 "AmeriCorps volunteers dedicate themselves to service and making a difference
throughout the great state of Illinois," said Quinn. "On behalf of the people of
Illinois, I thank AmeriCorps members and its alumni for their service and salute
them for their hard work and continued commitment to strengthening our
neighborhoods and communities."
AmeriCorps provides opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to
serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit
groups. From neighborhood cleanups and building homes to tutoring children and
signing up new volunteers, Illinois' 3,600 AmeriCorps members are celebrating by
doing what they do best -- direct service.
Since 1994, more than 30,000 Illinoisans have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to
"get things done for America." Those members have given back more than 37
million hours to their communities, which equates to nearly $843 million in
impact.
AmeriCorps members are eligible for a modest education award to pay a portion
of their student loans or college courses they plan to take. Over the past 18
years, Illinoisans have earned more than $93.8 million in education awards.
The following are a few projects happening around the state during AmeriCorps
Week:
-
Springfield: March 11-15 --
The Springfield Urban League will host several open houses to showcase the
work of AmeriCorps members who help in after-school programs around the
city.
-
East St. Louis: March 11-15, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. --
AmeriCorps East St. Louis members will work on renovating a donated home
that will become "Project Hope." The facility will provide a safe and caring
environment to serve the homeless population.
[to top of second column] |
-
Herrin: March 12,
9 a.m.-1 p.m. -- Lutheran Social Services of Illinois AmeriCorps
members will partner with Hurricane Baptist Church to improve
the garden area.
-
Chicago: March 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. --
AmeriCorps members will join City Year Chicago in beautifying
the Chicago Vocational Career Academy.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Serve Illinois Commission,
which is operated through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
The mission of the 40-member, bipartisan commission is to improve
Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an
ethic of service throughout the state.
For a full listing of AmeriCorps Week activities or information
on how to find a volunteer opportunity any time of the year, visit
www.serve.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Human Services
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
 |
