Released by Volunteer Florida …
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Volunteer Florida has announced that Florida received an additional $7.6 million from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to fund 31 AmeriCorps programs throughout the state in 2019-2020. Together, these programs have also secured $5.9 million in matching grants, bringing the total investment to $13.5 million.
“AmeriCorps members play an important role in helping improve Florida’s many communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This funding received through Volunteer Florida will provide opportunities for the next generation to improve our economy, education system and overall wellbeing. It is a great investment in Florida’s future.”
“This funding will place over 989 AmeriCorps members in schools, local governmental agencies and nonprofits across our state,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Clay Ingram. “These members will change lives, improve communities and make Florida a better place to live for generations to come.”
AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of their lives to serve in many different capacities. In this funding cycle, Volunteer Florida prioritized education-based organizations and organizations active in disaster recovery, which will enable members to mentor at-risk students and help Florida rebuild from Hurricane Michael’s devastating effects.
“As Florida’s panhandle community recovers from Hurricane Michael, AmeriCorps members provide valuable support to deserving educators and students,” said Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. “This is a phenomenal opportunity that will positively impact countless students, instill a strong education system, and ensure long-term success for all Floridians, especially those in the panhandle.”
During their year of service, these AmeriCorps members will gain valuable skills and professional experience. CNCS will also provide an additional $4.5 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the members upon completion of their term, allowing them to pay off student loans or cover the cost of college – a direct investment in Florida’s higher education system, as members often remain in state to attend college.
“AmeriCorps members strengthen the fabric of Florida’s communities through service and volunteerism,” said Florida State University President John Thrasher. “I’m proud of FSU’s long tradition of partnering with AmeriCorps and Volunteer Florida to provide students and alumni with opportunities to make a difference whether mentoring K-12 students, helping veterans or rebuilding communities after disasters.”
“AmeriCorps is an essential program that engages Floridians of all ages and backgrounds to help meet local needs through community service – equipping and enabling community members to age well and live well,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom. “This significant funding increase will have a lasting impact in communities across our great state.”
“We are extremely grateful that we were selected for this grant,” said Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, Esq. “Faculty and staff at Broward College are dedicated to enhancing the lives of our students and this grant provides an exceptional opportunity to do so via peer mentoring and tutoring. This grant will surely help our students realize their potential.”
“AmeriCorps members serve in virtually every facet of our operations,” said SBP Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Liz McCartney. “This additional support will enable SBP and Hope Panhandle to continue to provide essential rebuilding and resilience services for families impacted by Hurricane Michael.”
“We are so pleased to be supporting more AmeriCorps members in Florida – Congratulations to all the organizations who were selected to receive funding,” said Director of AmeriCorps Chester Spellman. “AmeriCorps members are improving the lives of millions of citizens, including in Florida, and are an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve. As we mark the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps, we salute all AmeriCorps members and alumni for standing up and serving our country.”
The following new organizations received AmeriCorps grants this year:
Breakthrough Miami ($155,821)
AmeriCorps members will provide academic, social and life skills mentoring for underserved students in 5th and 6th grade through summer educational programming.
Broward College ($339,326)
AmeriCorps members will provide peer mentoring and tutoring to underrepresented and first-generation college students to increase academic success.
Catholic Volunteers in Florida ($151,648)
AmeriCorps members will provide career readiness and student success coaching in Miami and Wimauma to improve economic opportunities for families in low-income communities.
Episcopal Children’s Services ($227,879)
AmeriCorps members will provide whole-class, small group, and individual language and literacy activities in head start programs throughout Lake and Marion Counties. Members will be responsible for helping students achieve school readiness in social-emotional learning, language and mathematics.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs ($151,819)
AmeriCorps members will conduct pre-disaster outreach and training to increase preparedness for seniors throughout the Florida Panhandle.
Florida State University ($143,935)
AmeriCorps members will mentor pre-K and elementary school students to increase kindergarten readiness and school success.
MCCJ, Inc. ($182,571)
AmeriCorps members will partner with school counselors to provide student support services that include bullying prevention and inclusive diversity training in underserved high schools located within Miami-Dade County.
SBP, Inc. ($455,752)
AmeriCorps members will serve in the Florida Panhandle and provide disaster recovery and home rebuilding services to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Michael.
Seniors in Service ($273,360)
AmeriCorps members will provide services and support to veterans and their families by assisting them with wellness plans and access to healthcare services.
AmeriCorps funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of AmeriCorps. Since the program’s inception in 1994, more than one million Americans – including 35,000 Floridians – have served their country through the national service program.
With this additional funding from CNCS, Volunteer Florida will fund a total of 41 AmeriCorps programs during the 2019-2020 year. For more information about these programs, please visit www.volunteerflorida.org.