Serving those who served us, as well as engaging the talents of our veterans and military families is a strategic priority for the Corporation for National and Community Service.
On any given day, there are nearly 50 different grantee organizations, hundreds of projects and initiatives, and more than 4,000 CNCS empowered individuals engaged in service that benefits our military family and veteran community.
As we pursue our goals, we are guided by the following principles:
More than 16,000 veterans have served in AmeriCorps since its inception helping other veterans and military families access benefits and services; obtain job training and conduct job searching; provide safe and affordable housing; and mentor and tutor children of service members.
More than 500 Senior Corpsprojects and 8,000 volunteers serve at Veterans Affairs facilities every year, assisting elderly and disabled veterans, helping military retirees acclimate to life after service, and providing transportation to those in need of medical treatment.
AmeriCorps NCCC has supported more than 50,000 veterans through special service projects, special events and disaster relief/recovery. More than 2,000 veterans received the support of relief services in the Gulf after hurricane Katrina.
This year, as a part of our Strategic Plan, the Corporation has committed to increasing its focus and efforts for our veterans and military families. In addition, we are increasing our investment and partnerships with other federal, state, local, and non-profits from coast to coast.
If you are a wounded warrior, veteran or military spouse interested in the benefits of National Service, apply here. If you are a non-profit or state entity who would like to learn more about our competitive grants, apply here. If you are looking for community service opportunities in your neighborhood to help Veterans and Military families, please visit www.serve.gov.
After defending our country in locations all around the world, many veterans find more battles await them when they return home. A new initiative was announced today to support and ease the reintegration of returning service members, veterans, and their families as they search for jobs and support services.
In the spring of 2011, a Marine stood on the porch steps of his new home in Annapolis, MD. He was not thinking about the beautiful row house that he would now share with his wife and four children, but was looking down at the porch that he helped build with his own hands. He was contemplating his spirit of service with a renewed vigor and hope.
Paul Reickhoff, president and CEO of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, has an idea about a great, untapped American resource. He believes national service models based on AmeriCorps to harness and leverage the skills of military veterans and can “help people think about us as the cavalry, not as a problem."
As we celebrate the 4th of July, we celebrate our patriotism and the millions who have shown their love of country by wearing the uniform. There are a few Veterans among us -- 16,000 so far -- who came home and volunteered for a second time and served their communities though AmeriCorps.