Impact of Service
AmeriCorps members are a critical layer of Austin’s rich and diverse social fabric. With more than 400 current members serving in local schools, homeless shelters, and nonprofit agencies, AmeriCorps members’ service is making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities every day, right here in our amazing city.
Why does the larger community need to know about AmeriCorps? Without our programs and our members, those most in need would not have the support they require to advance themselves.
·More than 4,300 children would not have a tutor to help them in reading or provide the critical one-on-one support that public teachers cannot provide
·More than 600 adults who are homeless or under-employed would not have staff to meet with them and help them find housing, medical care, or employment services
·More than 300 individuals with disabilities would not have advocates to help them access the resources they need to live more independently;
·Local nonprofit groups and organizations would lack the volunteer support they need to carry out their mission; many of our VISTA members recruit, train, and supervise volunteers regularly
·City officials would have a harder time engaging young people in community-focused initiatives or careers in public service; AmeriCorps partners closely work with local officials to make service opportunities available to everyone and our members meet with representatives to discuss local policy at work
AmeriCorps members are from every state in the US. We come from a variety of backgrounds. We have different interests, goals, and values. Members commit one year of service. They train with professionals to become volunteer coordinators, tutors, case managers, life coaches, trainers, and organizers. Members make a lasting pledge to “serve their community” and “to get things done.”
For a detailed account of the impact of AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service, please see the Texas full report and the national performance report for FY10.
