FRANKFORT -- Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed May 11-18 AmeriCorps Week in Kentucky. As part of the annual observance, AmeriCorps programs across Kentucky will sponsor special events to promote community service.

In Kentucky, AmeriCorps is administered by the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Last year, AmeriCorps members recruited and supervised more than 6,200 community volunteers in Kentucky, demonstrating the program's value as a force multiplier.

Since the Kentucky AmeriCorps program was launched in 1994, more than 3,800 Kentuckians have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to "get things done for America," serving in excess of 6 million hours to improve the lives of vulnerable citizens, strengthen the education system, protect the environment and enhance public safety.

Eileen Cackowski, KCCVS executive director, said AmeriCorps members make lasting contributions to the people and communities they serve.

"AmeriCorps members deserve the recognition of AmeriCorps Week to make more people aware of the good work they do and to promote the opportunities AmeriCorps offers to members," Cackowski said.

AmeriCorps members may serve one or two years. Upon completion of their service, members are eligible for an education award of $4,725 that can be used to pay back student loans or cover tuition costs. Kentucky AmeriCorps members have received more than $13 million in education awards since the program began.

For more information about Kentucky's AmeriCorps programs, call toll-free (800) 239-7404 or visit the KCCVS Web.

Local AmeriCorps Week Events Planned

Several AmeriCorps programs are hosting special events during National AmeriCorps Week, including:

The Learning Corps, based in Owensboro, will help prepare for the grand opening of the Glasgow/Barren County Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which sells new, gently used and salvaged merchandise to raise money for the local Habitat chapter.

SERV Corps, based in Richmond, will assist with the Lincoln 200th Birthday Book Buddy Program by recruiting and training older elementary students to become reading coaches for younger students. Texts for the program focus on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

Members of the Jefferson County Public Schools Every 1 Reads AmeriCorps program will staff Bardstown's Camp Crooked Creek, a day program for special needs students sponsored by Scouting Unlimited. Members will supervise campers in activities including archery, fishing, boating and crafts.

The Louisville Metro AmeriCorps will conduct Neighborhood Block Sweeps, a project aimed to clean up neighborhood alleys and streets.

AmeriCorps members from five programs will be working on Habitat for Humanity building projects. Participating programs include Prevent. Prepare. Respond.; Morehead State University Corps; Family Resource and Youth Service Center Corps; SUCCESS Corps and Getting Things Done for Kentucky's Homeless. Projects will take place in Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville and Rowan, Madison and Pike counties.

###