SALISBURY, MD---From improving relationships between parents and youth to increasing grades, test scores and school attendance, AmeriCorps volunteers are an integral part of the local community.

ShoreCorps/PALS (Partnership for Adolescents on the Lower Shore), the AmeriCorps program administered by Salisbury University, joins other chapters throughout the nation in celebrating AmeriCorps Week from May 11-18.

Members of ShoreCorps/PALS begin celebrating early by sharing their AmeriCorps experiences with the youth at Salisbury Urban Ministries 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 7. The youth read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, while members lead a discussion about what helping others and serving the community means in relation to the book.

ShoreCorps/PALS members also distribute recruitment information during a free equine-assisted learning demonstration on the lawn of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Student Service Center 4 p.m. Monday, May 12.

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency with the mission to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

Since ShoreCorps/PALS began in 1995, it has sought to enforce positive behavior by helping reduce school drop-outs, increase parental involvement, reduce incidences of violent conflicts, increase conflict resolution skills, increase youth participation in community activities and provide disaster education training.

ShoreCorps/PALS’ 2007-08 service sites include Green Gate Farm, Wicomico Public Library, Kent and Talbot Family Support Centers, Worcester County Health Department, Fruitland Community Center, Salisbury Zoo, Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art at SU, Salisbury Urban Ministries, Telamon, Wicomico Mentoring Project, Salvation Army, Delmar Elementary School, Delmarva Education Foundation and Salisbury’s Promise.

Members serve as tutors and mentors, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, manage or operate after-school programs, build affordable homes, help communities respond to disasters and build organizational capacity.

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