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Tuesday, May 13, 2008 |
Contact: Suzette Foster |
Indianapolis, IN - Indiana this week will join the rest of the country in celebrating the service of AmeriCorps members during the 2nd Annual National AmeriCorps Week, May 11-18, 2008. During this time local communities will spotlight the vital work done by AmeriCorps members since the national service program began 15 years ago. “We are proud to be part of AmeriCorps and grateful for the AmeriCorps members who are getting things done,” said Ike Randolph, executive director of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, (OFBCI). “AmeriCorps members have made a tremendous impact in our state as they embody the spirit of Hoosiers helping Hoosiers”. Since 1994, more than 540,000 men and women have joined AmeriCorps, and have given more than 705 million hours of service to their country. AmeriCorps works through existing organizations, helping them reach more people and better achieve their mission. In Indiana, more than 31,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through 79 national service projects across the state; according to the Corporation for National & Community Service, (CNCS) the nation’s largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. This year, CNCS will commit more than $10,600,000 to support Indiana communities through its three national service initiatives of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and Learn and Serve America. AmeriCorps provides more than 640 members the opportunity to engage in intensive, results-driven service to meet the educational, environmental, public safety, and other pressing needs in communities across Indiana. The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is responsible for roughly three-quarters of all AmeriCorps grant funding, and in turns awards those grants to nonprofit groups to respond to local needs. “AmeriCorps benefits everyone by providing professional growth experiences for partner agencies and members. What can you do to serve Indiana? Join AmeriCorps!” said Debbie Anderson, National Service Program Officer with OFBCI. Many AmeriCorps members remain actively engaged in their communities once their service is complete. They not only can be counted on as volunteers, but they also run nonprofits, marshal resources within their communities to address difficult issues, and many pursue public service careers.
To celebrate the AmeriCorps week, Governor Mitch Daniels has signed a proclamation honoring the work of the members in the state. In his proclamation Governor Daniels reaffirmed the effectiveness of AmeriCorps in engaging Americans of all ages and backgrounds in meeting needs and promoting an ethic of service and volunteering. To further honor AmeriCorps members, Martin J. Moore of the Moore Foundation has donated tickets to the Indianapolis Indians home game on Friday May 16, 2008 as they host the Richmond Braves. In support of AmeriCorps Week, several of the programs are engaged in a number of service projects around the state. These events allow community residents to learn about, and participate in AmeriCorps programs. A brief summary of statewide events include: Red Cross AmeriCorps Program in Northern Indiana, Red Cross- St. Joseph County Chapter
AmeriCorps Improving Health Throughout Indiana (AIHTI), Indiana State Department of Health
Building a Healthy Community, Franklin College
United Way of Porter County, Porter County Partnership
Scott County Partnership
Sycamore Service Corps, Indiana State University
Contact information for each of the above programs is located at: http://www.in.gov/ofbci/2357.htm.
The Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives promotes service and volunteerism in the State of Indiana. Working together with other government agencies, AmeriCorps*State programs, volunteer centers, and faith-based and community organizations, the OFBCI helps Hoosiers to develop and implement solutions in their own communities. ### |
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VIEWED ON: Friday, May 08, 2009 | |
URL: http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/newsroom/states_news_detail.asp?tbl_pr_id=1039 |
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