winnemucca Archives - Nevada Volunteers

Nevada Outdoor School teaches the way in Rural Nevada!

Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps Program

Nevada Outdoor School (NOS) inspires exploration of the natural world, responsible stewardship of our habitat and dedication to community. As one of two AmeriCorps programs in Rural Nevada, NOS partners with a variety of host agencies to place AmeriCorps members in direct service to the community meeting locally identified needs.

In the first quarter of NOS’s 2011-12 grant, AmeriCorps members have already accomplished a lot!

Engaged 203 volunteers who have served more than 705 hours in their communities

Taught 15 Red Cross programs

Served 1,267 individuals at a local soup kitchen

Delivers meals to 875 home bound seniors and served 1112 seniors lunch in a congregate setting

Began tutoring 37 youth in Lander County to improve math and reading skills.

Assisted 108 seniors in Humboldt county access services

Provided outreach at 2 community events concerning Domestic Violence touching then lives of 160 individuals.

Amount of 2011-2012 funding received through Nevada Volunteers: $154,720

Number of AmeriCorps members serving in rural Nevada: 17 members (more…)

MLK Day of Service in Rural Nevada!

Community Fair

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Community Fair

Red Cross Canvassing

This year in rural Nevada, 14 local AmeriCorps members from Nevada Outdoor School, planned a weekend of activities to give back in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

AmeriCorps members planned and hosted a local nonprofit community services fair to highlight and showcase the services offered in order to connect community members with those who provide essential services in the area. 18 nonprofits were in attendance, available to answer questions, and provide information to the attending community members.

Lisamarie Barnett, Nevada Outdoor School AmeriCorps member, described the nonprofit fair. “All the vendors showed up and were bustling around, arranging their tables and standing ready for the crowd. The representatives were all very outgoing and eager to answer questions and network with other organizations.”

After the nonprofit fair, AmeriCorps members organized eight additional volunteers to help the Red Cross canvass neighborhoods and inform residents about fire safety and preparedness. The outcome was excellent! 300 homes were canvassed in Elko, Nevada and 106 people came to the door and spoke with an AmeriCorps member or a volunteer. In Winnemucca, Nevada, the group canvassed a total of 200 homes and spoke with 52 people. (more…)

MLK Day 2011: A Day On, Not A Day Off

“Service above self will be the cornerstone of my administration as Governor,” Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval proclaimed. He joined approximately 70 AmeriCorps members bright and early in Las Vegas, Nevada on Martin Luther King Jr. Day morning to celebrate the Day of Service.

Partnering with Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, Nevada Volunteers’ AmeriCorps members gathered together to build three special homes in honor of the 25^th anniversary of the holiday recognizing one of America’s great heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. More than 40 years after his death, Dr. King’s example continues to guide Nevadans in addressing the state’s most critical issues.

The event in southern Nevada brought together AmeriCorps State members from Great Basin Institute’s Nevada Conservation Corps, Luz Community Development Coalition, and the United Way of Southern Nevada, along with AmeriCorps VISTA members serving southern Nevada nonprofit agencies. The Governor jumped in to lend a hand with the AmeriCorps members, at one point even aiding them on the roof by nailing on shingles. (more…)