had been hindered slightly, due to the lack of direct community
involvement. " was decided that the scope of my outreach should be broadened, LO Include this lacking
element.
The evaluation I have been working on is directly associated with the streamlining of grant and loan
funding to rural communities in need of economic stimulation. My time and energy as an AmeriCorps
participant would be best spent expanding this evaluation to Include case studios. Those would serve in
painting a complete plature of the need for, and offectiveness of grant/ loan funding to natural resource
dependent rural communities. This will be done through interviews with community members, as well as
the government agencies involved.
Not only will this added elament contribute in the improved efficiency of project funding, it will serve u $
legislative tool in lobbying for further allocations through the federal Economic Adjustment Initiative, and
other rural community economic diversification programs.
National Identity Activities this Quarter
I must confess that my AmeriCorps shirts are personal favorites and are wom frequently. They solicit
questions and comments regularly. Other than this and regular explanations/dcscriptions of the program to
those I cross paths with, nothing I'm involved in has aroused the Interest of the nation.
405 E. Florida
Deming, NM 88030
NM
(505)546-8885
FAX (505)546-0038
DATE: 4-11-95
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES (including cover sheet): 8
PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING PAGE(S) TO:
NAME: John Thomas
FAX NUMBER: (505) 761-4976
TRANSMITTED FROM:
NAME: Lourdes V.
FAX NUMBER: (505)546-0038
C/O
NOTES:
PAGE.001
APR 11 '95 9:02 FROM USDA DEMING
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Economic and Community Development
405 E. Florida
Deming, NM 88030
(505)546-8885
2. Program name:
DEMING
3. Corporation grantee name: RURAL ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
X
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? October 11, 1994
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
Full-time
2
About 900 hrs.
Part-time
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities: none
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
none
-5-
APR 11 '95 9:02 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating Site ID #;
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: NEW MEXICO
2. Program name:
DEMING
CDBG-Conducted a door to door survey for the city of Deming.
There was a response of about 150 citizens. The City of
Deming conducted this survey because they were considering
in applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBC)
for improvement of the Bell School area. Some improvements
that they want to do are on the streets and sidewalk,
recreation and parks, removal of blight and housing
rehabilitation.
Back-Flow Prevention for Water Systems Training-This
training helped me understand problems of what can happen if
water systems are not installed correctly. I can share what
a have learned with the communities that I come in contact
with.
Training conference in Memphis, TN-This training taught me
the basics of community development principles, practices,
theories, and methods. I met many contact people that I can
get hold of if there is help needed. I also got a better
understanding of the USDA reporting policies and procedures.
The skills that I gained in this training will help me work
better with the community.
-6-
APR 11 '95 9:03 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail. describe your central activities, project
nilestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
CDBG-Conducted a door to door survey for the city of Deming.
There was a response of about 150 citizens. The City of
APR 11 '95 9:04 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 004
-L-
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME
Operating Site ID #:
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights. or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
OBJECTIVE #1-To meet with city officials:
I have contacted official and met with them. I
have informed them that I am available to
assist them and the community in any way that
I can.
OBJECTIVE #2-To do outreach in community for those who are
not physically able to come in to the office:
I have gone to the homes of the elderly, and
assisted them in filling out applications and
gone back to get signature in order to
complete the process of filling out
applications.
OBJECTIVE #3-Keep public informed about what can be obtained
through our programs to assist them:
I am continuing to keep the community informed
of what I can assist them.
OBJECTIVE #4-To interpret for those who speak only Spanish
and do not understand English as well:
I am continuing to interpret when clients meet
with the supervisor and fill out the
applications out for them.
-8-
PAGE.005
APR 11 '95 9:04 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating Site ID #;
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives. (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives, and
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available. describe evaluation data that indicate
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed, data
collection plans established, etc.).
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
OBJECTIVE #1-To meet with city officials:
I have made key contact in the Hidalgo county, having to do
with the Federal Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community
(EZ/EC) Initiative. I also set up a meeting with the
technical ssistance team for April 10, 1995 at 10:00 a.m. to
discuss this in further detail. I will have more on this on
my next quarterly report.
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
On April 25, 1995 our cluster plans a clean-up of a
community youth center. We plan on many of the local people
from the community to help participate with the clean-up of
the youth center
900'3949
APR 11 '95 9:05 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating Site ID #:
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
I have made key contact in the Hidalgo county, having to do
with the Federal Empowerment Done and P
2
Officials. when 1 00 get noid or them and meet with them
they seem interested, but when I try to get hold of them
again I can't.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues. fundraising, diversity, and best practices in site-
specific skills.
-10-
200 PAGE
APR 11 '95 9:05 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved,
obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting
expectations. events or incidents that caused concern.)
I have had problems in trying to get hold of the city
officials. When I do get hold of them and meet with them
they seem interested, but when I try to get hold of them
again I can't.
Training in Memphis, Tennessee.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
board turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
membership, etc.)
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME
-11-
800 PAGE
APR 11 '95 9:06 FROM USDA DEMING
** 800 . PAGE 76101 **
Operating Site ID #:
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
identity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials: projects
with other AmeriCorps programs; training members in national skill areas (communication/conflict
environmental audits, or citizenship education): graduations or swearing-in ceremonies, use of national
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training,
recruitment. use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
FROM
USDA
DEMING
PAGE.00.
NM
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Economic and Community Development
405 E. Florida
Deming, NM 88030
(505)546-8885
FAX (505)546-0038
DATE: April 7,1995
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES (including cover sheet): 08
PLEASE DELIVER THE FOLLOWING PAGE(S) TO:
NAME: John Thomas
FAX NUMBER: (505)761-4976
TRANSMITTED FROM:
NAME: Lawrence Garcia
FAX NUMBER: (505)546-0038
NOTES: Quartely Report
55 14:23
PAGE. 002
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: Deming, New Mexico
2. Program name:
3. Corporation grantee name:
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
X
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? October 18, 1995
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
Full-time
2
900 approx.
Part-time
0
0
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities: NONE
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
NONE
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
NONE
-5-
Operating Site ID #;
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail, describe your central activities, project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
CDBG Survey -- I helped the City of Deming fill out 150 income surveys. The
City of Deming is considering applying for a Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) for general neighborhood improvements, including street and sidewalk
improvements, recreation and parks, blight removed and housing rehabilitation
in the Bell School neighborhood.
Grant Writing Workshop -- We started the workshop with a few ice breaking
activities. We covered everything from the basic principles of proposal writing,
such as distinguishing between goals and objectives, to developing budgets. Most
of the 20 AmeriCorps members that attended will use these skills throughout their
term as well as their future careers.
Back-Flow Prevention for Water Systems -- This training seminar provided me
with additional skills and knowledge to help assist the national effort to
safeguard the drinking water of Rural America.
Attended Training conference in Memphis, Tennessee -- This course was titled
Community Development Process and Methods Training Course. I learned a basic
understanding of community development principles, practices, theories and
methods. I had much group interaction with local situations. In addition,
I now have a greater understanding of the USDA reporting policies and procedures,
This will allow me to work with greater effectiveness and efficiency.
35 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE.004
Operating Site ID #:
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights. or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME
APR 7 ' 35 14:25 FROM USDA DEMING
Operating sue IV #:
PAGE. 005
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives. (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available, describe evaluation data that indicate
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed, data
collection plans established, etc.).
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
I have made 4 contacts with the cities officials and have met personally with
them. I have informed them that I am available to assist the community in any
way that I can. They said they would keep in touch and let me know of anything
that I may be of assistance with.
I have also been attending the local town meeting regularly. I am becoming
familiar with the cities key people and their different attitudes with their
communities, as far as the meetings go.
FROM
USDA
DEMING
PAGE,006
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
2
I have made key contacts in the Hildalgo county having to do with the
Federal Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) Initiative.
I also set up a meeting with the technical assistance team for April
10, 1995 at 10:00 a.m. to discuss this in further detail. I will have
more on this on my next quarterly report.
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
On April 25, 1995 our cluster planned a clean-up of a community youth
center. We plan on many of the local people from the community to help
participate with the clean-up of the youth center.
HPR 7 35 14:26 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. 007
Operating Site ID #:
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved,
obstacles to achieving program objectives, significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting
expectations, events or incidents that caused concern.)
I have been working with the Peoples Water Co-op in order to get a new
community well built. This system has been designed and funded from the
State. The obstacle that is holding the project up is the water rights. The
current well has only 6.35 acres-feet. The new water system would require an
additional 7.0 acres-feet in order to accomodate the families in need of clean
drinking water. This next quarter I hope to get this problem resolved and
continue with the building of the community water system. I have been in
contact with the Engineer of this system and he has told me that they are
currently looking into the possibility of transferring nearby water rights
that are located near the proposed water well sight.
HPR 7 ' 95 14:27 FROM USDA DEMING
PAGE. . 008
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
dentity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials: projects
with other AmeriCorps programs: training members in national skill areas (comminunication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training,
environmental audits. or citizenship education); graduations or swearing-in ceremonies, use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
Training in Memphis, Tennessee. Explained more in detail on the first page
of this report.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership, etc.)
NONE TO REPORT AT THIS TIME.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit is
along with your quarterly report. 11 will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in site-
specific skills.
-10-
AmeriCorps*USA
Operating Site Quarterly Report
Date this report was completed: April 6, 1995
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name of person completing this report: Paula J. Montez & Susan J. Burns
Position of person completing this report: AmeriCorps Memebers
Operating Site ID # (Please refer to attached list): Was no Attached List (RECD Las Cruces County Office)
Telephone number:
(505) 522 - 6031
Fax number:
(505) 521 - 3905
e-mail address (if available):
-1-
ANTHONY WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 1751 ANTHONY. NEW MEXICO 88021 (505) 882.3922
January 12, 1995
John Thomas, Jr.
State Director of America
RECD state office
6200 Jefferson st.
N.B. Room 255
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Dear Mr. Thomas,
We were visited by Ms. Paula Montez & Ms. Susan Burns from
your organization AmeriCorp. RECD on January 10, 1995. Efficiency
accompanied by courtesy is a rare combination in today's work
world. Ms. Montez & Hs. Burne were very informative and helpful
regarding the funding available for assisting families with water
& sewer hookups
There is a high need in Anthony For these services and we
will take advantage of this opportunity. The ladies have our full
cooperation and we will enjoy working with them. If you have any
questions please feel free to give us & call at (505) 882-3922.
sincerely,
Luen D. Schooncry
Loren H. Schoonover
Office Manager
Report Form: Program Outreach - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending:
4/5/95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 2)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
Chambrino Water. Board
1-27-95
7
Council of Gov'ts Meeting-Anthony
1-27-95
3
Diocese Task Force-Milagro
1-28-95
40
Anthony Water District Office
1-30-95
8
(help fill out applications)
Council of Gov'ts-Hatch
1-30-95
5
Consolidated Plan-County Commission
2-2-95
45
M Chile Conference
2-7-95
20
NM Rural Water Assn. Annual Mtg.
2-7-95 - 2-10-95
40+
Diocese Task Force-Del Cerro
2-15-95
25
Community Pride-Paint Over Graffiti
2-18-95
6+
Diocese Task Force Meeting
2-23-95
20
Anthony Water District Office
2-24-95
8
(help fill out applications)
Anthony Water District Office
3-2-95
6
(help fill out applications)
La Mesa Mutual Domestic Water: Meeting
3-7-95
10
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
Report Form: Program Outreach - - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending: 4-5-95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 1)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
Mr. Pat Banegas & Office Staff of the
1-4-95
4
Anthony Water & Senitation District
Mr. Jerry Lujan of the South Central
1-9-95
2
Cancil of Governments
Mr. Pat Banegas & Loren Schoonover of
Anthony Water & Sanitation District,
1-10-95
5
and Representatives of the Mesquite
Mitual Domestic & La Mesa Water
Mr. Albert Lyon & Caballo 4H
1-11-95
25
Chamberino Open Town Meeting on creating
1-15-95
50+
a Mitual Domestic Water District
Hucley City Council Meeting
1-17-95
14
Central City Cancil Meeting
1-17-95
12
Diocese of Las Cruces Task Force
1-18-95
25
Meeting on Colonias Improvement
Silver City Senior Citizens Meeting
1-19-95
30+
Colonias Task Force Meeting
1-25-95
30
Lynn Goldstein of the Local Government
1-25-95
3
Division of Council of Governments
Gila/Cliff Senior Citizens Meeting
1-26-95
25
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
Report Form: Program Outreach - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending:
4/5/95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 3)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
Diocese Task Force-Del Cerro
3-8-95
20+
(help fill out applications)
Anthony Water District Office
3-13-95
8
(help fill out applications)
AmeriCorps Training-Memphis, TN
3-19-95 - 3-24-95
150+
NMSU Comunity Development Study
4-2-95
30
Chamberino Meeting
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
NM
Facsimilie
AMERICORPS
Transmission
MEMBERS
Cover
Letter
"Getting Things Done"
TO: MR, JOHN THOMAS JR.
OFFICE: STATE OFFICE
TELEPHONE: (505) 761-4944
FAX NUMBER: (505) 761-4976
FROM: Susan J. Burns & Paula J. Montez
OFFICE: RECD County Office
CITY: Las Cruces, New Mexico
TELEPHONE: (505) 522-6031
FAX NUMBER: (505) 521-3905
COMMENTS: Dear John:
We are sending you this letter. sorry that it is a little late.
If you have any questions please call us.
Sincerely,
Paula & Susan
Number of page in this transmission including cover page: 14
Operating Site ID #:
RECD - Las Cruces County Office
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: USDA RECD-Las Cruces, New Mexico County Office
Community
2. Program name: United States Department of Agriculture -Rural Economic &
Development
3. Corporation grantee name: United States Department of Agriculture
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
X
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? September 30, 1994
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
1st 1/4
2nd 1/4
Total
for
Full-time
2
each
420
584
1004
Part-time
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities: 12
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
61,5 hours
-5-
Operating Site 10 #:
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail. describe your central activities. project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
This quarter our activities centered around making use
of the 306c grants for Colonias Water and Waste Disposal.
We worked mainly on getting the word out to residents that
there was funding available to pay for connecting to
community water and sewer. During January our meetings with
communities increased tremendously in comparison with the
first quarter. This was due to the various contacts with
different agencies that we had made in the first quarter.
In January alone we had open meetings in 10 different
#5
communities. Also in January we began a program where we
would travel to Anthony, a near by colonia, to help the
residents, many whom did not speak English, fill out
applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Grants. In
this colonia we had technical and physical support from the
local water and waste disposal superintendent and his staff.
Toward the end of January we began speaking about the 504,
Home Improvement Loans and Repair Loans and Grants. We
focused our efforts toward low income elderly homeowners.
One of our new endeavors in January was to join The
Task Force for the Development of Rural and Urban Policy,
through the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. This group
meets once a month to coordinate the work of the various
local, state, and federal agencies who are working in and
with colonias. Besides meeting as a large group, the task
force is also broken down into committees. We joined two of
these committees, the Community Education and Organizing,
and the Housing and Ownership.
Our February calendar was a continuation of January's
activities with the addition of our joining a group called
Community Pride. This group spends one Saturday a month
painting over graffiti. The paint, rollers, and brushes are
donated by local businesses. We organized getting
volunteers from our office and other USDA offices to
#5
participate by volunteering peoplepower.
The Catholic Diocese began a Colonias Development
Council, that has planners in the colonias. We began to
work extensively with these organizers. The planners would
help us to setup meetings, and find facilities to help the
residents with our applications.
March came in like a lamb. We just continued what we
had been doing. We began to see the results of all of the
time we had been spending on the applications. We saw the
completion of the work on a 504 repair grant. We also had
two 306c grants get funded.
This month left like a lion, because we attended a
wonderful USDA AmeriCorps National Training Session in
Memphis, Tennessee. We returned with not only the names and
addresses of other AmeriCorps Member with whom we could
communicate ideas and díscuss difficulties that others may
have already resolved. We brought home a wealth of
knowledge on helping small communities survive.
&
Operating Site ID #:
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights, or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
Our greatest story centers around an elderly gentleman
and his wife. In late December this gentleman drove 50
miles to attend a meeting that we were having. At this
meeting we spoke about the 504 repair grant. This gentleman
came up to us after the meeting and asked for an application
and directions on how to fill it out. We talked with him
for several minutes. About a week later he delivered the
application to our office. He was requesting funding to put
heat into his house, because his heaters had been condemned
by the gas company. The gas company said that if he
continued to use those heaters that they would turn off his
gas. When he submitted his application, the only source of
heat in house was the range and an electric space heater.
The gentleman received $1, 452.23 in the form of a grant
to put heat in his house. The work was completed on January
30, 1995.
This gentleman has been a great spokesman for our
programs. He shows up at many of our meetings to testify
about the help that we gave his family.
This quarter we made several lucrative partnerships.
We began working extensively with the Anthony, New Mexico
Water and Sanitation District. Another endeavor that we
believe will eventually show dividends is our membership in
the Task Force for the Development of Rural and Urban
Policy through the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. As we
have previously explained this group is made up of
representatives from various local, state, and federal
agencies. We meet once a month as a large group to
coordinate the efforts of agencies. The group is split into
smaller committees who focus on specific topics. The two
committees that we are involved with are Community Education
and Organizing, and Housing and Ownership.
Our final partnership is with the Community Pride
Group. This group meets one Saturday a month to get the
community together to help fight the problem of graffiti.
This group fights back by painting over the graffiti. We
participate in this group by volunteering not only our time
but also getting others from the community to take pride and
help by volunteering their time.
-7-
Operating Site ID #:
RECD- Las Cruces County Office
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available. describe evaluation data that indicate
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives, (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
collection plans established, etc.).
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed. data
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
1) What work will be done?
To Inform local rural residents of available
funding thru Rural Economic and Community Development
(Farmers Home Administration). TO assist in filling
out housing applications.
We have been out in the community extensively. We have
had meetings in 12 local colonias just in this quarter. We
have held 5 meetings at which all we did was help residents
fill out applications. We also went to several individuals'
homes to help with the applications.
(please refer to the report form for our state director
which is included)
2) What is the hoped-for results of the work/activities
described above?
Socially disadvantaged, low income residents of
colonias will be informed of the assistance available
and how to apply for it.
Since we have been working in colonias which are area
were there are many low income residents, we believe that we
are reaching our targeted people.
of
Operating Site ID #
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
3) How will you measure the quality of your product or
impact or your service?
We will obtain a list of those who attended our
meetings. We will evaluate results by the number of
new applications generated from those who were present.
We have changed our way of tracking applications that
we have generated. Instead of trying to obtain lists of
attendees, we mark the applications that we hand out. Our
co-workers in the office ask individuals, who stop in for an
application, where they found out about our program; if they
found out about it from one of our outreach meetings then
the individuals are given a marked applications.
This new system seems to work well, because this way we
also can track how the information from our meetings travel
by word of mouth, as well as from direct contact.
As of today we have received one 502 housing loan
application which was turned down due to credit. We have
had one 504 grant which was funded and the work completed.
We have generated 12 306c water and waste disposal grant
applications, 2 of which have been funded and the work
completed.
4) By what standard will you gauge success?
At least 10% of the attendees will apply for Rural
Economic and Community Development (Farmers Home
Administration) assistance.
According to my figures we have had direct outreach
with approximately 500 residents of colonias. We have
generated 14 applications which is 36 less than 10%. We
think that our percentage may be slíghtly high but we still
believe that we might be able to attain it.
5) How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work
your participants perform?
150 residents of colonias and 50 beginning,
socially disadvantaged or youth farmers.
We have reached over 150 residents of colonias. We
have only had one meeting for the farmer programs, but at
that meeting there were 25 participants.
-9-
Operating Site ID #:
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved.
obstacles to achieving program objectives. significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting
expectations. events or incidents that caused concern.)
Our Primary challenges this quarter centered around the
bad reputation that our agency has in this area. The reason
for this is that the people don't understand or trust the
government. We had help, to gain the trust of the
residents, in several communities due to Mr. Pablo Lara who
received the 504 grant to put heat in his home (We told
about him in our success stories earlier).
We still have the problem that there are so many
different definitions of which communities can and can't be
considered colonias. Each separate government agency has
different requirements that must be met.
Our last difficulty is the language barrier. Again we
could still use a new Spanish to English Dictionary, or
better yet an electronic translator.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
-
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in size-
specific skills.
-10-
Operating Site ID #:
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
identity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials; projects
with other AmeriCorps programs: training members in national skill areas (communication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training,
environmental audits, or citizenship education): graduations or swearing-in ceremonies. use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
Our activities this quarter included a Nation USDA
AmeriCorps training session in Memphis, Tennessee. Most of
the session concentrated on ways to help small towns
survive. We also made lucrative acquaintances and brought
back new innovative ideas that we plan to implement.
This quarter we also worked with Community Pride which
paints over graffiti one weekend a month. I am enclosing a
news paper clipping in which a local resident voices his/her
opinion of our efforts.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership, etc.)
Our only change of supervision was temporary. Our
supervisor was on maternity leave from December until March.
She keep contact with us throughout her leave and her
replacement was very helpful.
-11-
Operating Site ID #
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Today I read the article in
This is for the person in
Sound off! about the trash on
Viewpoints complaining about
Foothills Boulevard. I agree.
the LCYBA youth baseball. We
Every day there's trash blowing
are sanctioned. We are insured,
off trucks and pickups there and
and it is going to take place. The
if the cops would just sit up there
LCABC should Quit crying and
for atleast a week, they would
get on with baseball and share
have their quota of tickets
the fields. We are also taxpayers
guaranteed.
and voters in this city and we
deserve to use the fields just like
I would sure like for somebody
your kids do.
to look into the matter involving
the expansion of the First Baptist
Church in the Alameda/depot
I've noticed that Gingrich and
area. The First Baptist Church
the Contract With America are
was granted a time extension on
losing a lot of the big issues - the
Jan. 24, 1995, for a special use
balanced budget, now the term
permit for their small child-care
limits and probably welfare. So
center operated out of the church.
how is this any different from
Little by little the church has
when Clinton was losing the
been buying homes in this
health care? It's not as easy to do
historic area. Upon granting of
things as everyone thought it
the extension, they proceeded to
was, so we're right back to where
I'm calling to say thank you to
demolish numerous homes and
we started from. Nobody can do
property for their expansion
anything
the graffiti control that went
around our neighborhood last
plans of the day-care center.
weekend and painted over the
These expansion plans were
Call the Las Cruces Sun-News
graffiti. You people did a
never mentioned in their original
Sound Off! line 24 hours a day at
wonderful job. I noticed the
request for a time extension. I
would like to know how the city
525-2977. Calls may be
graffiti in our neighborhood, but
officials have allowed the church
anonymous, or you may state
more importantly I noticed your
efforts to get rid of it. Thanks a
to gradually destroy an entire
your name if you wish. Voice your
concerns, complaints or
lot.
neighborhood?
compliments.
NM
Facsimilie
AMERICORPS
Transmission
MEMBERS
Cover
Letter
"Getting Things Done"
TO: MR. JOHN THOMAS JR.
OFFICE: STATE OFFICE
TELEPHONE: (505) 761-4944
FAX NUMBER: (505) 761-4976
FROM: Susan J. Burns & Paula J. Montez
OFFICE: RECD County Office
CITY: Las Cruces, New Mexico
TELEPHONE:
(505) 522-6031
FAX NUMBER: (505) 521-3905
COMMENTS: Dear John:
We are sending you this letter. sarry that it is a little late.
If you have any questions please call us.
Sincerely,
Paula & Susan
Number of page in this transmission including cover page: 14
AmeriCorps*USA
Operating Site Quarterly Report
Date this report was completed: April 6, 1995
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Name of person completing this report: Paula J. Montez & Susan J. Burns
Position of person completing this report: AmeriCorps Memebers
Operating Site ID # (Please refer to attached list): Was no Attached List (RECD Las Cruces County Office)
Telephone number:
(505) 522 - 6031
Fax number:
(505) 521 - 3905
e-mail address (if available):
-1-
Operating Site ID #:
RECD - Las Cruces County Office
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1. Operating site name: USDA RECD-Las Cruces, New Mexico County Office
Community
2. Program name: United States Department of Agriculture -Rural Economic &
Development
3. Corporation grantee name: United States Department of Agriculture
4. Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
First Quarter
X
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5. On what date did your AmeriCorps Members begin service or training? September 30, 1994
6. In the table below indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members that were
enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative service hours completed
by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the reporting quarter.
Number of
Total Cumulative
AmeriCorps Members
Hours or Required Service
1st 1/4
2nd 1/4
Total
for
Full-time
2
each
420
584
1004
Part-time
7. Please provide estimates of the following:
(a) Total number of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities: 12
(b) Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
61,5 hours
-5-
Operating Site ID #;
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter: (In detail. describe your central activities, project
milestones. and most important "things gotten done" this quarter.)
This quarter our activities centered around making use
of the 306c grants for Colonias Water and Waste Disposal.
We worked mainly on getting the word out to residents that
there was funding available to pay for connecting to
community water and sewer. During January our meetings with
communities increased tremendously in comparison with the
first quarter. This was due to the various contacts with
different agencies that we had made in the first quarter.
#5
In January alone we had open meetings in 10 different
communities. Also in January we began a program where we
would travel to Anthony, a near by colonia, to help the
residents, many whom did not speak English, fill out
applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Grants. In
this colonia we had technical and physical support from the
local water and waste disposal superintendent and his staff.
Toward the end of January we began speaking about the 504,
Home Improvement Loans and Repair Loans and Grants. We
focused our efforts toward low income elderly homeowners.
One of our new endeavors in January was to join The
Task Force for the Development of Rural and Urban Policy,
through the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. This group
meets once a month to coordinate the work of the various
local, state, and federal agencies who are working in and
with colonias. Besides meeting as a large group, the task
force is also broken down into committees. We joined two of
these committees, the Community Education and Organizing,
and the Housing and Ownership.
Our February calendar was a continuation of January's
activities with the addition of our joining a group called
Community Pride. This group spends one Saturday a month
painting over graffiti. The paint, rollers, and brushes are
donated by local businesses. We organized getting
volunteers from our office and other USDA offices to
#5
participate by volunteering peoplepower.
The Catholic Diocese began a Colonias Development
Council, that has planners in the colonias. We began to
work extensively with these organizers. The planners would
help us to setup meetings, and find facilities to help the
residents with our applications.
March came in like a lamb. We just continued what we
had been doing. We began to see the results of all of the
time we had been spending on the applications. we saw the
completion of the work on a 504 repair grant. We also had
two 306c grants get funded.
This month left like a lion, because we attended a
wonderful USDA AmeriCorps National Training Session in
Memphis, Tennessee. We returned with not only the names and
addresses of other AmeriCorps Member with whom we could
communicate ideas and discuss difficulties that others may
have already resolved. We brought home a wealth of
knowledge on helping small communities survive.
-6-
Pg.
Operating Site ID #:
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Unique successes or "great stories": (Briefly describe unique and/or exceptional successes. program
highlights, or "great stories" about AmeriCorps people, projects or partnerships that occurred this quarter.)
Our greatest story centers around an elderly gentleman
and his wife. In late December this gentleman drove 50
miles to attend a meeting that we were having. At this
meeting we spoke about the 504 repair grant. This gentleman
came up to us after the meeting and asked for an application
and directions on how to fill it out. We talked with him
for several minutes. About a week later he delivered the
application to our office. He was requesting funding to put
heat into his house, because his heaters had been condemned
by the gas company. The gas company said that if he
continued to use those heaters that they would turn off his
gas. When he submitted his application, the only source of
heat in house was the range and an electric space heater.
The gentleman received $1, 452.23 in the form of a grant
to put heat in his house. The work was completed on January
30, 1995.
This gentleman has been a great spokesman for our
programs. He shows up at many of our meetings to testify
about the help that we gave his family.
This quarter we made several lucrative partnerships.
We began working extensively with the Anthony, New Mexico
Water and Sanitation District. Another endeavor that we
believe will eventually show dividends is our membership in
the Task Force for the Development of Rural and Urban
Policy through the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces. As we
have previously explained this group is made up of
representatives from various local, state, and federal
agencies. We meet once a month as a large group to
coordinate the efforts of agencies. The group is split into
smaller committees who focus on specific topics. The two
committees that we are involved with are Community Education
and Organizing, and Housing and Ownership.
Our final partnership is with the Community Pride
Group. This group meets one Saturday a month to get. the
community together to help fight the problem of graffiti.
This group fights back by painting over the graffiti. We
participate in this group by volunteering not only our time
but also getting others from the community to take pride and
help by volunteering their time.
-7-
Operating Site ID #:
RECD- Las Cruces County Office
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
(Briefly describe how accomplishments this quarter relate to achieving each of your three sets of annual
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives. Where available. describe evaluation data that indicate
outcome objectives: (1) Direct Service Objectives, (2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives. and
progress during the past quarter toward achieving your annual outcomes. Summarize activities related to
collection plans established, etc.).
establishing an evaluation system or conducting your local evaluation (e.g., instruments developed. data
(1) Direct Service Objectives:
(2) AmeriCorps Member Development Objectives:
(3) Community Building/Strengthening Objectives:
1) What work will be done?
To Inform local rural residents of available
funding thru Rural Economic and Community Development
(Farmers Home Administration). To assist in filling
out housing applications.
We have been out in the community extensively. We have
had meetings in 12 local colonias just in this quarter. We
have held 5 meetings at which all we did was help residents
fill out applications. We also went to several individuals'
homes to help with the applications.
(please refer to the report form for our state director
which is included)
2) What is the hoped-for results of the work/activities
described above?
Socially disadvantaged, low income residents of
colonias will be informed of the assistance available
and how to apply for it.
Since we have been working in colonias which are area
were there are many low income residents, we believe that we
are reaching our targeted people.
op
Operating Site ID #
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
3) How will you measure the quality of your product or
impact or your service?
We will obtain a list of those who attended our
meetings. We will evaluate results by the number of
new applications generated from those who were present.
We have changed our way of tracking applications that
we have generated. Instead of trying to obtain lists of
attendees, we mark the applications that we hand out. Our
co-workers in the office ask individuals, who stop in for an
application, where they found out about our program; if they
found out about it from one of our outreach meetings then
the individuals are given a marked applications.
This new system seems to work well, because this way we
also can track how the information from our meetings travel
by word of mouth, as well as from direct contact.
As of today we have received one 502 housing loan
application which was turned down due to credit. We have
had one 504 grant which was funded and the work completed.
We have generated 12 306c water and waste disposal grant
applications, 2 of which have been funded and the work
completed.
4) By what standard will you gauge success?
At least 10% of the attendees will apply for Rural
Economic and Community Development (Farmers Home
Administration) assistance.
According to my figures we have had direct outreach
with approximately 500 residents of colonias. We have
generated 14 applications which is 36 less than 10%. We
think that our percentage may be slightly high but we still
believe that we might be able to attain it.
5) How many individuals will receive the benefit of the work
your participants perform?
150 residents of colonias and 50 beginning,
socially disadvantaged or youth farmers.
We have reached over 150 residents of colonias. We
have only had one meeting for the farmer programs, but at
that meeting there were 25 participants.
-9-
Operating Site ID #:
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter: (Report on problems resolved and unresolved,
obstacles to achieving program objectives. significant sources of delay, program elements not meeting
expectations. events or incidents that caused concern.)
Our Primary challenges this quarter centered around the
bad reputation that our agency has in this area. The reason
for this is that the people don't understand or trust the
government. We had help, to gain the trust of the
residents, in several communities due to Mr. Pablo Lara who
received the 504 grant to put heat in his home (We told
about him in our success stories earlier).
We still have the problem that there are so many
different definitions of which communities can and can't be
considered colonias. Bach separate government agency has
different requirements that must be met.
Our last difficulty is the language barrier. Again we
could still use a new Spanish to English Dictionary, or
better yet an electronic translator.
Primary Training and Technical Assistance Needs this Quarter:
Attached to this quarterly report form is a separate Training and Technical Assistance Request form.
Should you have training or technical assistance needs, complete the attached form and submit it
along with your quarterly report. It will be directed to the Training and Technical Assistance Office.
Technical assistance is available in many program-related areas, including, among others,
organizational development and management issues, fundraising, diversity, and best practices in size-
specific skills.
-10-
10007014970
Operating Site ID #:
county
VILICE
National Identity Activities this Quarter: (Report on activities this quarter that fostered the national
identity of AmeriCorps. Examples could include new uniforms, signage or publicity materials; projects
with other AmeriCorps programs: training members in national skill areas (communication/conflict
resolution or CPR/first aid); participation in national service projects (HIV/AIDS awareness training,
environmental audits, or citizenship education): graduations or swearing-in ceremonies. use of national
recruitment, use of AmeriCorps Member Handbook.)
Our activities this quarter included a Nation USDA
AmeriCorps training session in Memphis, Tennessee. Most of
the session concentrated on ways to help small towns
survive. We also made lucrative acquaintances and brought
back new innovative ideas that we plan to implement.
This quarter we also worked with Community Pride which
paints over graffiti one weekend a month. I am enclosing a
news paper clipping in which a local resident voices his/her
opinion of our efforts.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter: (Report staff
turnover in management or supervisory positions, changes in partner/sponsor relationships, changes in
board membership, etc.)
Our only change of supervision was temporary. Our
supervisor was on maternity leave from December until March.
She keep contact with us throughout her leave and her
replacement was very helpful.
-11-
Operating Site ID #
RECD-Las Cruces County Office
Today I read the article in
This is for the person in
Sound off! about the trash on
Viewpoints complaining about
Foothills Boulevard. I agree.
the LCYBA youth baseball. We
Every day there's trash blowing
are sanctioned. We are insured,
off trucks and pickups there and
and it is going to take place. The
if the cops would just sit up there
LCABC should Quit crying and
for atleast a week, they would
get on with baseball and share
have their quota of tickets
the fields. We are also taxpayers
cuaranteed
and voters in this city and we
deserve to use the fields just like
I would sure like for somebody
your kids do.
to look into the matter involving
the expansion of the First Baptist
Church in the Alameda/depot
I've noticed that Gingrich and
area. The First Baptist Church
the Contract With America are
was granted a time extension OIL
losing a lot of the big issues - the
Jan. 24, 1995, for a special use
balanced budget, now the term
permit for their small child-care
limits and probably welfare. So
center operated out of the church.
how is this any different from
Little by little the church has
when Clinton was losing the
been buying homes in this
health care? It's not as easy to do
historic area. Upon granting of
things as everyone thought it
the extension, they proceeded to
was, so we're right back to where
I'm calling to say thank you to
demolish numerous homes and
we started from. Nobody can do
the graffiti control that went
property for their expansion
anything.
around our neighborhood last
plans of the day-care center.
weekend and painted over the
These expansion plans were
Call the Las Cruces Sun-News
graffiti. You people did a
never mentioned in their original
request for a time extension. I
Sound Off! line 24 hours a day at
wonderful job. I noticed the
would like to know how the city
525-2977. Calls may be
graffiti in our neighborhood, but
officials have allowed the church
anonymous, or you may state
more importantly I noticed your
your name if you wish. Voice your
efforts to get rid of it. Thanks a
to gradually destroy an entire
lot.
neighborhood?
concerns, complaints or
compliments.
Report Form: Program Outreach - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending: 4-5-95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 1)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
Mr. Pat Banegas & Office Staff of the
1-4-95
4
Anthony Water & Sanitation District
Mr. Jerry Lujan of the South Central
1-9-95
2
Council of Covernments
Mr. Pat Banegas & Loren Schoonover of
Anthony Water & Sanitation District,
1-10-95
5
and Representatives of the Mesquite
Mitual Domestic & La Mesa Water
Mr. Albert Lyon & Caballo 4H
1-11-95
25
Chamberino Open Town Meeting on creating
1-15-95
50+
a Mitual Domestic Water District
Hucley City Cancil Meeting
1-17-95
14
Central City Cancil Meeting
1-17-95
12
Diocese of Las Cruces Task Force
1-18-95
25
Meeting on Colonias Improvement
Silver City Senior Citizens Meeting
1-19-95
30+
Colonias Task Force Meeting
1-25-95
30
Lynn Goldstein of the Local Government
1-25-95
3
Division of Council of Governments
Gila/Cliff Senior Citizens Meeting
1-26-95
25
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
Report Form: Program Outreach - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending:
4/5/95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 2)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
1-27-95
7
Chambrino Water Board
Council of Gov'ts Meeting-Anthony
1-27-95
3
Diocese Task Force-Milagro
1-28-95
40
Anthony Water District Office
1-30-95
8
(help fill out applications)
Council of Gov'ts-Hatch
1-30-95
5
Consolidated Plan-County Commission
2-2-95
45
M Chile Conference
2-7-95
20
NM Rural Water Assn. Annual Mtg.
2-7-95 - 2-10-95
40+
Diocese Task Force-Del Cerro
2-15-95
25
Community Pride-Paint Over Graffiti
2-18-95
6+
Diocese Task Force Meeting
2-23-95
20
Anthony Water District Office
2-24-95
8
(help fill out applications)
3-2-95
6
Anthony Water District Office
(help fill out applications)
La Mesa Mutual Domestic Water Meeting
3-7-95
10
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
Report Form: Program Outreach - FY 95
TO: State Director
Attn: Secretary to State Director
DUE: By 5th Day following Quarter
Quarter Ending:
4/5/95
Office: Las Cruces County Office (page 3)
Meeting Conducted With
Date
# of Attendees
Diocese Task Force-Del Cerro
3-8-95
20+
(help fill out applications)
Anthony Water District Office
3-13-95
8
(help fill out applications)
AmeriCorps Training-Memphis, TN
3-19-95 - 3-24-95
150+
NMSU Community Development Study
4-2-95
30
Chamberino Meeting
District Director/County Supervisor
Date
ANTHONY WATER & SANITATION DISTRICT
P.O. BOX 1751 ANTHONY, NEW MEXICO 88021 (505) 882.3922
January 12, 1995
John Thomas, Jr.
State Director of America
RECD State office
6200 Jefferson St.
N.B. Room 255
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Dear Mr. Thomas,
We were visited by Ms. Paula Montez & Ms. Susan Burns from
your organization AmeriCorp. RECD on January 10, 1995. Efficiency
accompanied by courtesy is a rare combination in today's work
world. Ms. Montez & Ms. Burns were very informative and helpful
regarding the funding available for assisting families with water
& sewer hookups
There is a high need in Anthony For these services and we
will take advantage of this opportunity. The ladies have our full
cooperation and we will enjoy working with them. If you have any
questions please feel free to give us & call at (505) 882-3922.
sincerely,
Luen D. Schooncry
Loren H. Schoonover
Office Manager
/
FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
504 NORTH MAIN
AZTEC, NM 87410
FAX NUMBER: 505-334-8659
OFFICE NUMBER: 505-334-9438
NVL
DATE: 4/12/95
SUBJECT: AmeriCros
ATTENTION: John Thomas
DEPT./AGENCY
FAX NUMBER 505-761-4924
FROM Shantl Forasworth
c/o FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
COMMENTS: Sory of did Not get the quarterly
report infamation with Monday?
Number of pages including this cover sheet 4
1.
Aztec, New Mexico
2.
AmeriCorps USDA Rural Development Team/RECD
3.
USDA
4.
Second Quarter FY 1995
5.
Service began October 11, 1994
6.
Members: 1 full time
Total Service Hours Completed:
7.
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter:
Completed a subsequent 502 RH loan for elderly woman. Her
application was over two years old. This loan will allow her to
have many necessary repairs done on her home. Including making
the house handicap accessible.
In completion stage of finalizing loan for a young woman
with Multiple Scoliosis. We have finished the loan package,
except for the appraisal and obligation of funds. The community
has agreed to furnish a hotel for her while her home is being
repaired, to store her belongings, donated the carpet and clean
the home after completion of project.
Completion of the RECD Housing Preservation Grant for the
Upper Fruitland Chapter of the Navajo Nation. The grant was
never submitted because the Chapter Coordinator did not complete
all of the public notifications required by the grant. The
Chapter will use the grant next year to apply for the funds.
SUCCESS?
Fifty letters were sent to private foundations on behalf of
Four Corners Recycling, to help the organization explore future
funding opportunities. A coloring book and tee-shirt was also
ABOUT
designed and completed for an education program for elementary
WHAT? #
students in the San Juan County.
Organized and implemented a Home Buyers Education Workshop
for 150 RECD applicants and community members. The workshop was
help in partnership with the recipient of the RECD Housing
Application Packaging Grant. The workshop included education on
RECD loan programs, conventional loans, how to qualify for a home
loan, house hold budgets and how to pick a contractor.
Presentations were given to three Senior Citizens Centers on
the RECD 504 RH Loan. There was a total of 88 seniors in
attendance.
Members attended a grant writing workshop for one week.
Strong involvement with the Bloomfield Boys and Girls Club.
I am helping them explore fund raising possibilities such as fund
GET SPECIFICS
HER 12 35 8:87 FROM FHA AZTEC NM
PAGE - 003
raisers and grants. I was elected as a board member.
I was invited and participated in a panelist discussion on
Servant Leadership at San Juan College. I spoke to a Leadership
?
and Group Dynamics class and several community members. Total
number in attendance was 43 people.
Completed a Business Assistance and Retention survey for the
Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments. Sixty three
businesses were surveyed.
Attended Rural Development Training, Helping Small Towns
Survive, in Memphis, Tennessee March 20-24.
Assisted eight applicants complete their applications.
Gave presentations to three Reality Companies on the RECD
Guaranteed Loan Program. Total number in attendance 28.
Sent informational packages to local contractors and San
Juan Home Builders Association on RECD Self Help Program.
Contacts made and meetings attended this quarter.
Governor Day's at San Juan College: Speaker did not show so
Aztec AmeriCorps lead the discussion on AmeriCorps.
Executive Director of Navajo Agriculture Production Inc.
Four Corners Recycling, President and Executive Board Members.
Farmington City Council Meeting.
San Juan Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
Senator Christine Donisthorp to discuss Water/Sewer Treatment
Plant for Bloomfield, New Mexico.
Interview on KSJC, San Juan College radio station.
Dee Cadrian, Director of RSVP.
Interview with Farmington Daily Times.
County Commission Meeting.
Attended five cluster meetings.
Aztec, New Mexico City Council Meeting.
Aztec, New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Meeting.
Lunch with Mayor Tom Taylor of Farmington, New Mexico.
APR 12 '35 8:08 FROM FHA AZTEC NM
PAGE. 004
Attended three Bloomfield Boys and Girls Club meetings.
Attended two Four Corners Recycling meetings.
Meeting with City of Farmington Community Development Team.
Grant Writing workshop.
Rural Development Training in Memphis, TN.
Began National Service Day project. Location will be at Our
Ranch San Juan, Inc. Project will include installation of a
water line for irrigation, painting, beautification, designing of
a petting zoo and construction of a bathroom.
Success Stories:
See Attached
Media Coverage:
See Attached
APR 12 35 8:08 FROM FHA AZTEC NM
PAGE 005
NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE
APRIL 25, 1995
AmeriCorps members and The San Juan College Volunteer
Center invite all members of the community to join us at
Our Ranch San Juan Inc. in Farmington, Tuesday April 25th
for a day of volunteer service.
Our mission is to organize the community for a day of
service and help the organizers of Our Ranch get a well
deserved push toward success.
Our Ranch San Juan Inc. began as a vision by Bob Browning
who holds the philosophy that through horses and other
animals people can find their roots, solve social problems
and establish community bonds. Through horsemanship
skills Browning hopes to provide an opportunity for
disadvantaged youth to interact with and develop positive
relationships with the animals. Eventually Our Ranch will
provide youth employment, family recreation, retiree
activities, a petting zoo, a community garden and livestock
production.
When: 8:30AM-6:00PM, Tuesday April 25th
Where: Browning Ranch at 333 Browning Parkway
Farmington, New Mexico 87401
For more information contact
AmeriCorps members, Erick Aune at (505) 334-1482
or Shantel Farnsworth at (505) 334-9438.
Please join us for an opportunity to share your community spirit helping
Our Ranch help our children and having a fun time doing so.
** TOTAL PAGE. 005 **
United States
Rural Economic
6200 Jefferson St. N.E.
NR.
Department of
and Community
Room 255
Agriculture
Development
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109
505-761-4950
(FAX) 505-761-4976
TTY/TDD 505-761-4938
12 April, 1995
SUBJECT: AmeriCorps Quarterly Report
TO: U.S.D.A./Office of Communications
Rm.541-A
N.M.
14th St. & Independence Ave., S.W
Washington, D.C. 20250-1300
Attn.: Jim Coyle / Dave Gibson
Enclosed are the individual quarterly reports submitted from the AmeriCorps
members from New Mexico.
There have been no major staff or structural changes made at this time other than
the Agency name has changed from FmHA to Rural Economic and Community
Development. Several of the members have used up their allocated funds for
travel. If the AmeriCorps members continue to travel at the rate they have in the
past, they will dip into travel funds allocated to full time RECD employees.
Should you have any questions regarding this material please advise.
JOHN THOMAS JR.
FOURCORNERS-RECP
Rural Development Coordinator
No way to calculate
#s. &s, if given
enclosure
at all, were totals
cc:
State Director New Mexico/with attachment
needed to complete
New Mexico, AmeriCorps members
service, not total
# hrs of service
completed in 2d Q.
Rural Economic and Community Development
+ no training #s.
is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Complaints of
discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of
Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250
FAX Transmission
From:
John Whitney
USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Questions?
Call (716) 652-8480
50 Commerce Way
Fax (716) 652-8506
East Aurora, New York 14052-2185
To:
Paula Jones
Company:
USDA NRCS
1-202-690-0639,
Address:
Washington, DC
Date:
December 19. 1994
Time:
Pages: (including this one) 14
Message: Paula & Dee,
Sorry I didn't get this to you by 12/15. Hope this does the trick for the first quarter
report.
We are working on our project renewal. I would like to chat with someone about
whether or not W9 should propose an expanded project to have more GIS sites around
New York or If we should keep our project a simple renewal proposal with one separate
proposal for the rest of the sites (or a series of separate proposals for each of the
half-dozen sites likely to be candidates GIS-based sites around the State).
Please call if you have any questions or need further information. If I am not in the
office you can probably reach me at home (716) 652-0992 or by VoiceComm box
655-1230.
Happy Holidays!
Inj
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
AmeriCorps/USDA Quarterly Report
(Through November 30, 1994)
East Aurora, New York, Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office
A) Number of Members enrolled at end of quarter vs. number who enrolled at the time of the
launch
5/5
B) Total number of hours of direct service performed by Member and total number of hours
members were in training
2267/450
C) Any major staff or structural changes you have made
One member, Denise John resigned after five weeks due to an excessive commute. Denise was
replaced with Jeff Rosier who had worked with the project as an Earth Team volunteer for two
weeks prior to Denise's resignation.
D) Progress towards meeting community service objectives
Objective 1A is to collect existing digitized natural resource and demographic data for the
700,000 acre project area. AmeriCorps members have corresponded with the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, the National Heritage Registry and others to acquire either digitized data or maps
suitable for digitizing and to be sure that local digitizing efforts would not duplicate efforts
already underway. Census Bureau TIGER files have been screened for applicability. National
Wetland Inventory maps were ordered and received. A series of digitized resource maps was
ordered from NYSDEC.
Objective 1B is to digitize a minimum of two, high priority data layers of moderate complexity
for the entire project area. Digitizing of tax map parcels is underway to allow the creation of a
series of county-wide special district maps including Agricultural Districts, Water Districts, Sewer
Districts, Fire Protection Districts, School Districts, etc. Procedures are being worked out to map
the location of surviving American Chestnuts in Western New York in partnership with the New
York Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. AmeriCorps has contacted a group of
researchers studying mature and remnant "old growth forest" areas in Western New York to offer
mapping services. They have also been in contact with the County Dept. of Taxation to offer
services to map the locations of property owned by the county due to non-payment of taxes. This
data layer will be of value in local planning for both resource protection and community
development.
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
Objective 1C is to digitize a minimum three complex layers like soils, wetlands, or farm parcels
for a minimum of 150,000 acres per year. AmeriCorps members have completed the digitizing of
the National Wetlands Inventory maps for 75% of Erie County (approx. 500,000 acres). They
have also completed the digitizing of tax parcel maps for one and one-half townships in Erie
County (approx. 60,000 acres). Data acquisition has been initiated to allow digitizing of soils
data for approx. 200,000 acres in northern Erie and southern Niagara Counties in support of the
Niagara Frontiers Wetlands Initiative.
Objective 1D is to produce at least 3 simple data layers like stream corridor parcels or locations
of conservation measures for the project area. Members completed the digitizing of the locations
of road signs marking the boundary of the Buffalo Creek Watershed. They also created a number
of data layers associated with mapping requests from the Seneca Nation of Indians and the
Bureau of Indian Affairs in support of a reservation-wide forest management plan.
Objective 1E is to distribute data in paper or electronic format to at least five communities or
agencies each year. Data is being distributed to the Seneca Nation of Indians (in paper format) on
a regular basis. Procedures are being established to facilitate electronic distribution of
non-sensitive data. A survey of Erie County communities has collected data related to community
data needs and equipment and software in order to guide both work priorities and data
distribution strategies. A map was prepared at the request of Buffalo State College staff to show
the locations of farm tracts within 1000 feet of streams within the Buffalo Creek Watershed.
Using previously prepared data, AmeriCorps members generated a map for publication in a
professional journal as part of a research project on bacterial contamination of sediments in the
Buffalo Creek Watershed.
Objective 1F is to develop and demonstrate applications to help local communities develop more
efficient and effective land use planning, resource protection, and growth management
procedures. Not enough data yet to do much is this arena.
Objective 2 is for AmeriCorps members to assist NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation
District staff with planning and application of soil and water conservation measures. AmeriCorps
members have helped with planning, survey and design of three wetland restoration projects, two
runoff management projects and three manure management projects. They have also assisted with
inventory and evaluation activities associated with severe flooding that took place in two Erie
County communities in August. AmeriCorps members are also helping to complete 45 highly
erodible land and wetland determinations requested by Erie County farmers and will assist in
development of Conservation Plans for those farms needing conservation plans.
Work has progressed at a rapid pace. Much of the technical training associated with
project activities must be learned through hands-on experience. We are pleased that, with a
minimum of orientation and training, the crew is able to work independently, efficiently, and
effectively. Works is consistently of high quality and AmeriCorps members are careful in
documenting procedures and accomplishments in order to keep everyone up to date and to help
COI
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
out the next class of AmeriCorps members. Of particular significance is the cstablishment of an
additional digitizing work-site at a non-profit GIS company called Inteligis.
E) Primary accomplishments
All members have received approximately 90 hours of direct orientation and training in
both GRASS and Arc/Info geographic information software as well as USDA and NRCS history,
policies, and activities. Members have reviewed previously prepared GIS tutorials and orientation
videos. They are also developing a series of "Standard Operating Procedure" papers.
Members met on their own time for a team-building hike through Allegany State Park.
Members have successful recruited 5 additional Earth Team volunteers to assist with
project activities. They have done an excellent job training the volunteers and coordinating their
involvement. Weekly AmeriCorps member meetings have been used to review accomplishments,
plan upcoming work, and discuss general issues like timekeeping, leave policies, insurance,
diversity, job satisfaction and frustrations, scheduling, and other AmeriCorps projects around the
New York State and the Country.
GIS work is going better than expected. All members quickly developed a working
proficiency at both GRASS and Arc/Info. Digitized data is of high quality and we look forward
to beginning the data sharing phases of the project. Work priority surveys sent to 30
municipalities and agencies generated 14 written responses, all highly interested in working with
AmeriCorps and supportive of their GIS efforts.
F) Primary challenges
The NRCS computer system lacks sufficient "horsepower" to handle the demands of our
data intensive activities. The current system is a "loaner" system from the NRCS State Office
which replaced a more powerful but unstable system. New. more powerful computers purchased
by NRCS is New York have been sitting in Syracuse since the end of September. According to
Information Resource Management staff. there are no plans to try setting up the East Aurora
computer until February at the earliest.
Purchase of any computer related equipment and supplies now requires the written
permission of State IRM staff. This is a significant impediment for computer intensive operations.
We couldn't even get data cartridges to backup our computer. In the interest of data security, we
finally bent the rule and purchased cartridges locally.
GRASS has some serious limitations for full GIS use. Arc/Info is the software used by
every other GIS site in Erie County. A coordinated grant proposal with the Erie County Dept. of
Environment and Planning includes ArcView2 software for field office use (to use Arc/Info data
files directly). We'll see how the proposal goes. AmeriCorps members wrote to the developers of
Arc/Info to asked if they would be interested in donated a site license to support the project. No
response yet.
tins
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
The addition of a worksite at Inteligis has helped tremendously but we still could use one
more regular worksite. Due to the "professional" nature of the project, the AmeriCorps members
do not feel comfortable in Tee shirts and backward hats. The AmeriCorps buttons are working
but members would like alternatives like lapel pins, a "stylish" AmeriCorps sweater, ties and
scarves, or some similar apparel.
Transportation of AmeriCorps members is a challenge. The NRCS field office pickup
doesn't fit the bill. We have occasionally been able to borrow a van from nearby offices but
members have often had to provide their own transportation. While we have been reimbursing
members for necessary travel during the work day, members would rather not have to usc their
own vehicles.
G) Primary training and technical assistance need
We anticipate a need for assistance with the development of data transfer procedures. A
team building exercise is planned for this spring at a local "ropes course."
H) Media Coverage
The Butfalo News ran a number of stories related to AmeriCorps recruiting and project
plans (previously sent to NHQ).
The only other AmeriCorps site in Erie County, the West Seneca Youth Action Corps Is
funded through the New York Commission on National and Community Service. Unfortunately,
the project has been a political hot potato with almost weekly coverage. often less than positive
since the middle of October. The problems seemed 10 have boiled down 10 two main concerns:
a) AmeriCorps was doing work outside of the Town of West Seneca which trouble a few
of the Town Councilmen - that has since been resolved after thorough review of the
grant proposal and a better understanding of what AmeriCorps is about.
b) The Councilman making the most fuss seems to have been motivated in part by a long-
standing feud with the project director and by his belief that he or at least the Town
Council should have appointing authority for all AmeriCorps members. Lou Trapani in
the Governor's Office for Volunteer Services has provided some forceful reminders
regarding the recruiting process and the Councilman appears to have backed down
Because of the intense scrutiny of the West Seneca Project, we have avoid media coverage
in order to try to keep our project out of the fray. Instead we focused our efforts on local
correspondence with Erie County municipalities and agencies. Now that the dogfight is over, we
expect to begin issuing some press releases related to AmeriCorps accomplishments.
1) Other Creative Documentation
P05
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
AmeriCorps members in the East Aurora Project have volunteers to create a map of all
AmeriCorps project sites in New York for use by the Governor's office. They also intend to
create a map of local project sites for the West Seneca group both to support local publicity
efforts and to provide an opportunity to work more closely with another AmeriCorps group.
AmeriCorps was featured in an article in the fall newsletter of the Western New York
Land Conservancy, Inc. (attached).
Coordination with Mark Lazarro, project director of the West Seneca site has ensured that
he mentions the East Aurora site in his presentations to area groups and colleges and we
reciprocate whenever we have the opportunity.
AmeriCorps member, Lisa Matthias did a presentation including information on
AmeriCorps at Alfred University in Allegany County. This was especially significant since the
Allegany County office is very interested in becoming an AmeriCorps worksite.
Corps member journals have taken a number of forms. One member only writes what he
thinks are important procedures or instructions. Other members use there journals for more
reflective purposes.
AmeriCorps members developed their own letterhead for all correspondence. Some
examples of correspondence are enclosed.
POG
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
AmeriCorpsᵀ
Announcing 1994-95 WNYLC Workshops
in Western New York
The WNYLC is proud to announce a full slate of workshops designed to inform
and educate the public about issues in land protection and conservation. The work-
The East Aurora of-
shop series is supported by a grant from the Rural New York Grant Program (see
fice of the USDA Soil
page 2 for details). A complete list of speakers and topicswill be soul to all members
Conservation Service
by the end of October. We encourage you to contact us at our Sardinia office if you
(SCS) has been ap-
have any questions concerning the workshops or the schedule. We look at these
proved by the Corporation for National
workshops as an opportunity to educate landowners, municipal officials, lawyers,
and Community Service and the United
real estate agents, assessors, conservationists and environmentalists about issues of
States Department of Agriculture as a
land protection and conservation. It is also an opportunity for planners, extension
work site for the first round of Ameri-
agents, Soil & Water Conservation District employees, as well as our supporting
Corps projects scheduled to begin on
members to learn more about what a land trust does and new approaches for protect-
September 12, 1994
ing the environmental heritage of Western New York
AmeriCorps is a key component of
ALL MEETINGS
President Clinton's now national service
Held at Local Cornell Cooperative Extension Offices 7-9:30 PM
initiative designed to provide opportuni-
ties for Americans to help their commu-
nitice and their country through
Volunteers needed to plan and organize events. Call John Whitney at
652-0992
participation in team-hased service proj.
ects. Five (5) people at the East Aurora
Sessions will include refreshments and an open discussion period.
site will work 1700 hours each on a van-
cry of activities involving soil and water
Friday, October 21st-Erie County-East Aurora
conservation and geographic informa-
Public/Private Partnerships--Henry Tepper, Deputy Commissioner for Natural Re
tion systems (computerized mapping and
sources, New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation (Unconfirmed)
data management). AmeriCorps partici-
WNYLC snnuel meeting will start at 3:30
pants will receive a modest living allow-
ance and, upon completion of their
Tuesday, November 29th-Allegany County-Belmont
service: commitment, 8 54725 voucher
Conservation Easements: Estate Planning and Tax Issues--TBA
redeemable for future educational ex-
Wednesday, Nov. 30th-Cattauragus County-Ellicottville
penses or to pay back college loans. Ad.
Forest and Farmland Protection--TBA
ditionally, "Earth Team". volunteers will
work along side the AmeriCorps mem-
Wednesday, December 14th-Chautauqua County-Jamestown
bers for job experience, college credit or
Protection of Watersheds, Greenways, Trails and Working Landscapes-Panel Discussion
just to help the conservation cause.
with representatives from WNYLC, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, Chautauqua
Lake Association and the Nature Conservancy and possibly the Roger Tory Peterson
One of the deciding factors in the
Institute
approval of the East Aurora project was
the planned use of the AmeriCorps team
Tuesday, January 24th-Niagara County-Lockport
to support the coordinated activities of 8
Farmland Protection and Preservation--Jeremiah P. Cosgrove. NY Field Office of the
number of area municipalities, agencies,
American Farmland Trust. Also Paul Lehman, Cornell Coop. Extension Agent
and nonprofit organizations like the
Western New York Land Conservancy
Wednesday, January 25th-Genesee County-Batavia
AmeriCorps staff will be available to
Farmland Protection and Preservation-Jeremiah P. Cosgrove, NY Field Office of the
help the WNYLC with mapping and site
American Farmland Trust
analysis efforts, documentation and
monitoring tools, greenway project
Tuesday, February 28th-Orieans County-Albion
maps, easement tracking, etc.: We look
Land Trusis and Conservation Easements-Andy Zepp, The Nature Conservancy
forward to their assistance over the com-
ing years.
Tuesday March 28th-Wyoming County-Warsaw
Preserving Rural Landscapes and Communities-TBA
If you have ideas for AmeriCorps
projects, contact Conservancy headquar-
Cost:
Each session is $10 and includes workshop materials
ters or the SCS office in East Aurora.
Workshop plus single membership is $15
Family/Sustaining Membership plus materials is $30.
The Resource /Fall 1994
Page 1
101
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 652-8480
(716) 652-8506 Fax
October 31, 1994
Jerry Rasmussen
Habitat Inventory Unit
NYS DEC
700 Troy-Schenectady
Latham, NY 12110
Dear Mr. Rasmussen:
The USDA Soil Conservation Service/AmeriCorps program in East Aurora, New York, is in
the process of setting priorities in support of current and future community-based
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) projects.
AmeriCorps is a new national program committed to providing service to local communities.
We are a five member team working under the direction of John Whitney, the USDA Soil
Conservation Service's district conservationist in Erie County.
Our goal is to provide environmental conservation assistance to local communities through
the use of GIS. This assistance will include collecting and digitizing critical decision-
making data such as soils, wetlands, tax parcel boundaries and wildlife information. In
partnership with Erie County Department of Environment and Planning (ECDEP), the
Inteligis Corporation (a nonprofit organization), and other Erie County organizations and
agencies, we will be coordinating the disemination of environmental data to Erie County
communities, Indian Reservations, and municipalities to increase data sharing, decrease
development costs, and eliminate redundancy.
To accomplish the objectives of AmeriCorps, we would like to obtain copies of the DEC
digitized data listed below for Erie and Niagara counties:
NYS DEC Regions
Deer Management Units
Ecological Zones
Fisheries/Biological Locations (Adirondack Lake Survey Corp.)
NY Natural Heritage areas (NY Natural Heritage Program)
NYS DEC Freshwater Wetlands
NYS DEC Wildlife Management Access Areas and Units
We understand the release of the Fisheries/Biological locations and the NY Natural
Heritage areas requires additional approval. Walt Kretser from the Adirondack Lake
Survy Corporation (ALSC) and Kathryn Schneider from the NY Natural Heritage Program
(NYNHP) have agreed to share the data from each of their agencies with SCS/AmeriCorps
and will send written releases to the NYS DEC Habitat Inventory Unit.
Currently, the GIS system used by the SCS is GRASS. Enclosed is one 600' .25" magnetic
streaming tape for the transference of data and a photocopy of the GRASS <v.import>
command section showing the types of file formats GRASS can read. A DLG file format
may be easiest to incorporate into our system.
2018
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
As stated, an AmeriCorps objective is to facilitate data sharing with local community
municipalities and non-profit organizations. Please contact us describing NYS DEC policies
concerning digitized data sharing (excluding ALSC and NYNHP data).
If you have any questions, please contact AmeriCorps at the above address. Thank you for
your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Gangemi
USDA SCS/AmeriCorps
encl.
cc:
John Whitney, United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service
Michael Courneen, Inteligis Corporation
601
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA I AURORA
USDA/AmeriCorps
50 Commerce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
(716) 652-8480
(716) 652-8506 Fax
November 1, 1994
Dear <Town Supervisor>:
The USDA Soil Conservation Service/AmeriCorps program in East Aurora is in the process
of setting priorities in support of current and future community-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) projects.
AmeriCorps is a new national program committed to providing service to local communities.
We are a five member team working under the direction of John Whitney, the USDA Soil
Conservation Service's district conservationist in Erie County, New York.
Our goal is to provide assistance to local communities through the use of GIS. This
assistance will include the collection and digitization (conversion of paper map information
to a computer format) of critical decision-making data such as soils, wetlands, tax parcel
boundaries and special use districts. In partnership with Erie County Department of
Environment and Planning (ECDEP), Erie County Water Authority and the Inteligis
Corporation (a nonprofit organization), we will be coordinating the disemination of data to
Erie County communities, Indian Reservations, and municipalities to increase data
sharing, decrease development costs, and eliminate redundancy.
Currently, the GIS system used by the SCS is GRASS. The GRASS program represents
map features through the production of raster, vector, and support files. Export functions
allow transfer of data to other applications like Arc/Info 80 that data can be made accessible
to other GIS agencies.
If you would like to learn more about GIS and AmeriCorps, please contact us.
Enclosed is a questionnaire to help us set priorities for our work in order to best meet
community needs. We appreciate your time and effort in answering the questions. Please
feel free to forward the questionnaire to the appropriate parties within your municipality or
agency.
Sincerely,
Melissa L. Brice
CC:
John Whitney, United States Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service
Dale Morris, Erie County Department of Environmental Planning
Paul Becker, Erie County Water Authority
Michael Courneen, Inteligis Corporation
OLI
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
AMERICORPS GIS PROJECT PRIORITIES
Municipality
Name
or Agency
Position
GIS KNOWLEDGE:
aware of GIS?
Phone
what is GIS?
experienced with GIS?
Do you have access to a GIS? Yes/No If yes, please describe the hardware and
software used.
If you have GIS capabilities, would you be interested in having an AmeriCorps
member work in your office on a part-time, volunteer basis? Yes/No
Does your agency/organization have digitized natural resouce data that could be
included in a county-wide database? Yes/No If so, what data?
What type of data currently used by your municipality or agency would be most
beneficial in digitized format?
What additional digitized data would you like to have access to?
Are you interested in receiving updates on our progress, as in periodic
reports/newsletters or electronic or paper data? Yes/No
If you are starting up a GIS system would you be interested in GIS assistance by an
AmeriCorps member? Yes/No
Additional Comments:
Please return survey 10:
USDA SCS/AmeriCorps
50 Commorce Way
East Aurora, NY 14052
VALIONAL ERICORP EDITED
IId
12-19-94 02:38PM FROM FMHA USDA E AURORA
12/14/94
12:28
SCS -> 2026900639
NO. 327
001
TELEFAX
Facsimile Transmittal
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
(614) 469-6962 (Main Number)
DEPARTMENT , ADDITIONAL
(Formerly USDA Soil Conservation Service)
200 North High Street, Room 522
(614) 469-2083 (FAX)
Columbus, Ohio 43215-2478
DATE: 12.14.94
TO: Paula Cole Jones
ameri Coups Program Inanager
FROM: Wayne Mausch
Dhio Ameri Corpo Manager
No. of pages: 11
Plus Transmittal Sheet = 12 Total Pages
COMMENTS:
Enclosed is first quarter Ameri Corps
progress report for Ohio.
/s/ Wayne Mausch
12/14/94
12:29
SCS 2026900639
12. 09. 94 03:36 PM *FINDLEY DAVIES/CLEVE P02
FIRST QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT
Project Name: Darby Creek
Type of Team: Rural Development
Type of Work: Watershed Restoration Project
1. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE LAUNCH - Six (6)
2. NUMBER OF MEMBERS ENROLLED AT THE END OF THE QUARTER (Nov 30) - Six
3. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF DIRECT SERVICE PERFORMED:
The Darby Creek Project participants started on October 3, 1994. 42 days minus 3 days
Holiday equals 39 days X 8 hours per day X 6 participants equals 1872 hours of direct service
performed as of Nov 30,1994.
4. TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS OF TRAINING:
The group went through one week of direct training at the London NRCS office during the
first week of the project. This equals 240 person hours. One week of training and review has
occurred during one half day training sessions at the weekly cluster meetings. This equals
240 hours. Five of the six AmeriCorps participants received NRCS Total Quality
Management (TQM) training. This equals 160 person hours. The total training hours equals
640 hours to date.
5. PROGRESS TOWARDS MEETING COMMUNITY SERVICE OBJECTIVES:
Objective One of the project, as listed below, is the principal community service objective.
Two participants will work at the task of keeping field maps (GIS base maps) updated and
work in the field to check map accuracy related to the installation of conservation best
management practices.
Action: All maps have been acquired and data from 1994 collected for data entry during
winter.
The participants will work with the RiverKeeper to inventory the tributaries, and Big and
Little Darby Creek for riparian cover and identify problem areas where point and nonpoint
pollution enters the stream system.
Action: Pickaway and Franklin/Madison stream sections have been inventoried this fall.
Approximately 30% of the Big Darby has been inventoried.
12/14/94
12:29
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NO. 327
DOS
12. 09. 94 03:36 PM *FINDLEY DAVIES/CLEVE P03
6. PRIMARY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The following is what was submitted as part of a one page document submitted since Darby
Creek was selected as an example of a watershed restoration project.
One of the greatest accomplishments to date has been the ability of the Darby AmeriCorps
team to focus on helping the Darby Partners carry out the mission: TO PRESERVE,
MAINTAIN, AND ENHANCE THE BIG DARBY CREEK AQUATIC AND RIPARIAN
ECOSYSTEM.
Since the selection of the 6 participants, the team has been developed and is now working
to establish their presence in the watershed. They have done this through news articles in
the local newspaper. The London, Ohio, team of four, the Division of Forestry, and ODNR
Scenic Rivers participants are developing activity plans, three-month schedules, and are at
present being given NRCS Total Quality Management Training.
The participants are focusing on four objectives in the Darby Creek Americorps work plan.
Their accomplishments to date are:
OBJECTIVE 1: Two participants are working on the task of keeping field maps (GIS base
maps) updated and working in the field to check map accuracy related to the
installation of conservation best management practices. To date, an inventory
of Pickaway County has been completed and data will be entered on the maps
and into the GIS system during the winter months when field work is not
possible.
OBJECTIVE 2:
Two participants are assisting Soil and Water Conservation Districts to do
survey and design work for Best Management Practices in the rural areas.
They are working in the urban portion of the watershed with the SWCD's in
checking best management practices on urbanizing areas.
OBJECTIVE 3:
One participant is assisting with the inventory of people who want to plant
trees in the priority riparian corridor areas and assisting with the T.R.E.E.S.
Turn Key Program.
OBJECTIVE 4:
One participant has accepted the position of River Keeper and is assisting the
Darby Creek ODNR Scenic Rivers Coordinator at the field level. An
inventory of Big and Little Darby Creeks for riparian cover and identification
of problem areas where point and nonpoint pollution enters the stream system
are underway. Contact has been made with several schools and the OEPA
concerning dumping of materials into the river. Many landowners have been
contacted by the River Keeper in an attempt to draw attention to the value
of the riparian corridor and the river.
12/14/94
12:30
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NU.
321
12. 09. 94 03:36 PM *FINDLEY DAVIES/CLEVE P04
In addition to these items, the Darby team is providing assistance by collecting images and
developing six videos to use on topics ranging from stream monitoring to pasture management.
They are also developing associated teacher's guides for grades K through 12.
7. PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR THE NEXT QUARTER:
The project objectives cover a 1700 hour span of time per participant. The next quarter will
be basically spent indoors and focused on data entry, the development of videos and teacher guides,
and working with local groups on spring river clean up activities. Two participants have
videographic backgrounds and have been directed to do 5 videos, (See attachment) along with
other planned activities. These will be outlined and 50% completed in the next quarter.
The first quarter of the project was planned with training time incorporated and startup
time. The participants exceeded the desired goals in a majority of the areas due to their past
backgrounds and their desire to do a good job.
8. PRIMARY CHALLENGES:
The main challenge faced is the time commitment needed and the cooperation required to
give these participants a meaningful and rewarding experience. The institutional barriers to be
overcome by placing these participants in offices during a time of USDA staff reduction was not
easy. There are some situations where USDA staff are dealing with job insecurities. I have spent
time helping these individuals overcome resentment toward the Americorps individuals.
I do not think than anyone other than the crew leader or project manager can handle these
situations. With the change in power at the national level it is a foregone conclusion to many at
the field level that this is a two year program no matter how well we do.
9. PRIMARY TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE NEEDS:
As our participants are well trained and very motivated additional training is not of great
value at this time. We have real materials needs that cannot be meet by the NRCS acquisition
system and a fund should be set up for discretionary use by the Project Director and Manager.
10. MEDIA COVERAGE:
Please see attachments on media coverage.
11. OTHER CREATIVE DOCUMENTATION:
During the second quarter more information via video, daily diaries and support letters will
be provided. The next quarterly report will be written by the Darby Team. Data for this report
came from daily díaries and data provided by Darby Crew Leaders Mary Ann Core and Melissa
Horton.
12/14/94
12:30
SCS -> 2026900639
12. 09. 94 03:36 PM *FINDLEY DAVIES/CLEVE P05
AMERICORP-UNION COUNTY
Scheduling to be done by individuals.
Mike and Dan
Videos:
1. BMP for Water Quality: More thorough pasture pump video. Need to show it's use i.e. cows
using, ease of moving, fenced out shots of foot valve in water.
---Filter strips in Buck Run--economics.
2. Education: Seining - how to do the seining. Can show to teachers as resource tool for water
quality.
-Cycles activity when doing the activity to show other teachers how it is done and how it can
be incorporated into the curriculum.
3. Urban Construction: How to install BMP; for example, straw bales, fence, basins, seed
construction in progress. Time sequence or time lapse of erosion control practices or lack of
practices.
4. Tree Planting: How to use dibble bar and tree planter.
5. Wetland Construction - From Start to Finish: Survey, design work, construction, plant
materials. Time sequence or lapse of wetland showing changes in vegetation, water
level, etc. Show wildlife activity in and around wetland.
6. Flowing Water in Structural Practices: such as waterway, erosion control structure,
sediment basin.
Black and White Photography:
1. Put book together, redo photos to be used.
2. Residential Construction
3. Wildlife
4. Conservation Tillage
5. Tree Planting Sequence
6. Filter Strips
SECOND QUARTER AMERICORPS REPORT ( OKLAHOMA )
( Inclusive September 12, 1994 - March 31, 1995 )
USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service
Environment Corps
Windbreak Restoration in Western Oklahoma
1. Twenty AmeriCorps Members were enrolled at the time of
the AmeriCorps Launch, September 12, 1994. We still
continue to maintain the original twenty members ( 5 Female
and 15 Male ).
2. Total number of hours of direct service of the
Environment Corps is :
13 days training X 8 hours
= 104 hours (9%)
127 days on site X 8 hours
= 1016 hours (91%)
TOTAL:
140 days X 8 hours
= 1120 hours (100%)
3. Total number of hours in training for AmeriCorps Members
is as follows:
8 hours - Orientation
16 hours - Safety & Health
8 hours - CPR/First Aid
24 hours - Effective Presentations
16 hours - TQM (Awareness, etc)
16 hours - Leadership Development
16 hours - Project Learning Tree and Project Wild
Total:
104 hours training
4. Progress towards meeting community service objectives is
as follows:
Objective 1. Restore 30 windbreaks and plant 5000 trees and
or shrubs.
-Number of windbreaks completed - 28
-Total miles of windbreaks completed -14
-Number of counties assisted - 8
-Average time to complete a windbreak - 14 days
-Number of O&M windbreaks (clean-up) completed - 9
-Number of fully planned windbreaks completed - 19
-Soil loss reduction -12 windbreaks with reduction,
16 windbreaks have potential for soil loss reductions
-20,000 trees have been planted ( in renovated
shelterbelts/windbreaks, eroded and gullied areas, in
outdoor classrooms and special community projects that met
the AmeriCorps Objectives )
Objective 2. Increase public awareness - Survey support and
encourage media coverage.
-Survey of public participation has not been developed.
-Participation is evident with numerous requests for
AmeriCorps assistance by landowners ( Approx. 300 )
-Numerous programs have been given to groups and
information handouts.
-Three TV Coverages of activities ( Agency MOU Signing /
50 people - Oklahoma Launch / 300 people - 60th Celebration
and AmeriCorps Recognition / 150 people, banquet and 300
people, Site 1 )
-Oklahoma Farmer-Stockman Magazine ( Two feature
stories, AmeriCorps and Their Service also Site#1,
Shelterbelts and AmeriCorps )
Objecti e 3. Increase public awareness - Develope
informational materials.
-Numerous articles and informational materials are
enclosed for support of the project that have lead to
increased assistance in windbreak restoration and public
participation.
-Approximately 40% of the 23 western counties have
received requests for increased windbreak restoration. Eight
counties are actively involved with shelterbelts/windbreaks
being restored or renovated.
5. Primary accomplishments:
-AmeriCorps Members have had the opportunity for self-
development in media interviews, presentations to
groups, leadership roles, service to others and
the responsibility of teamwork.
-Communities are receiving benefits from AmeriCorps
Members involvement and local purchases made for
equipment and supplies that support the project
whenever possible.
6. Projected outcomes for next quarter:
-Numbers of windbreak restorations should be about forty
(ten more than goaled) , depending on the weather. The
Environment Corps was able to get a quick start on tree and
shrub planting this quarter due to good weather, available
plants and local people and agency support. There has been
an increase of trees planted in renovated shelterbelts/
windbreaks and special community service projects.
-From 0-1st Qtr. to 20,000 2nd Qtr
-A survey of public participants will be developed for
input into the programs support, successes and needed
improvement.
-Media activities should still be high with the 60th
Celebration of the first shelterbelt/windbreak planted and
the Americorps Recognition in March, 1995.
-Increase of counties participating in the project and
numbers of landowner requests for assistance.
-Request for expansion of the present project area to
include seven more counties and three more corps
7. Primary Challenges;
-Maintaining enthusiasm and numbers of AmeriCorps Members
as term of service nears end and nice weather appears.
-Funds to maintain equipment and provide supplies.
-Setting up opportunities for members to train, interact
and complete the project.
8. Primary training and technical assistance needs:
-These are being met through a cooperative effort of
state and local partners with NRCS.
9. Media coverage:
-Newspaper and magazine clippings are enclosed.
-Slides and pictures are enclosed
-Videotapes are being reproduced.
-Other items are enclosed, only a representative sample.
-AmeriCorps Displays were setup at one national meeting
and two state meetings and attended to by members at the
state meetings.
10.Other creative documentation is enclosed.
Prepared by Labyhell LeRoy
Director Special Initiatives
AmeriCorps Project Director
April 10,1995 ( 2nd Qtr Report )
P.14
United States
Natural
Community Resource Conservation Center
Department of
Resources
2115 SE Morrison
Agriculture
Conservation
Portland, Oregon 97214
Service
(503) 231-2270 voice (503) 231-2271 fax
DATE:
11 April 1995
TO:
Paula Jones, NRCS, Washington, D.C.
FROM:
Steve Fedje, NRCS, Portland Field Office
SUBJECT: AmeriCorps/EnviroCorps
Administering Americorps pay has been a challenge. - I wish we could get a
monthly living stipend.
HOWEVER, the Americorps teams have put more conservation on the ground in
6 months than all the friends groups and I could do in 3 years. They're excellent!
The Natural Resources Conservation Service,
formerly the Soil conservation Service,
is an agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
TOTAL P.14
All
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chorus of thousands in Oregon and the rest of the
hat or any BESON
The 23-year-dr. single mother of a 3½ son broke
If same members of Congress have their way, , new nation.
into sorg while standing on a chair to reach the top of the
list that gets to
doerway.
a) program sined at mproving verious lacets of community
balanced get,
life, AmeriCons; be ared.
my friends cll drive Paractes I must make amerads"
is is a knç WAY
AmeriCarps is the low-wage, publicento jots program
She sang with in argelic tone 2 scne that Janis Poplin pop-
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created by President Clinton to promote and encourage serv.
ula tred will her trademark rasp) voke.
hat doese)
"Werkeo hard May lyenine JO help from my jriends."
Please turn to
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AMERICORPS, Page A11
EPUBLICAN
DULETTE
Weary solo balloonist
Invice
16
Eusness
C1
1996 GOP
lands after record flight
P.02
ian to AmeriCorps. as Repuoncans
cager to slash government programs
eyo AmeriCorps as a good place to
start.
Bottom-up structure
MEN'S BOOT
AmeriCorps is administered by
the Corporation for National and
Community Service. Its hottom-up
SAVE 25-50% ON STYLES FROM DEXTER, TIMBER
structure is controlled by state com-
missions appointed by the gover.
in
nors.
"I like to think of our role as an
investment banker investing in local
communities. rewarding the pro-
grams doing well with growth possi-
bilities and making sure those not
working are not re-funded." said Ell
Segal. who heads the program and
has the title of chief executive offi.
car.
"This is like a start-up business.
designed with the support of moder.
ate Republicans. which believes that
delivery systems as close as possible
10 the customer will hear fruit In
terms of quality."
But many congressional Republi-
cans maintain that AmeriCorps Is
just another government program
SALE
SALE
the country does not need and can-
not afford at this time.
39.99
39.99
"If you're going to get 10 a bal.
NUNN BUSH NIAGARA
NIKE "CALDERA"
anced budget. and your choice is
Blande work boot.
Athletic hiker. Reg. 59.95.
having a nico little government bu-
realicracy that runs people around
the country doing nice things or tak.
ing care of people with severe disa-
bilities. where is each one on the prt.
ority list?" House Speaker Newt
Gingrich. R.Gs., said in a recent in-
terview with The New York Times.
"It just strikes me that on any rea-
sònable list that gets to a balanced
budget. this is a long way below the
line of what doesn't survive."
But Mergenthaler and others in
Oregon affiliated with AmeriCorps
think the program provides an in.
valuable service to communities and
should not be scrapped.
Marlis R. Miller. the executive di-
rector of the Oregon Commission for
National and Community Service,
SALE
SALE
which administers AmeriCorps pro-
grams in the state, said 400 Ameri-
Corps members work in 18 Dro.
39.99
59.99
grams throughout the state.
NUNN BUSH "DAKOTA"
BASS "SEQUOIA"
Athletic hiker, Reg 160.
Leather. Reg. '80.
20,000 participants
With 20,000 participants to start.
AmeriCorps was launched in Sep-
tember. Its initial budget was $376
million.
For fiscal year 1995. the program's
budget is $580 million to support
33,000 participants. who receive
close to the minimum wage. limited
health care coverage and child care.
They also get a $4,725 tuition grant
per year of service in the program,
earned after about 1,700 hours of
work.
Participants are allowed to serve
for two years to quality for & maxi-
inum tuition award of $9.450. The
money may be used to cover future
or current college expenses or to
repay existing student loans.
SALE
SALE
Mergenthaler's son. Taro. is in
day care paid through the North.
99.99
89.99
west Service Academy. the Ameri-
TIMBERLAND
"ADIRONDACK"
Corps program she works for.
Gortex waterproof boots. Reg. 140
Famous-maker. Reg. 129.
During a break from working on
the Northeast Portland house, sever.
al AmeriCorps members. including
*Shop Downlown Portland 10 am-7 pm. Call 24 hours a day: Toll free, 1-800-452-6323 in Portland, 241-5120. Regular and original onces are offerin
Adventised merchandise may De offered again in upcoming SIZE events
Mergenthaler, took time out to ad-
dress the controversy surrounding
the program.
The house is a Habitat for Human-
Ity project but is being built with the
aid of people working with North-
MEIER&FRAN
4
4M-MP
THE OREGONIAN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1994
PORTLAND
P.03
Recycled: Hard labor mixes with organizing
Portland's
Continued from Page 1
slice of
Columbia Slough.
A longtime resident of the area, Metro
Councilor Ed Washington, supports the proj-
AmeriCorps
ect.
"These ponds and sloughs were where
many of us were exposed to the basic sci-
Oregan received more than $600,000 in
ences where we learned about tadpoles,
federal grants to fund 15 AmeriCorps prof-
frogs and plants," said Washington. "By giv-
ects. In Portland, they are:
ing young people part of the responsibility
Friends of the Children: Patterned after
10 restore them. they'M come away with a
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Association,
24
better appreciation of these special places."
Of immediate concern to Morgan, though,
AmeriCorps members work with at
is the small mountain of scrap metal, plastic
second graders from Five Inner-city
pipe, mackine parts and creosote-treated
schools. Members visit homes, tutor the
timber dumped near the ponds.
children and spend time with there on
AmeriCorps workers hired for the restors.
weekends in an attempt to nelp the young
tion will earn about $4 an hour for their
sters build sell-esteern.
work, and, by year's end, receive & $4,725
college taition waiver to a college or univer-
I Have a Dream Foundation: These
sity of their choice.
AmeriCorps men and women have adepted
Dunas calls herself a "Iree-hugger" who
nearly 300 third and fourth graders to as
during the past 40 years has taught special
sist them in developing strong social and
education students, hard-core prisoners and
academic skills. Students who raduate
well-lo-do graduate students in Southern
from high school will earn an -expenses
California.
paid colege education from the loundation
She spent six years writing 'The Single's
Coide to Los Angeles" and was co-host of a
Green Corps. Five Arer Corps college
Los Angeles television show that reviewed
graduates are assisting low-income lami-
ethnic restaurants.
lies weatherize their homes. T hey will leach
But her most enjoyable times, Dunas said,
community groups the risks of lead poison-
were spent leading her own lours of mase.
ing and help neighborhoods plan and cen
ums, cemeter and shopping malls.
struct community gardens.
Crew members. most in their early 20s,
marvel at her stamina, work ethic and gift
Green Lights Program: A group of 10
of gah.
AmeriCorps members will assist the Bon-
"Her knowledge and enthusiasm is a slim-
nevilla Power Administr ation in helping 75
ulation to all of us" said team leader Mi.
area schools and public buildings became
chael A. Burck. "She's such an extrovert
more energy efficient.
that it's helped us build good relationships
among the crew.'
EnviroCorps: Two Arrei-Corps leams.
When she completes her year of service.
made up of 20 people, will restore Whitak-
Dunas wants 10 produce her own children's
en Pends, a wellands site new the Colum-
television show or move to Asia to study no
tia Slough, wr. prove public access to Smith
meopathic medicine.
and Bybee lakes and develop a vacant lot
According to Barry Messer, urban affairs
in North Portland into a neighbarhood park.
professor at PSU, AmeriCorps workers will
spend much of the week on labor-intensive
"Right now there are more people in Ameri-
projects.
Corps than were in Peace Corps at Its
Bwt. he added. the crew will also study
peak," said Mary Carroll, assistant director
community organizing and environmental
of the Oregon Community Service Commis-
issues while working with nonprofit groups
sion. "Most of the oublic may net know
on individual projects. Plans call for the
about them or their work yel. but, by the
group to canvass the old Whitaker School
end of the year. I think *** all see that
neighborhead during the REXI few weeks to
change.
corage local residents and business OWN
UARV
-
to help develop a master site plan.
Avis Dunas (left) and Kathryn Heriza place ferns along the edge of a pond.
P.04
GIOUGII
C2
cleanup effort set
4M-MP
Community
news and
features
to start Saturday
North
Cleanup efforts on a litter.
st
Northeasti
filled, polluted area of the Colum-
THE OREGONIAN, THURSDAY. DECEMBER 8, 1994
bia Slough in North Portland will
Southeast
get under way at 9 a.m. Saturday.
thanks to a flew partnership in-
volving federal and local govern-
ments. private industry and
neighborhood volunteers.
The project. part of the Kenton
BRIEFLY
Action Plan. will tackle an illegal
dump and adjacent transient
camp site on the north bank of
the slough near the Denver Ave-
nue viaduct over the waterway
in hopes of turning it into a
launch facility for canoes, kay.
aks and rowing shells.
Participating in the project are
EnviroCorps. Metro. the Port-
land Parks and Recreation Bu-
reau, the Kenton Neighborhood
Association and Simpson Tim-
ber. Co.
Simpson, the oldest continu-
ously operating company on the
slough. leased the land involved
in the cleanup from Portland for
$! a year. "We see building a bet.
ter community as an integral
part of our success as a busi-
ness." said Dave Berg. Simpson's
safety. health and environmental
manager.
The first cleanup efforts will be
by a 20-member EnviroCorps
crew and neighborhood volun-
teers. They will haul out tires.
furniture and trash dumped near
the base of the bridge and re-
move blackberry bushes that
hide sites frequented by tran-
sients and drug users,
EnviroCorps is a local arm of
President Clinton's AmeriCorps.
a program through which funds
for college can be carned with
public service.
Volunteers interested in help.
ing should call 289-6693.
Whitaker Ponds program
community meeting topic
A community meeting to dis-
cuss restoration of Whitaker
Ponds in Northeast Portland is
scheduled for b to 8 p.m. Wedness
day at Whitaker Middle School.
5700 N.F.. 39th Ave.
The session will be held by
Metro. Portland Public Schools
and EnviroCorps. a branch of the
national AmeriCorps effort. The
agencies are working together to
restore the 90-acre areas of land
that is bordered by the Columbia
Slough. Northeast 47th Avenue
and Northeast Columbia Bould.
card.
The she offers the opportunity
in maintain existing recreational
uses and provide retection to
the slough and Ci. ince wildlife
habita: and public ccess.
Astoria, OR
(Clatsop Co.)
Daily Astorian
(Cir. D. 9.807)
FEB 2 7 1995
Astoria Daily Astinan
2/27/95
855.
Environmentalism
turns into a career
New generation of students
want to do more than protest
SALEM (AP) - Environmentalism is turning into 8 college
career for many students who grew up during an era of protests and
lawsuits over damage to natural resources.
The latest generation of college students wants to do more than
rally at demonstrations such as the massive 'Earth Day" protest a
quarter century ago, says Dick Gale; who heads the University of
Oregon's new environmental studies program.
"Most of them were born after the 1970 Earth Day." Gale said.
Environmentalism is & part of their lives.'
SINCE OREGON STATE University started an environmental
sciences program major in 1992, student participation has quadru-
pled.
The University of Oregon and Portland State University recent-
ly followed Oregon State's lead by organizing their OWD programs
in environmental studies.
After graduation, some students will seek advanced degrees.
Others will qualify for jobs at public environmental agencies or
private corporations regulated by chose agencies.
Jeff Schut (pronounced Skirt) esmed an environmental science
degree last June as Oregon State and now is working as a water
quality scientist at the CH2M Hill engineering firm in Corvallis.
"People hear what I studied, and they ask me if I am an eavi-
ronmentalist." Schut said. "I tell them I am probably more conser-
vative than they are on most things."
Schut chose environmental studies to find ways to help indus-
tries such as pulp and paper mills stay profitable while meeting
clean water quality guidelines.
ALL THREE UNIVERSITY programs were organized with-
out additional money by shuffling existing science and liberal arts
courses. But the programs all differ.
At Oregon, students will be given a broad liberal arts education
in environmental issues to prepare them for careers such as envi-
ronmental law. consulting and ethics.
At Oregon State, about 250 students now pursue a major that
will give them extensive background in chemistry, biology, calcu-
lus and physics. Degrees will lead to technical careers such as
hydrology to broader jobs as consultants on environmental issues.
The Portland State program will not begin until fall. and will
offer a mix of science courses and liberal arts.
P.06
Page 2A The Outlook Wednesday. April 5. 1995
STEVE KASSERMAN/The Outhook
Time for a cleanup
Envirocorps volunteers Josh Burke and
feers were looking forward to the Fairview
Katherine Demsky place a beaver guard
Creek Arbor Day Work Party, this Saturday
around the base of o young Alder tree as
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed.
Cassondra Rutherford holds If steady. Erik
for directions call 231-2270.
Steffens walts his tum to help. All the volun.
Cliniun IN Degang 10 more "
presented we easily 1114 measure
So why LB wassage of a Tine-Rem
found support among sure Demo-
reso" 10 INKA ⑉ druht in the Senale'
trats, DHR luxt Live conservalive Repub.
Peyhaps because, with Mr. Anton
thans, who san 11 as too weak
#kelv to sign just about any version
New Republicant are exploring yet
ups 1013
1995
Liest reaches desk. sermors wast in
Another approach called "separate cn-
INTITED. 15,
Date HERE
P.01
deculs right.
mument In is, apprapria.
JARN
Congress holds tear as
110MS bills would be "stom-
power of the purse. in 80%
Will the Senate
ized" une separate bills,
ing the prevident'more abid-
decide to help
one for each item of spend-
wish Irener Vew
ity to not pork-barret
NIB. after they were passed
TOTAL
COBA Coupo
spending. il doesn't want 10
the president
by. Congress but before
give away the store.
cut pork-
they go 10 the prevident.
0
Per time, is looked as
borrel
The president could then
though the Senate would
rescled any of the indita.
cheose between two DDAH
spending?
not parts.
March
peting Repoblican bills One
Democrats are expected
I Looked: AmeriCorps Works
would give the president
to offer yet another rescls-
more power to make "rescissions."
sion plan Rus week.
By Any WM
94%
Rind is. w send purtioss of kgistalles
While any version would likely be
leaders perform random Acts of kindness"
From
Phone
back to Compross for recponsederation.
of scene help, the most uselu) bin
L
IKE Honse Spraker New Glagrich and
for money, brok advances, and appearances
Date
RF
the Christian Science
from Sen. John McCain
would expand resission power be
fellow Republicens, , once bashed the
on Lalk shaws, there is something rare about
(R) of most closely mailties a
rund appropriations is include lay
AmeriCorps program shamelessly:
people doing something ,ust because they
we pusicd by the Home Frb. 6 This
provisions and new entitlements. be
$2(W 11 M a jobs program and chastired the
want to help. to make a difference. to give
"enhanced" rescinsion would require
would have A ")ockDex" leature, K
young people involved as money grubbers
something back for all they have been given
7671
1uee
(wo-thirds vois in werride any spend
quiring the money saved 10 be applied
who dared 10 call themselves "volunieers"
Allew of them grew up in upper-mickle-
hug rests made by the prevident
w redicing the acticit
But I have been transformed from cynic to
class suburbia. "Int to lvy. League schools.
But many semators warry that this
And it would allow the presitent
convert. After months of calking with people
and now want 10 give back is society. Others
To stere Sadje
Monitor
would five too nuch sewer to the
aut only to eliminate Police items but
in the program and watching there plant
grew up In poor neughborhoods. batted U.S
presidere. A bill frum Sex 11:1c
N/A to 10im their back. of he chooses.
reas in empty tors, settle disputes in run-
hardships of The screets, triumphed, and wait
Domenki (R) of New Mexico would
Giving the premiem more power to
down urban schools, immunize
to help and inspire these ml)
have granted "expertited" rescission
restind isn't going 10 solve the deficit
children, combat water politi.
Aving in the will none.
Post-it" Fax Note
231
and required unly a injurity was to
tion, and class graffiti-plagied
OPPRON/ESSAYS
problem, ban every kule bit helps.
And the money? X you take
streets. , am calightened. These
the Reams given 10 the students
young people, who are labeled
and divide by the hours, they
Co/Dept.
A New Era for Farming
"slackers" and
An effective
are making minimum wage or
Phone
Fax #
couch potatoes," are diligent,
tras. One young man Linghed r.
envresiastic, hard worldng. and
program for
the notion that ke was in n for
F
EDERAL farin supports name in
(N). charnun of the Senate Agrecul
maintain a balance of ideabsm
young people
the meney: -11 I wanord in make
with the when the dust
we Currentire He would sharply re
and realisert
shouldn't be o
real money. I'd go field me ,
bust was been drying up and
dure. UVCL are next five years, the 30
On A clully bright November
part-lime job,' be said. is for
blowing Diray much of American agn.
called 'dehciency payments' designed
morning I followed . group of
viclim of partisen
recegnition? There's harrly and
culture. Now, from dise assions under
to guarantee farmers a price ap-
college-mged AmeriCorps work.
politics.
"The media love is write about
503 231 6932
way in Congress, it appears supports
pronching their ruse of production
era Late New York's Lower East
those slackers. hackers, and
could go out with the 1990s
Others say a beiter lack is 10 gel rist
Side where they were transform-
young people that just gool off."
The ball) (PVPT federal agricultural
of deficiency payments by raising the
sing a parking 104-110 a bright
he said. 'I guess that shill rells
spending 1000 just been joined, how.
price "Пвог" set by the nmeat in
and cheerful place. 1 fired hartball questions
After weeks of Laking mid these yours
ever, and x is far from oriain how
order 10 foree huge commedities boy.
at people who were ceating parking meters
people, watching then toll in the dangerous
much uf the $10 billion of so spent
ery to offer farmers a better price.
with palnt and scouring away at graffiti. "So
neighborhoods, rundown schools, and vn-
North year La support the prices of
The advocates of a free market say
why did you really want to join LNS pro
medical clinics, it was obvious that
farm products and encourage their ex
that subsidies La the United States
gram?" 1 asked each person, one eyebrow
the corrounitées mere benefiting. Ameri-
port WIN get chopped.
which spawa subsidies alsewhere
lifted in suspicion.
Corps has made a difference.
A space w news steries about
ore only keeping American. fanness
wanted to believe that they joined be.
AmeriCorps shouldn't be abolished 11
wealthy absence "fermers" gruing
from a golden Age" promised by buge
came didn't knew what else to do. chat
should be endorsed, encouraged, and er.
huge payments from the Agriculture
pountial foud murkets is China, India,
they needed the money, that this was an easy
panded. Tnousands of voing people were
Department will desibiless aild so the
and Nher acculation cen-
Wernative to ridne mil a tom. they N would
turned mvpv Last year becamse the 20,000
for charge. Dest even
ters. those countries are encouraged
be hightight. on their résumés, that they
stats were filled. Many are walling for more
many legitánase formers, who scrually
to engage in there own subsidised agi.
would міти with. frankness that the dollars.
stors to open. AmeriCorps isn't a political is
DUR n long ditys OR the land, are ready.
culture, they and, the trade-off w/ll be
were lure, that they. cared: more about
sue like abortion, it b treated
10 are the current subsidy system se.
accelerated lossey of rain forests and
changing their lives than other peoples'.
as one. Republicans believe it's a waste of
furmed, if not dismanUed outright.
biowlversity.
I did receive feank answers but there was
money. Mr. Gingrich believes 12"s correive
Hieas km accomplishing the
While a total government with
a freshness LO them. One young woman said
and forced volunteerism. In truch the fact
abund: a gradual phasenol of direct
drawn from the agricultural markel..
the was tired of having generation-
that AmeriCorps as Preside.al Clintron's king
spbside payments, expander! versions
place " unikely and probably un-
belod 00 negativelv and tranted 10 stryes the
la the real reason Republicans want to kill x.
of crop Insurance, ralsing the "Noor"
wase Dease crafting this year's farm
world the other side of the story.
If AmeriCorpa is Aced, " mon's be because
voice paid G the government to 1191-
bis should have M eye OR the rest of
"I don't się around and whine all day." she
it didn't work. Unit because w
deiwing crop name. or siniply just.
Vie world and its putential as . buyer
salil angrily. "I keep Dusy. I like helping pro-
pollure.
MAR-22-1995 14:42
ing Interidus Alcugerloer in farch of an
or US fank protocts. not just OF farm
pie. is there something meked about that?"
open world market fur fund.
transfirms back home who may have
in as age when high-profolo politicians,
. Amy Will 13 a student as New York this
This approach receiving me nicess
grown 100 used 10 their government
high powered executives, and even religious vorsity majoring in Aistera
attention is that of Sen. Hichard Lukar
check
USA TODAY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1995 11
OPINION USA
AmeriCorps works
I
don't kill it
National service helps young, elderly,
Successes are everywhere.
Yet the Republicans want to kill this.
communities, volunteers at modest
That makes no sense.
cost. What more can be asked?
This program, run by state organizations and
nanced In part by local contributions, sounds like a R
publican dream: It uses cheap labor to foster fami:
AMES, Iowa - Here's an idea for the Republicans:
values at the local level. And it encourages educatic
Let's not pay our soldiers.
with a modest stipend that a person must work a ye:
Let's not pay our teachers.
to receive.
Let's not pay our police officers.
If It didn't exist, House Speaker Newt Gingrich,
After all, it's their democratic duty to defend our
Ga., would Invent it.
shores, to educate our children, to ensure our safety.
But this is a Democratic program, the cherishe
Why, my own Republican senator, Charles Grassley,
baby of Clinton, and Democratic stuff is tainted stuff.
says, "Where the president and I part company is that
the Republicans are out to ax it
he supports an expensive bureaucracy, and I don't He
Their reasoning is bizarre.
By Emle Loyte
wants to pay volunteers,
They consider the men and women of AmeriCor:
ISS today.
and I want to preserve the
"volunteers," though it's their full-time Job, and the R
Integrity of volunteerism."
publicans think you shouldn't pay volunteers.
Makes sense to me, I
Grassley, leading the charge, supports "the notion
sion:
guess.
national service and, by and large, the activities DE
I'm not sure how soldlers
formed by the spirited AmeriCorps participants"
or teachers or police offi-
He just doesn't want to pay them.
th less
cers are supposed to live if
Grassley also says that "it appears AmeriCorps pr
they're working 40 hours a
grams could be costing $30,000 per participant" - no
week without pay, but the
the "appears" and the "could be" - and he has asks
ince
Republicans must have a
the General Accounting Office to audit the organiz
way.
By Web Bryant, USA TODAY
tion. AmeriCorps says the average is under $20,000.
That will probably come
AmeriCorps worker, too, gets paid, though the pay is
cluding that $4,750 college grant.
out in the second 100 days.
peanuts. It's the minimum wage, or less, but if workers
Killing AmeriCorps wouldn't save much - $376 in
forecast
Grassley wasn't talking
stick it out for a year they have put in trust $4,725 they
lion last year, $580 million this year - but maybe tt
increase
about soldiers or teachers
can draw to pay for college or vocational training.
is just the start.
than 1
COUNTERPOINTS
or police officers, of course.
More than 20,000 Americans have signed up since
The Republicans have been refusing to say how the
By Michael Gartner
He was talking about the
national service started In October. They're working on
Intend to balance the budget, but maybe AmeriCor
than
men and women who work
350 projects.
provides the clue.
ested.
in AmeriCorps, but it's the
Here In Iowa, there are 158 AmeriCorps workers,
Maybe the Republicans plan to eliminate the sal
craft
same principle. AmeriCorps is President Clinton's won-
ages 18 to 54, helping to Immunize young people, care
ries of all 3 million federal civilian employees.
ving
derfully successful program that hires dedicated
for old people, restore wetlands, educate migrant work-
That would save $108 billion.
and
Americans to help the aged and the feeble and the
ers and protect people beaten up by their own family
And maybe that's not a bad Idea.
young and the needy and the sick and the unlucky lead
members.
I certainly know where I'd start.
better lives.
In a town down the road, they're working to make
COUNTERPOINTS' four columnists provide views from diver
For most, it's full-time work.
sure that poor kids get to school and stay there and
perspectives on today's Issues. Wednesday: Linda Chavez
The hours are as long as those of the peacetime sol-
learn there and that they have mittens for the cold and
affirmative ection. Thursdays: Susan Estrich. Mondays: To
dier and the teacher and the police officer. And the
mitts for the Little League.
Snow. Tuesdays: Michael Gartner.
P.09
EnviroCorps involved
in greenspace
restoration
Metro GreenScene
Tours, hikes, classes and more. Winter and spring 1995. Metro Regional Parks and Greenspaces.
M
etropolitan greenspaces are
better off because of a dedicated
group of people collectively known
as the EnviroCorps. The team is part
of the new federal AmeriCorps pro-
gram designed to support 20,000
adults in domestic community service
in 700 communities across the coun-
my. Parricipants receive minimum
Metro Regional Parks and Green-
wage, health insurance, and up to
spaces, Portland State University and
$5,000 toward college education for
the U.S. Soil Conservation Service
each year of service.
received a $200,000 AmeriCorps
grant to establish the local Enviro-
The 20 members of the Portland
Corps team. The team works at
metropolitan EnviroCorps team are
Smith and Bybee lakes, Whitaker
ages 18 to 63 and come from a vari-
ponds in Northeast Portland,
cty of backgrounds. More than half
throughout the Columbia Slough
already have college degrees, but are
watershed and other metropolitan
either continuing their education or
sites. Work includes habitat restora-
planning to return to college. All see
tion, trail improvements, urban tree
EnviroCorps as a way to make a sig-
planting, sign installation and com-
nificant contribution to their com-
munity involvement.
munity and help themselves through
school.
Team leader Michael Burch's deep
concern for today's youth and their
environment has led to an interest in
education and environmental issues.
"EnviroCorps has given mc the
opportunity to address my concerns
with a direct contribution to the
community," he said.
P.10
METROPOLITAN GREENSPACES
Spring '95
NATURAL AREAS
IMP ORTANT
FOR WILDLIFE
PEOPLE
Urban streams
are important
EnviroCorps
for water
pitches in
Other restoration work
quality, flood
has been done by mem-
control and fish
bers of EnviroC.orps. 3
branch of AmeriCorps
-2 new federal program
Twenty members. aged 18 to 63, were
and wildlife.
that hires adults seeking
recruited for work such as removing
college educations and
pest plants, planting native vegetation
habitats.
work experience to do
and improving trails at various met-
community service work
ropolitan sites. For their efforts.
across the nation. Metro. Portland
EnviroCorps members receive
State University. the East Multnomah
minimum wage, health
Soil and Water Conservation District
insurance and up to
Teaching young
and the U.S. Natural Resources
$4.725 toward their
Conservation Service sponsor the
college education for
people about
local EnviroCorps. The team's
each year of service.
the outdoors is
work focuses on urban
park and greenspace
restoration projects.
" long -lerm
primarily within the
investment in
Columbia Slough
watershed.
the future
quality of
0112 natural
environment.
P.11
Tree Connections
PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY FRIENDS OF TREES
WINTER 95 VOL. 7 NO.1
FIFTH FPPF
AmeriCorps members joined Friends of Trees, business owners, and Multnomah
County Commissioner Gary Hansen (far left) in planting trees in the SL John's
Business District Aided by the City of Portland Forestry Division, who lowered the
900 pound trees into their holes, AmeriCorps participants helped plant 85
Columnar Sentry Norway Maples along North Lombard Street
(photo by David Manhart)
AMERICORPS TO THE RESCUE
Participants in President Clinton's environmental service
program, AmeriCorps, have become key allies of
Friends of Trees this fall. Members of two AmeriCorps
programs, the EnviroCorps, based at Portland State
University, and the Northwest Service Academy, based
at the Columbia Gorge Ranger District in Troutdale,
have helped with various FOT projects. They planted
trees in Cathedral Park, along North Lombard Street in
the St. Johns neighborhood, and in Lower Macleay
Park. Several AmeriCorps members participated in our
crew leader training session and will be serving as crew
leaders for the upcoming season. Others wil be helping
to dig holes for many of our neighborhood projects.
Thank you AmeriCorps!
P.12
FAIRVIEW
CITY HALL
UPDATE
300 Harrison Street, PO Box 337, Fairview, Oregon, 97024 Early Spring Edition February/March 1995
Envirocorps
With rubber boots and work clothes on,
these young people are helping to enhance
and restore native vegetation to the creeks in our
area. As ENVIROCORPS members, they have
been working with the Fairview Creek Watershed
Conservation Group. Already, they have been
instrumental in restoring bankside plantings along
the creek near the Country Inn Restaurant in
Fairview and continue to assist at numerous other
sites along the Columbia Slough.
The development firm of Holt & Haugh is looking
at opportunities for sharing plant material for these
same activities.
We would like to thank them for helping with these
important endeavors.
- Fairview Creek Watershed Conservation Group
B6
3M
The Oregonian
Founded Dec. 4. 1850: Established as a daily Feb. 4. 1851 The Sunday Oregonian established
Dec. 4. 1881, Published daily and Sunday by the Oregonian Publishing Co.,
1320 W. Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97201
FRED n STICKEL, Publisher.
PATRICK F. STICKEL, President
SANDRA M. ROWE, Editor
DENNIS L. ATKIN, Advertising Director
PETER K. BHATIA, Managing Editor
PATRICK L. MARLTON, Circulation Director
ROBERT M. LANDADER, Editorial Page Editor
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1995
Don't ditch AmeriCorps
New national service program deserves a chance
ongress shouldn't pull the
tional needs: first, for social service
C
plug on a national service
workers, such as teachers' aides, envi-
program that's been operat-
ronmental workers and police cadets;
ing for barely five months -
and second, for students to find ways
and is already bigger than the Peace
to help pay for their college educa-
Corps.
tions.
Republican leaders have proposed
stripping all funding for AmeriCorps,
Both of these fit into a public good
the national service program set up
that requires better educated, more
by the last Congress. In exchange for
community oriented citizens.
two years of public service, the pro-
AmeriCorps was scaled back to a
gram offers a small living allowance,
$376 million budget and 20,000 service
limited health care coverage and up to
workers before its launch. With bud-
$9,450 in college tuition credits.
get considerations before the current
It was launched last September, ful-
Congress. it may not be able to grow
filling one of President Clinton's can-
as fast as the administration envision-
paign pledges. A similar program had
ed.
been proposed during the Bush ad-
The program helps foster public
ministration as a peacetime alterna-
service at the same time it corre-
tive to military service.
sponds to returning government to
In Portland, AmeriCorps volunteers
the people by being controlled by state
are tutoring inner-city students,
commissions appointed by governors.
weatherizing older homes and restor-
ing wetlands and a North Portland
It's too early to dismiss AmeriCorps
park.
as a flop or a frill - especially after
Critics have attacked it as an echo
the kind of interest it's stirred.
of big government programs that the
Eliminating AmeriCorps may help
country doesn't need and the public
satisfy the current lust for shrinking
no longer supports. They've argued
government. But before Congress de-
that providing any incentive under-
cides that the program is not neces-
mines the spirit of voluntarism.
sary. AmeriCorps - and the thou-
That makes as much sense as sug.
sands of young Americans who have
gesting that military service go un-
joined it -- deserve a chance to show
paid. It also ignores two growing na-
that it is.
Don't abolish AmeriCorps organing
Public service program deserves a chance
3/23/95
his week, Sen. Mark Hatfield,
Johnson, coordinator of the Oregon
T
chairman of the Appropria-
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
tions Committee, gets anoth-
Program, praised the work of 12
er chance to stand against an
AmeriCorps volunteers in lead-paint
aggressive and unwise House on-
poisoning abatement.
slaught. The House-passed rescission
The House's motive in aborting this
package, now arriving in Hatfield's
program is less than edifying. The
committee, decimates the new Ameri-
Wall Street Journal quoted Rep. Ger-
Corps public service program - after
ald Solomon, R-N.Y., as explaining,
just a single year of operation.
"What we're doing today is a 'get
That's not fair to the program, the
even."
concept, the people it serves 1 or the
20,000 young Americans who have put
At a time when Americans are ques-
their lives on hold to serve in Ameri-
tioning how much responsibility can
Corps. In exchange for their work,
be left to full-time government work-
they receive a small living allowance,
ers, Americorps is a model of an ex-
limited health care coverage and had
panded volunteerism that can offer a
been promised up to $9,450 in college
new approach. Early signs are hope-
tuition credits.
ful; in one year, the program is al-
In Portland, AmeriCorps volunteers
ready larger than the Peace Corps.
have tutored inner-city students,
AmeriCorps is a promising program
weatherized older homes and worked
of public service. The House has done
at restoring wetlands and a North
it a disservice.
Portland park. In a letter to the editor
The Senate - and Hatfield - can do
earlier this month, Christopher B.
better.
TOTAL P.14
SOUTHWEST OREGON
RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
576 N.E."E" Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526-2326
Ph. 503-476-5906, FAX 503-955-9574
Notes from AmeriCorps Team Southwest Team Meeting #1
November 10, 1994
Grants Pass
Thanks for the brief presentations to the RC&D Council members.
They were impressed to meet you and encouraged to hear about your
work.
REPORTING ON ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Let's make this exercise work for us. Stop long enough to consider
and revel in your successes, and pass them on to me for the good of
the overall program. In your day-to-day work, it may often be
helpful to be able to cite some of the measurable factors, too.
Think in terms of milestones--those stages on the road to the
overall goal where you have a sense of achievement. Consider the
following list of potential measures for any of the objectives:
Measurable Outcomes
- demonstrated ability in decision-making, planning
- increased knowledge of community from outside players (i.e.,
agency representatives)
- diversity and amount of reading, time spent
- diversity and number of people met; groups they represent
- understanding of groups, agencies, programs
- time spent in learning capacity
- attendance and participation numbers, diversity, regularity
- newsletters, articles
- creation or updating reference materials (i.e., directories)
- meetings facilitated, presentations made
Activities to Reach the Objectives
Suggestions for activities you may want to report on for each
objective:
OBJ: AmeriCorps member development.
Activities: - reading literature, periodicals, newspapers
- attending conferences, workshops, seminars
- attending other peoples', group's meetings
- networking, talking
- on-the-job training, apprenticeship
- working with RC&D council members
- training other people
OBJ: Community #1: Develop projects that respond to local needs.
Activities: - researching projects, background information,
resources, institutions
- coordinating
- developing office infrastructure
- holding meetings
- follow-through with volunteers and committee
projects
TEAM MEETING CHECKLIST
The Program - To be developed with RC&D Coordinator.
- Develop theme(s) or topic for meeting. For any session you should form objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to
Give these to any guest speakers to help them understand what you want.
- Consider any audio-visual or technology needs for presentations (i.e., ability to darken
room for slides)
Invitations/Notification - Meeting host can decide who to invite from other programs.
Courtesy and programmatic invites (a formal, written agenda or invitation is best):
- RECD AmeriCorps Program manager: Bud Fischer, Phone 503-414-3360, FAX 503-
414-3386, 101 S.W. Main Street, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-2333
- RARE AmeriCorps Program manager: David Povey, Phone 503-346-3635, FAX
503-346-2040, Dept. of Planning, Public Policy & Management, 199 Hendricks Hall,
1209 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1209
- Rick Block, USDA Facilitator, Phone 503-465-6442, FAX 503-465-6483,
USDA/Farm Service Agency, 55 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR 97401
- Local sponsors or host representatives/supervisors for AmeriCorps program
- RC&D sponsors in the area
- Other governmental representatives, i.e., mayors, commissioners, etc. (especially
good to invite at meals or for a specific presentation)
- Press - invite local and regional papers to meet your colleagues and discuss programs
Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCorps Program
-
mest of this!
TEAM MEETING CHECKLIST
Drain all Corps
I'll work on Peace Corps recent
The Program - To be developed with RC&D Coordinator.
returnees.
- Develop theme(s) or topic for meeting. For any session you should form objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to
Give these to any guest speakers to help them understand what you want.
- Consider any audio-visual or technology needs for presentations (i.e., ability to darken
room for slides)
Invitations/Notification - Meeting host can decide who to invite from other programs. your
Courtesy and programmatic invites (a formal, written agenda or invitation is best):
invite is titul!
- RECD AmeriCorps Program manager: Bud Fischer, Phone 503-414-3360, FAX 503-
414-3386, 101 S.W. Main Street, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-2333
- RARE AmeriCorps Program manager: David Povey, Phone 503-346-3635, FAX
503-346-2040, Dept. of Planning, Public Policy & Management, 199 Hendricks Hall,
1209 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1209
- Rick Block, USDA Facilitator, Phone 503-465-6442, FAX 503-465-6483,
USDA/Farm Service Agency, 55 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR 97401
- Local sponsors or host representatives/supervisors for AmeriCorps program
NCED Board, URCOG especially Curt who helped SO much of see below
J will forward your invitation to mary Carroll @ the Or Community (800-826-4865) Service commission &
Dine Redd of Vista in Portland (231-2103) and to
arlene Tugel our NRCS state offi representative.
Natural Resources Consonation Savice
- RC&D sponsors in the area
jan Kelley 836-2290 URCOC (as RC+D participant)
Dougas Co. Bdof Commissioners (attn. Diane @ reception)
- Other governmental representatives, i.e., mayors, commissioners, etc. (especially
good to invite at meals or for a specific presentation)
mayor Tyson may want to come brag about - why not let him !
- Press - invite local and regional papers to meet your colleagues and discuss programs
How 'bout the guy who wrote the "50-something" anticle? did encourage
you to ask RARE who la the Eugene paper has been writing about
amailorps & target an invitation to the registes/guard.
Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCorps Program
AGENDA
USDA AmeriCorps/Rural Development Corps
Southwestern Oregon Teams
December 14, 1994
Cave Junction, City Hall
10:30 Introduction, general milling around
11:00 Health and Social Services in Rural Communities
Meadow Martell, Exec. Director Siskiyou Community Health Center, Cave Junction
Karen Bony, Josephine County Health Dept. Public Health Nurse
Objective: By the end of this session participants will better understand the health and
human service issues facing rural communities and in particular, the Illinois Valley. The
discussion will explain the federal, state, county, and private programs presently in place
which provide medical and social services to this isolated community. Also, the session
will look at the shortfalls of these programs and community projects created to respond to
unmet needs.
12:00 Lunch
1:30 Community Partnerships for Resource Enhancement
The Illinois Basin Interest Group's Forestry Action Committee
Community Tree Planting Project
Janet Kelly, Coordinator, Community Tree Planting Committee, USFS
Katie Wetzle, Site Manager, Illinois Valley Visitor Information Center, Dir. Illinois Valley
Boys and Girls Club. USFS
Objective: During this session we will visit a recently planted riparian zone along the
Illinois River which was completed by the Community Tree Planting Project. While there
the discussion will focus on unique structure of the project along with its formidable
successes.
Note: This session is outdoors SO please bring rain boots and rain gear.
3:00 Joel Burg, Director USDA AmeriCorps Program
Open Forum
DEC-12-1994 16:15
* Selection
- Good. Need to involve members of the community who would really be working with
AmeriCorps member.
- Balancing members with situations was important.
* Training
- Good orientation on AmeriCorps.
- Hosts need to be responsible, too.
* Administration
- No problems; all dealt with as they arise--Marlene's great!
* Program Marketing
- Need program info to distribute to communities; people ask how they can get an AmeriCorps
member.
- Prepared press release for members going into communities would help in the beginning.
* Sponsor or Host Agency
- Informative; must be informed of local situation and help member figure it out.
- Guidance for local individual to help introduce into the community
- Gain knowledge of already implemented ideas, projects, who's who and who does what
- Provide training
- Expectations of both sponsor and member need to be clear
Miscellaneous
Recruitment of new hosts by March 15--Amy: produce profile of host and process to request
members. Members: Disseminate, participate in training or orientation of new hosts after
selection.
Site visits: David and David need to contact Amy to schedule; Brad scheduled February 21.
CPR training: [April 11, Tuesday]
Resource Directory: Target audience--cities, water districts, water councils
Each member will think of groups, agencies relevant to their situations and start
compiling info; all will compare notes at Drain meeting.
Schedule Meetings
March 15, Drain (changed from March 8) - Pat McVean
- Community service theme. Will invite other AmeriCorps and recently returned Peace
Corps people.
- Bring resource directory starts.
April 12, Central Point - Dave Jacob
May 10, Gold Beach - Dave Morris (outdoor meeting)
June 14, Grants Pass - Amy Wilson (fun day)
RC americorps talking points:
- Mumbers work to reinforce You build capacity of local organizations
- assistance helps communities access existing resources + funding sources
- increase public participation in project design and implementation
- Local match + support is substantial - nearly all work- related + in-Kind support local. is
SOUTHWEST OREGON
RESOURCE CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT
576 N.E."E" Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526-2326
Ph. 503-476-5906, FAX 503-955-9574
AmeriCorps Team Meeting
March 15, 1995, 10 am - 3 pm
Drain Civic Center
HOST:
Pat McVean, Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCoprs,
North County Economic Development, Douglas County
THEME:
Community service by AmeriCorps members, VISTA volunteers
and recently returned Peace Corps volunteers
Margaret Burruss, Mayor of Drain, welcomed everyone. She is thankful to have folks like
AmeriCorps members who are willing to do this service for the rural communities. Drain works
closely with Elkton and Yoncalla on community matters, and she introduced the mayors.
Al Tyson, Mayor of Elkton, said the city is very small, only 300 people, and there is no industry
at all. They had no sewer system when he arrived, but they finally got one 4 or 5 years ago.
Then they began to work on the water system. Matching funds were needed, so they raised the
sewer rates to $55/mo. The City had been renting office space from Douglas Electric, but when
Douglas left the area, they had to buy the building. Mayor Tyson praised Pat McVean, who was
a great help in getting the 0,084 to pay for the rest of the building.
Butch Lee, Mayor of Yoncalla, said Yoncalla has 955 people. He is the 5th generation to live in
Yoncalla, and he wanted to see things get done--that's why he ran for mayor. Their sewer and
water system are not what they should be, and they basically do not have a storm drain system.
He wants to bring industry into the area to provide jobs to support people--67% of the residents
are low-income, which makes them eligible for more funding. They are working with Rice Hill,
which is the industry part of Yoncalla, to incorporate for the water system. They are working
with the county on a abandoned mill site that nobody seems to want, part of which is wetlands.
There used to be mill sites everywhere. He said they do have problems with drugs--small towns
tend to attract drugs.
Pat McVean thanked the mayors for coming, and she invited everyone back for activities in the
area--Drain has a fair, Elkton has drift boat days, Yoncalla has a summer festival. There is a lot
to do in the area.
There was a discussion of how the communities started working together. They saw each other
frequently in meetings, and all agreed that most of the money in the county is staying in the
Roseburg area. Determined they needed to work together out of necessity to get some money in
north Douglas County.
Pat then asked everyone to participate in a exercise to get to know each other, after which
introductions were made.
PRESENTATIONS
Dave Jacob, Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCorps, Rogue Valley Council of Government,
Central Point
Dave first showed the group a great watershed education video. He is working with the Water
Resources Department at RVCOG. He talked about the Bear Creek project, where they are
working on a large EPA grant to develop a program for the region.
Kim O'Brien, RECD AmeriCorps, Oakridge
Oakridge is 40 miles east of Eugene in the foothills of the Cascades. It was a mill town, but there
are none left now. There are 3,000+ people, but no jobs--lots of poverty. Oakridge is on the
verge of becoming a bedroom community. Kim is using the public participatory process to update
land use ordinances. She also facilitates the Community Response Team. They have updated the
1990 plan after surveying the community and conducting public meetings. The focus is on
economic and community development, with mill site conversion into an industrial park as a
primary part of the business development part of the plan. The city is buying the mill site through
USDA/RECD funds.
Chris Bessey, returned Peace Corps, Rwanda; currently in Powers
Chris was a volunteer in Rwanda and worked with fish culture from 1991-1993. Unfortunately,
Peace Corps was evacuated when the civil war got bad. He went back to Rwanda to work on
AIDS, and just recently returned. He showed some slides of the country, which is focused on
agriculture. They develop right up to the jungle edge. There are 8 million people in the country,
which is the size of Maryland. Of the 8 million people, 99% are working on agriculture.
Chris introduced his wife Media from Rwanda, and indicated that he will be going to scnool this
fall.
Mike Bordenkircher, returned Peace Corps, Togo; currently living in Milwaukee
Mike was a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo for 2 years and 3 months, having returned recently.
He worked in forestry and river restoration, as well as world map projects at local schools. He
also worked with the Togolese conservation people. He indicated that there are many political
problems in the country.
Lee Russell, Chairman of North County Economic Development
Pat McVean introduced Lee, who is her local host. Lee said that a group of people in the area felt
there was a need to address the issue of economic development, and explained how NCED was
formed and Pat's role in a sisting the group.
Melinda Anderson, Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCorps, South Umpqua Valley Economic
Development, Myrtle Creek
Melinda is working with SUVED in south Douglas County to improve the economy of Myrtle
Creek, Tri-City, Canyonville and Riddle. SUVED was formed five years ago, and they are now
at a point where they need a full-time staff person. Melinda writes a bi-weekly column for the
local paper regarding SUVED's activities. She organized an open house early in her service to
encourage public participation. SUVED recently started a series of seminars to assist small
businesses in the area.
Zetta McDaniel, VISTA, Florence Area Council on Transportation
Zetta came to the Florence Area Council on Transportation with organization and community
networking skills. Florence is isolated and the Council is collaborating to make it self-sustaining.
Zetta does grant writing for them. They are planning with the City and various agencies to
expand services to Dunes City and Mapleton.
Betsy Howell, recently returned Peace Corps, Argentina; currently with Forest Service in
Powers
Betsy was a Peace Corps volunteer in Argentina, where there were no volunteers. She was part of
the first group of 16 to start in the country; a second group of 15 started before they pulled the
plug. Betsy was in wildlife research working with foresters, and began at the end of 1993
working on a project funded for three years to research the mountain lion. As a result of her
work, Argentinians have taken over the research project.
Brad Pearce, Southwest Oregon RC&D AmeriCorps, Coos County
Brad first showed a video of the Coos and Coquille Watershed Associations that was created to let
legislators know what is going on in Coos County--successes, funding, etc. Brad has worked with
landowners on 25 miles of the watersheds to get their agreement for riparian repair.
Dave Morris, Southwest Oregon RC&D, Curry County
Dave is working with Curry County watershed councils. He has done a lot of grantwriting and
explained GWEB and SWMG and the process. He has worked on Floras Creek, Elk-Sixes, Port
Orford and Chetco Watershed Councils. He has written a grant for $107,000. He explained the
Hire the Fisherman Program and the grant request written for $325,000. He said there is $2.2
million available to Oregon to be disbursed throughout eight counties.
Darcy Hannibal, RECD AmeriCorps, Farm Services Agency, Coquille
Darcy is working on community and economic development projects in Coquille. She spends a lot
time researching grants and putting together grant lists. She has been working with Kitty Gale in
the City of Powers on a sewer and water project, working with the City of Port Orford on a
comprehensive plan to get funding, and has finished a proposal for RSVP to support an elder
youth program. The other half of her job is outreach for Farm Services on home repairs.
Katie Redmon, recently returned Peace Corps, Central African Republic; University of
Oregon RARE, Sweet Home
Katie works on Resource Assistance for Rural Environments in Sweet Home doing downtown
revitalization and community development. They have received a grant from RECD for a flexible
manufacturing facility to help small businesses develop without relocating. Also working with
Sweet Home economic development group, which is sponsoring a three-day country music festival
to raise funds. She also works with the Chamber of Commerce. Katie was a Peace Corps
volunteer in the Central Africal Republic, and returned in June 1994.
Sharon and Tom Morris, Peace Corps volunteers in Thailand in 1965 (Dave Morris' parents)
Tom worked in malaria control, while Sharon was in village health and sanitation. There were
300 volunteers in Thailand at that time, who received intensive language and technical training in
Hawaii for six weeks. Sharon now runs a community health clinic for low-income individuals in
Grants Pass. Tom is a doctor in Grants Pass, and volunteers time for Sharon's clinic. They were
very impressed by the presentations throughout the day, and praised the work that everyone is
doing. They said when they were volunteers, it took the first year to figure out what you were
doing. They feel the group is accomplishing amazing things in such a short time.
Arlene Tugel, Community Assistance, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Portland
Arlene thanked the group for the presentations. She enjoyed listening to all the wonderful service
done previously and being done now.
TEAM MEETING
Friday, November 11, 1994
RC&D Office, Grants Pass
Enthos
R
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Gary Timm
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1.
Operating site name: Baker City, Oregon
2.
Program name: USDA/RECD AmeriCorps Rural Development Team
3.
Corporation grantee name: U.S. Department of Agriculture
4.
Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
0 First Quarter
0 Second Quarter
0 Third Quarter
0 Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5.
On what date did your AmeriCorps Member begin service or training?
September 30, 1994
6.
Indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members at this site that
were enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative
service hours completed by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the
reporting quarter.
Number of Members
Total Cumulative Service Hours
Full-time Members:
1
909
Part-time Members:
0
7.
Please provide estimates of the following:
a)
Total hours of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
N/A
b)
Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
N/A
1
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Gary Timm
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter:
In addition to the progress achieved in the objectives, the Member has accomplished the
following:
*
The Member has taken a leadership role in bringing together government agencies,
non-profit organizations, and community activists. The Member continues to work with
the NORHOPP partnership to design and develop a project that will not only be successful
this year but that will become an annual event that can continue by means of the agency
partnership created.
*
The Member used the Section 504 Program eligibility requirements as a mold for
NORHOPP eligibility requirements. This is meant as a strategy to find more qualified
applicants for the Section 504 Program because people that apply for NORHOPP will
most likely qualify for getting their homes repaired through the Section 504 Program.
*
The Member helped compile a Farmer Program Resource List for Oregon. It includes
professional contacts from the farming community and local residents that have the
potential of being future borrowers for Farmer Program Beginning Farmer loans, SDA
loans, and/or Youth loans. The resource list was distributed to State Office Farmer
Program personnel and the County Supervisors and District Directors in the field. The
County Supervisors and District Directors have been encouraged to make follow-up
contact with the professionals and personal contact with each of the potential applicants
identified.
Unique successes or "great stories":
The Member had explained to the AmeriCorps Regional Facilitator the nature of the NORHOPP
project and the need for volunteers to help paint the homes of low-income senior and disabled
citizens. The Regional Facilitator was aware of another AmeriCorps Program based out of
San Diego, California called the National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) that could provide
the manpower to help with the pre-painting work in this project. The Regional Facilitator helped
the Program Director of NCCC to get in touch with the Member and they are exploring the
possibility of a group of AmeriCorps NCCC Members coming out to Oregon and doing the pre-
painting work during the weekdays so that the houses can be ready to be painted by community
volunteers on the weekend. This joint project has promise of being educational and inspiring to
the Members of both of these AmeriCorps Programs.
2
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Gary Timm
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
Objective 1: Section 504 Rural Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program
Contact members of the community in order to increase knowledge in the community on
availability of loans and grants for rural housing repairs. At least 5 Section 504 loans and/or
grants are submitted for approval.
Progress:
The Member has met with over 25 groups and has contacted over 60 people in 5 cities in Baker
County regarding the RECD Section 504 Program. At the end of the second quarter,
8 applications have been received out of which 1 has been approved and 4 are still being
processed.
Objective 2: Historic Baker City Downtown Revitalization Project
The Member will assist the Historic Baker City, Inc. to implement the initial phases of a
downtown revitalization project, by working with the local building inspector to draft a second
story development handbook, that follows current state and federal codes and clarifies for
property owners issues of concern, researching and developing a list of technical and monetary
resources that may be used in the project, and networking with property owners to identify
4 potential pilot projects-at least 2 of which should be multi-family spaces.
Progress:
The Member has continued to monitor three upper story housing projects and is working with
building and/or business owners interested in developing their upper story for business expansion,
housing, or storage. In addition to continued work on the Upper Story Handbook, the Member is
investigating funding for the project. One option the Member is exploring is to establish an
Intermediary Relending Program through RECD for Historic Baker City, Inc.
3
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Gary Timm
Objective 3: Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Organized Paint Project (NORHOPP)
The AmeriCorps Member in Baker City, in conjunction with the AmeriCorps Member in
La Grande, will form a partnership with Community Connection, Adult and Family Services,
Senior and Disabled Services, and the Oregon State Volunteer Program for the purpose of
organizing a community event of painting homes of community members that are financially or
physically unable to do so such as low-income seniors and disabled citizens. To work with the
NORHOPP partners to obtain paint and materials, develop information materials, application
packets, and eligibility requirements. The Member will work with local service organizations to
form multiple work teams of at least 10 volunteers each to help paint the homes and to find local
businesses to help sponsor these teams. Work teams will paint the homes at least 12 northeast
Oregon low-income seniors and/or disabled citizens.
Progress:
The Member has been successful in developing the agency partnership, designing project material,
and acquiring over 100 gallons of paint. The Member is currently preparing for the third
NORHOPP meeting in which the group will be developing project flyers and assigning
responsibilities, such as identifying service team sponsors, volunteer recruitment, and material
donations. NORHOPP is scheduled to begin painting in late June.
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter:
The Member has been successful at explaining the AmeriCorps Program to members of the
community. However, now that the community sees how the Member could help, the Member is
being showered with project ideas and requests for his help. The Member is trying to stay
focused on the mission of improving rural housing and has had to respectfully decline taking on
additional projects.
National Identity Activities this Quarter:
The Member attended a 5-day AmeriCorps Rural Development Training in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Member had a phone interview with The Chronicle, a publication of Lewis & Clark College
in Portland, Oregon. The overall purpose of the interview was to get the Member's impression of
AmeriCorps. The publication is distributed world-wide to students, faculty, and alumni. A copy
will be available at a later date.
The Member completed CPR training.
4
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Gary Timm
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter:
None
Additional documentation enclosed:
Item 1 is an article from Hells Canyon Journal, January 11, 1995.
Item 2 is an article from The Record-Courier, January 12, 1995.
Item 3 are some draft information materials developed by the Member for NORHOPP.
5
Halfw
January 11, 1995
Volume 13, Number 2
Housing Improvement
Funds Available
The Rural Economic and Community Agency,
formerly Farmers Home Administration, has funds
available for eligible very-low income applicants to
make home improvements.
The objective of the Section 504 loan/grant pro-
gram is to help eligible very low income, owner-
occupants repair single family homes in rural
areas.
The interest rate for the loan program is one
percent and can be amortized over 20 years. Grants
will be made to eligible applicants unable to repay
a 504 loan, and are 62 years or older, to remove
health and safety hazards.
More information is available by calling the
Baker County office at 523-7128, or visiting the
office at 3900 Midway Drive.
The Record- Conrier
12 PAGES
TWO SECTIONS
35a
Covering All Communities of the Big Country
A VOICE OF THE HELLS CANYON COUNTRY FOR OVER 60 YEARS
Area Edition
VOLUME 16. NUMBER 2
BAKER
CITY.
BAKER
COUNTY,
ORIGON,
THURSDAY.
-
F
1988,
(USPS
-
RECORD ESTABL ISHED AT HAINES 1801
Gary will be bringing two dif-
ferent programs to the area
working out of the Rural
Americorps Comes
Economic Development office.
The first is the 504 Rural Hous-
To County Area
ing program. This is the section
loans or to further his education.
Americorps is the new na-
of the housing code that pro-
The basic mission of
tional service initiative signed
vides for home improvement re-
Americorps contains four com-
into law by President Clinton.
pair grantsand loans for seniors
ponents: getting things done,
The program is designed to be
and very low income home own-
strengthening communities, en-
locally driven, offering re-
ers. Gary will begin contacting
couraging responsibility and ex-
sources to communities to de-
the mayors and community
panding opportunity. These four
sign and implement their own
leaders in Baker and Grant
compoments apply equally to
solutions. The Americorps Na-
counties this month to set up
the individual volunteer as well
tional Service Network cur-
dates for Community Meetings
as the communities involved
rently consists of over 350 differ-
to explain in a town hall setting
This is truly one of the few
ent programs across the nation.
how the program works and to
government initiatives that
One of these programs is about
obtain cinput into how
merits our involvement as cit-
to be initiated here in Baker and
Americorps can best help all
zens to make a difference in our
Grant counties by a local resi-
communities.
own back yard, he noted. The
dent, Gary Timm.
The second, and possibly the
fact that it is controlled on a
Gary is a 1989 graduate of
most ambitious program is in
local level and not set down in
Baker High School and a 1993
conjunction with Historic Baker
a book of regulations gives
graduate of Lewis and Clark
City, Inc. on a four step plan to
Baker and Grant counties. a
College where he majored in
bring affordable housing into
means of identifying and solving
political science. In addition to
the downtown area. By utilizing
the problems that we feel need
his studies at the university,
the upper floors of the buildings
to be addressed, he added.
Gary became involved with a
in the downtown area, a more
group of student volunteers
active and vital downtown can
known as "Fearless Leaders",
be achieved. The Record-
who worked with learning dis-
Courier will continue to report
abled children. His first assign-
on this program as it develops.
ment after college was working
It is important to note that
as a campaign manager for
while Gary is located in the
Aniteo (Anitra) Rasmussen's
Baker County Rural Economic
successful bid for a House seat
and Community Development
in District 11.
office, Americorps is not a fed-
With the elections over, Gary
eral; state or county agency.
weighed the options of continu-
Gary receives a minimal living
ing to work in the political arena
stipend of $7,500.00 per year
in Salem and decided he wanted
and at the end of his one or two
to come back home to Baker City
year contract will receive an
and gain additional working ex-
award of up to $4,725.00 for each
perience. He became interested
year of service to apply to college
in Americorps after considering
the various other ways to put
his education to the best use for
himself and others. Both the
Peace Corps and VISTA pre-
sented challenges that were ap-
pealing to Gary, but Americorps
offered the real possibility of
coming back to his home town
community and making a differ-
NORHPP
Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Paint Project
serving Baker, Grant, Union, and Wallowa Counties
"Come Paint With Us!"
PROJECT ADVISORY GROUP
Mittie Dean
Community Connections of NE Oregon
963-3168, fax 963-3187
Eva McClune
Community Connections of NE Oregon
963-3186, fax 963-3187
Sherry Schaer
Community Connections of Ne Oregon
523-6591, fax 523-6592
Mary Carpenter
Community Connections of NE Oregon
523-6591, fax 523-6592
Jong-kook-Han
Rural Economic and Community Development
963-3035, fax 962-1022
Gary Timm
Rural Economic and Community Development
523-7128, fax 523-2184
Denny Fryrear:
Senior and Disabled Services
963-7276
Libby Alexander:
Senior and Disabled Services
523-5846
Paul Conway:
Adult and Family Services
523-3648
Gerry Bogart:
Adult and Family Services
523-3648
The NORHPP Advisory Group consist of people from both Baker and Union Counties. The group will be
responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of the Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Paint
Project. Rotating locations from Baker to LaGrande, the group will meet monthly. Additional information is
available by calling either Mittie Dean, or Jong-kook-Han in LaGrande, or Gary Timm in Baker City.
Amer Corps Rural Development Specialist 01
NORHPP
Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Paint Project
serving Baker, Grant, Union, and Wallowa Counties
"Come Paint With Us!"
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
County Involvement: Baker, Grant, Union, Wallowa
Service Target: Eligible, seniors and/or disabled citizens who need the assistance of a 'Service Team'.
Service Goal: Bring community members, organizations, and agencies together for paint project.
Service Team: Each 'Service Team', sponsored by a local business(s), will have (10) local citizens.
Service Organizations: Chamber, VFW, Elks, Lions, AmeriCorps, Senior Center, Churches, Schools,
Downtown Business Association, and local, State, Federal agencies. (sample)
Community Sponsors: Ace Hardware, Big 'V' Department Store, Art Craft Paint, Coast to Coast,
area contractors, real estate groups, banks, and utilities. (sample)
Accomplishment: Assist those in need, bring the communities together to promote community
service, and develop a program that becomes an annual, spring, community clean-up event.
Amer Corps Rural Development Specialist 02
NORHPP
Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Paint Project
serving Baker, Grant, Union, and Wallowa Counties
"Come Paint With Us!"
ELIGIBILITY BEQUIREMENTS
You may be eligible for the Northeast Oregon Rural Housing Paint Project if you meet the following
requirements.
1. Be a citizen of the United States
2. Be an owner of, and live in, the home listed on the application
3. Be a least 62 years young
4. Be unable to obtain necessary credit from conventional sources
5. Live in the home at least (3) years following Painting
6. Participate in, or contribute to, the painting project
7. Ajusted Income limits: (1) person $11,150, (2) person $12,750, (3) person $14,350 per year after taxes
ABJUSTED GROSS INCOME
1. Gross household income (all wages, pensions, interest, social security, public assistance, etc.)
$
2. Subtract $480 for each minor child (under 18 years) in the household.
$
3. Subtract $480 for each child (over 18 years) who is disabled, handicapped, or student. $
4. Subtract any medical expenses over 3% of your annual income
$
5. ADJUSTED GROSS HOUSEHOLD INCOME (1 minus 2, 3,4)
$
Amer Korps Rural Development Specialist 03
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Jong-Kook Han
Corporation for National Service
Operating Site Quarterly Report
1.
Operating site name: La Grande, Oregon
2.
Program name: USDA/RECD AmeriCorps Rural Development Team
3.
Corporation grantee name: U.S. Department of Agriculture
4.
Mark the reporting quarter to which this form applies:
0 First Quarter
0 Second Quarter
0 Third Quarter
0 Fourth Quarter
(10/1-12/31)
(1/1-3/31)
(4/1-6/30)
(7/1-9/30)
5.
On what date did your AmeriCorps Member begin service or training?
September 30, 1994
6.
Indicate (a) the number of full and part-time AmeriCorps Members at this site that
were enrolled as of the last day of the reporting quarter and (b) the total cumulative
service hours completed by the AmeriCorps Members as of the last day of the
reporting quarter.
Number of Members
Total Cumulative Service Hours
Full-time Members:
1
917.5
Part-time Members:
0
7.
Please provide estimates of the following:
a)
Total hours of non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers
who were involved in AmeriCorps service activities:
N/A
b)
Total hours of AmeriCorps service activities completed
by non-AmeriCorps Member volunteers:
N/A
1
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Jong-Kook Han
Primary Accomplishments this Quarter:
In addition to the progress achieved in the objectives, the Member has accomplished the
following:
*
The Member performed outreach in Union County for the RECD Section 504 Program by
attending a town hall meeting and educating the town council and the public, as well as by
contacting two local ministers, the chairman of the ministerial association, and over
twelve case workers at the Senior and Disabled Service Division. As a result of this
outreach, the Member assisted 7 people to apply, of which one has been approved and 4
are being processed.
The Member contacted the city manager of Elgin about developing and promoting the use
of the Rural Development Information Net through the Internet in an attempt to bring
other Union County rural communities together by sharing information and discussing
rural development and community survival issues.
The Member is collaborating with the AmeriCorps Member in Baker City for the purpose
of organizing a community event of painting homes of at least 12 low-income senior and
disabled citizens. The Member is involving state agencies and local non-profit
organizations to assist in the implementation of the plan.
*
The Member helped compile a Farmer Program Resource List for Oregon. It includes
professional contacts from the farming community and local residents that have the
potential of being future borrowers for Farmer Program Beginning Farmer loans, SDA
loans, and/or Youth loans. The resource list was distributed to State Office Farmer
Program personnel and the County Supervisors and District Directors in the field. The
County Supervisors and District Directors have been encouraged to make follow-up
contact with the professionals and personal contact with each of the potential applicants
identified.
Unique successes or "great stories":
The Member was concerned about the sense of disunity felt by all the USDA agencies co-located
with RECD at the County Building were feeling. Even though these agencies are only a wall
apart, they seldom associate with each other. The Member came up with the idea of forming a
community softball league that would include employees from RECD, Natural Resource
Conservation Service, Consolidated Farm Services Agency, Oregon Extension Service, and
Forrest Service's Fish & Wildlife Division. The Member located a local business that was willing
to sponsor the team for the summertime games by paying for the registration fee and providing
them uniforms.
2
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Jong-Kook Han
Summary of Progress this Reporting Quarter Toward Accomplishing Annual Objectives:
Objective 1: City of Elgin Housing Preservation Grant
To assist HELP, Inc. to verify eligibility of selected recipients, determine preservation needs,
identify environmental effects, perform the work, and monitor/inspect the work performance. To
assist the candidates of the Housing Preservation Grant in the application process for FmHA's
Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants.
Progress:
The Member facilitated the award of eleven bids to housing contractors, and SO far five homes are
completed and the remaining six are in the process. The Member assisted two recipients of the
Housing Preservation Grant in applying for RECD Section 504 loans and grants and both of them
received a $5,000 grant. The Member will continue to monitor the construction progress.
Objective 2: Self Help Technical Assistance Grant
To assist a non-profit organization to apply for FmHA's Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant to
develop home sites to be sold to applicants on a non-profit basis. The member will contact
applicants that were eligible for FmHA Home Ownership loans, but were not approved because of
a reduction in FmHA funds for this program, to encourage them to apply for a self-help housing
loan.
Progress:
The Member met with the mayor of Joseph and discussed the Self-Help Technical Assistance
Grant. The Member encouraged Community Connection to begin compiling information for the
grant proposal, and as a result, they posted a public announcement in the local newspaper
advising the public of the intended self-help housing project application. Assisted in identifying
possible housing construction sites by soliciting information from the city planner of La Grande
for both current and future residential zones.
Primary Challenges Encountered this Quarter:
The Member is frustrated with the progress of the self-help grant proposal. The Member feels
that Community Connection may not have the leadership and technical skills to administer the
grant.
3
Operating Site ID #: 94ADFDC010
AmeriCorps Member: Jong-Kook Han
National Identity Activities this Quarter:
The Member attended a 5-day AmeriCorps Rural Development Training in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Member has taken an active interest in becoming an integral part of the community. The
Member is a clarinet player on the La Grande Community Band and will be performing in a
concert for the community in April. The Member wears his AmeriCorps pin for band rehearsals
and has intentions to wear it in the upcoming concert with the intention of making the community
aware of another one of the many roles that AmeriCorps plays in the community.
The Member completed CPR training.
Changes in Program Organization or Key Staff Positions during this Quarter:
None
Additional documentation enclosed:
Item 1 is an article from The Observer, January 31, 1995.
Item 2 is an article from The Wallowa County Chieftain, February 1, 1995.
Item 3 is a set of "before and after" photographs of a home that was repaired under the City of
Elgin Housing Preservation Grant.
4
The Observer, La Grande, Oregon, Tuesday, January, 31, 1995
AmeriCorps lends energy to agency endeavors Page
Coos Bay native earns
Troendle said Han is a quick
Han, a 1991 graduate of Oregon
study and has exceptional commu-
State University, may use the
cash, education grants
nication skills.
grant he is earning to attend grad-
Han said his job has been satis-
uate school. He has no college loan
by helping low-income
fying because it has given him the
debts.
chance to help the less fortunate.
folks find home loans
Han is one of eight USDA Rural
"Some of the people we've
Economic and Community
worked with now don't have to live
Development volunteers in
By Dick Mason
in constant fear that their roof will
Northeast Oregon. The others are
Observer Staff Writer
cave in some day," said Han, who
in Ontario, Baker City and
He once restored forests in
grew up in Coos Bay.
Pendleton. There are now 20,000
Kenya and is now helping people
He is working on a project in
AmeriCorps workers across in the
rebuild homes in Northeast
Elgin in which 11 homes are being
nation.
Oregon.
restored.
Han, a Corvallis resident, began
Meet Jong-Kook Han, an
Han's college degree is in
his AmeriCorps service on Sept. 30.
AmeriCorps "volunteer" based in
forestry, but he is now interested in
He will be in La Grande through
La Grande. AmeriCorps is
pursuing a career as a rural devel-
July.
President Bill Clinton's national
opment specialist.
He said it would have been diffi-
In addition to rural development
service program.
Han is a rural development advi-
cult to obtain experience in this
programs, AmeriCorps volunteers
sor for USDA Rural Economic and
are involved in government anti-
field if not for AmeriCorps.
Community Development, formerly
This is Han's second stint as a
hunger, nutrition, public lands and
known as the Farmers Home
public service worker. From 1991 to
environment programs.
Administration.
1993 he served as a Peace Corps
The AmeriCorps program was
In Northeast Oregon he helps
volunteer in Kenya. He was an
thrust into the national spotlight a
low-income people obtain grants
agri-forestry agent, working on
week ago when Clinton saluted
and loans through the government
reforestation and conservation pro-
four AmeriCorps workers during
for things such as home restora-
jects. He also taught new farming
his State of the Union address.
tion, furnaces, septic tanks and
techniques.
They sat with first lady Hillary
weatherization.
Han receives a stipend of $1,000
Clinton.
"He has helped a lot with com-
a month and health insurance as
The first AmeriCorps workers
munity outreach. We have been
an AmeriCorps volunteer.
began their public service in
able to serve more people in less
AmeriCorps workers also earn
September. Any American age 17
time because of him," said Steve
education grants that can be used
or older can participate.
Troendle, county supervisor for
for college loan forgiveness or to
Additional information on
Rural Economic and Community
cover tuition. They receive a grant
AmeriCorps can be obtained by
of
calling 1-800-880-4183
THERICORPS
NATIONAL
SEAL
GETTING THINGS OONE
Wallowa County
Out
County Edition
Chieftain
Volume 111, No. 39
Thursday, February 1, 1995
20 Pages
35c
USDA offers low interest loans
for home improvement projects
Is your house falling apart?
weatherization, plumbing, wir-
Is it drafty, does the roof leak, is
ing, foundations and lack of
the furnace on the fritz, or the
handicap accees all are prob-
plumbing bad? Help may be
lems that can be corrected
available through the United
through the program, Han said.
States Department of Agricul-
Carolyn Pfeaster of Wallowa
ture's Rural Development Pro-
County's Community Connec-
gram.
tion said her agency is aware of
The program, administered
many seniors who are need-
by volunteers in the national
lessly living in substandard
service organization Ameri-
conditions.
Corps, offers low interest loans
"There are a lot of elderly folks
and outright grants for home
who own their homes and have
improvements to families and
lived there forever. Things are
individuals with low incomes.
just falling apart on them, and
Those who qualify can ob-
they don't have the funds to
tain up to $5,000 in federal
repair them. And here we have
home improvement assistance,
grants available, money that
said Jong-Kook Han, the Ameri-
doesn't need to be paid back,"
Corp worker coordinating the
she said.
program in Union and Wallowa
AmeriCorps is a national
Counties.
service organization created
"The resources are there, but
by President Clinton. The USDA
the problem is, most people
Rural Development Program is
don't know about them," Han
charged with a wide range of
said. "Part of my job is to make
tasks, from improving rural
people aware."
housing, to developing commu-
Han said outright grants or
nity leadership to boosting
combination grants and loans
sustainable agriculture.
are available to seniors with low
Pfeaster said Steve Troen-
incomes. Grant applicants must
del, a USDA representive, will
be 62 years and older.
be in Enterprise the first and
But the program isn't lim-
third Wednesday of each month
ited to seniors. Low income
to meet with applicants. His
families living in homes with
office is in the post office build-
health or safety hazards may
ing in Enterprise.
qualiify for low-interest repair
Those desiring more infor-
loans. The interest rate on a 20-
mation should contact the
year loan is one-percent; per-
USDA's Rural Economic and
sons taking out loans agree not
Community Development office,
to sell their house for a period of
10507 N. McAlister Rd., La
three years after the repairs are
Grande OR., 97850-3035, phone
made.
(503) 963-3035, or call Pfeas-
Poor roofing, insulation,
ter, 426-3840.
ITEM 3
City of Elgin Housing Preservation Grant
BEFORE
AFTER