Every year more than 70,000 Americans dedicate their services to helping others through the AmeriCorps, and Somerset County organizations have their share of members.

There are 11 members of AmeriCorps serving in the county this year, in fields such as education, public safety, health and environment.

“The continued addition of AmeriCorps positions enhances the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County by allowing us to continue expansion of our program offerings and to serve additional children,” said Susan Hankinson, chief professional officer of the club. “AmeriCorps staff members play a vital role in overall daily programming.”

AmeriCorps is a federal program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which was enacted by President Bill Clinton in 1993. The Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps, with headquarters in Ebensburg, represents members in Somerset County. The Mountain Service Corps serves 12 counties with more than 100 members.

Carol Overly, program manager for the Mountain Service Corps, said she thinks people are drawn to the organization for different reasons.

“One of the reasons people probably join is because of the education award. It helps people get out of debt they incurred when they went to college or enables them to go to college. You can earn up to two education awards and I think that’s a big draw,” she said.

After a significant U.S. catastrophe or significant job loss, more people will show interest in the program, Overly said.

“We did see a spike in interest after the attacks in 2001. I think more people were willing to sign up and give up a year or two to serve in a nonprofit,” she said. “Also in this area particularly, jobs are harder to come by. People love this area and want to stay here or want to make a life here. If you’re coming right out of college and want to stay in your hometown it’s a way to get behind the scenes and have more opportunities than going right into the workforce.”

Heidi Niebauer joined the AmeriCorps a few years after she graduated from college. She is participating in her second term of service, which is the maximum amount of time a citizen can serve.

Niebauer’s first term was with the Stonycreek-Quemahoning Initiative working with consultants and providing information about the white water park in Tire Hill. She is currently providing tours and giving information to guests about the Wagner-Ritter House through the Johnstown Area Heritage Association.

“Since it’s my second term I’ve gotten real world experience working with two nonprofits,” she said.

She said she wanted to join the program to volunteer her services while being provided with a stipend and try to make a difference in her community.

“I just want to help to improve the community and get more young people involved in activities and make this a better place to live,” Niebauer said.

Some AmeriCorps members can obtain careers from their services.

Holly Hause was an AmeriCorps member for the Boys & Girls Club of Somerset County and after four years she is the club’s program aide.

“I originally started as strictly a volunteer. After I met the women there they introduced me to the AmeriCorps, and I had never heard about it until that time,” she said. “I wanted to join the AmeriCorps because I wanted to work at the Boys & Girls Club, which at the time was staffed strictly by AmeriCorps members.”

Hause admits being an AmeriCorps member is a lot of work for little money, but a rewarding experience.

“What you get back from it is so much better than a paycheck. What I get out of it is so much bigger than they could ever give me,” she said.

Since its inception there have been more than 400,000 people who have provided assistance to residents across the nation through AmeriCorps, according to the organization’s Web site.

(Tiffany Wright may be contacted at tiffanyw@dailyamerican.com. Comment on the online story at dailyamerican.com.)

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