See our right-hand column for announcements and news briefs. Scroll down the right-hand column to access the Archives -- links to articles posted in the main column since 2007. See details about our site, including a way to comment, in the yellow text above the Archives.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Levin, Stabenow announce seven Michigan programs to receive AmeriCorps support

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sens. Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow announced on May 26 that seven Michigan organizations will receive support for AmeriCorps projects in communities across the state. More than 500 AmeriCorps members will be able to work on projects ranging from education to environmental maintenance to assistance for the homeless.

"Young people want to serve their communities, their state and the nation, and these AmeriCorps projects will give them resources and opportunities to contribute greatly in Michigan," Levin said. "These projects will put AmeriCorps members to work meeting pressing local needs and strengthening our communities."

Sen. Stabenow added AmeriCorps provides work that benefits many communities and individuals across Michigan.

"These AmeriCorps projects provide a great way to help Michigan communities in need, while also promoting service to our youth," Stabenow said.

The grants are made possible by the 2009 Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which greatly expanded the AmeriCorps program. In addition to funding for the projects, AmeriCorps members receive stipends and, upon completion of a year of service, an education grant which can be used for college or for payment of student loan debt.

The federal grants cover part of the costs, while the local organizations also provide funding.

Locally the BHK Child Development Board will receive $586,500 to fund 46 AmeriCorps positions. Members will provide academic support services to high-risk preschool through high school students.

Other groups receiving support for AmeriCorps are the following:

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, statewide, will receive $274,721 to fund 23 positions. Members will serve as housing and services liaisons providing outreach and assistance to the homeless.

Huron Pines near Grayling, a not-for-profit conservation organization in Northeast Michigan, will receive $134,192 for 12 positions. AmeriCorps workers will provide conservation efforts and environmental education. Huron Pines works to achieve its mission through projects such as river restoration, watershed management, conservation leadership and land stewardship.

The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan will use $272,307 to fund 20 positions statewide. Members will serve at nonprofit foreclosure prevention agencies.

City Year Detroit will fund 71 positions with their grant of $888,069 for AmeriCorps members to provide small group and one-on-one tutoring to students in grades 3-9 at low performing schools.

The American Red Cross of Greater Grand Rapids will receive $449,822 for 34 positions. Members will provide disaster training and education to citizens and Red Cross volunteers across Western Michigan.

The Michigan Nonprofit Association will support 300 positions statewide with a grant of $48,000 to help AmeriCorps members provide community service to K-12 schools, community nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

No comments: