November 26, 2010

This week, Nevada Volunteers so proudly shared a tremendous AmeriCorps member’s story with you. It is our goal to continue to showcase inspiring and successful AmeriCorps stories with you this holiday season so that you can see why we are so proud and thankful for each AmeriCorps member and each AmeriCorps program in Nevada.

Some of you might be wondering, what is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides Americans of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with unique opportunities to offer intensive full and part-time service in their communities.

What do AmeriCorps members exactly do?
AmeriCorps members help grassroots organizations to meet education, environmental, public safety and other human needs. AmeriCorps members gain new skills and experiences — and find the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

In addition, full-time members (1700 hours) who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $5,350 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans; members who serve part-time receive a partial award. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service. (more…)

Amass For AmeriCorps!

This holiday season, Nevada Volunteers is launching “Amass for AmeriCorps” to share inspirational stories of AmeriCorps members and their service we are so thankful for.

Meet Melanie Christiansen, AmeriCorps member with the United Way of Southern Nevada. Melanie spent the last twelve months as the Homeless Outreach Coordinator at Central Christian Church in Henderson, Nevada.

“Deep in my heart I know that serving homeless people has become my passion. I’ve forged strong and supportive relationships with men, women and children who have lost their homes. Through AmeriCorps, I have witnessed a little bit of my city change for the better. I’ve witnessed homeless people begin to put their lives back together. I’ve witnessed myself learn compassion. AmeriCorps has changed my life.”