America’s greatness comes from the extraordinary acts of ordinary citizens. From a pioneering group of 20,000 Americans who first raised their hands to serve, AmeriCorps has grown into a nationwide force for positive change. Today, millions of AmeriCorps participants have contributed billions of hours of results-driven service across all 50 states and U.S. territories, creating lasting impact in communities nationwide.
We celebrate the fact that an AmeriCorps NCCC team was able to work with both the Antietam Valley Long-Term Recovery Group and the Ida recovery part of SEPA VOAD. The group is sponsored by PAVOAD. You can meet the team members here.
Unfortunately, the AmeriCorps program was terminated before the team could complete their service with us. You can learn more about the status of the program here.
WFMZ-TV, Allentown produced this story about the team’s work in Berks County – https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/berks/americorps-volunteers-help-make-repairs-to-homes-damaged-by-2023-flash-floods/article_96d49632-043f-11f0-a21a-6f49faf824f3.html
WHYY-TV, Philadelphia, produced a story about the impact of the team’s early departure – https://whyy.org/articles/trump-americorps-cuts-delay-philadelphia-storm-recovery-projects/
CBS Philadelphia told the story of a volunteer whose life is now in limbo – https://serviceyear.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=49c4166fe2bebc8d1c51371ef&id=a5425cbcec&e=a48351ca15.
In May National VOAD awarded the AmeriCorps program the Partner of the Year Award for the impact that the program has had over the years. Here is Pennsylvania the NCCC Team impacted not only the survivors with whom they worked but the whole community.
Pictured is the NCCC team with Antietam Valley Long Term Recovery Group members and volunteers from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Birdsboro, who provided lunch.
How did AmeriCorps NCCC assist communities?
Example tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Disaster: recovery such as clearing/repairing homes after flooding or repairing trail systems after a wildfire; coordinating volunteers; packing/preparing/distributing disaster kits and educational materials; and other disaster preparedness or mitigation activities.
- Urban and Rural Development: affordable housing construction and improvement; blight removal and neighborhood revitalization; supporting youth development in school/afterschool/summer programs; assisting with tax preparation; and supporting food security.
- Energy Conservation: weatherizing homes; assisting with modifications to homes and public facilities.
- Infrastructure Improvement: constructing wheelchair ramps and boardwalks, improving public infrastructure such as fairgrounds, public campsites, picnic areas, and playgrounds; and enhancing public spaces.
- Environmental Stewardship and Conservation: trail construction; water and land management; increasing access to recreation; prescribed fire; and planting trees.
And much, much more…
Who are AmeriCorps NCCC teams?
AmeriCorps NCCC teams typically consist of 8-12 young adults aged 18-26, including a team leader. Members apply and are selected to serve from across the country and represent a wide variety of backgrounds/experience. During their 10 months of service, teams serve full time in communities on projects for typically 6-8 week timeframes although shorter periods are possible. AmeriCorps NCCC provides basic support for teams and requests partners provide a place to sleep and shower along with providing kitchen facilities or assistance with meals. Partners also provide project supplies and materials, technical support and direction, and a schedule of work.