Corporation for National & Community Service Grants 11 new positions starting September 1st
On Friday, August 26, young people serving as AmeriCorps volunteers were recognized by Congresswoman Gwen Moore for their dedication to the community, and notable efforts to improve the quality of life in Milwaukee’s central city.
Sunne Perry, an AmeriCorps volunteer who helps homeowners in the Harambee neighborhood connect with resources to restore and beautify their homes– shared her story about what she has learned and how she has made a difference.
“I was assigned to Riverworks Development Corporation help residents and families in need of assistance with home rehabs in the Harambee neighborhood. Eartha Collins, a 30 year resident who is now wheel chair dependent. I connected her to the Heroes at Home program and in a few months a gorgeous new ramp was installed on her home. She no longer had trouble coming and going from her own home. What is even more exciting is the fact that Mrs. Collins is currently still in the process of receiving more repairs to her home,” said Perry about her experience. Congresswoman Gwen Moore also announced that LISC Milwaukee been awarded 11 AmeriCorps positions starting September 1st, 2011, to continue this work. These funds come through the Corporation for National and Community Service, and the program is often compared to a “domestic Peace Corps”.
“We’re thrilled that the Corporation for National and Community Service recognizes the value that LISC AmeriCorps members offer to low-income communities,” said Leo Ries, LISC Milwaukee Executive Director. “AmeriCorps members are invaluable assets to neighborhood nonprofits and the community,” Ries noted. “But they also represent the future of our city, as they use their experience to become lifelong leaders in our most challenged neighborhoods.”
LISC AmeriCorps members serve in LISC’s five target neighborhoods— Harambee, Washington Park, Lindsay Heights, Clarke Square, and Layton Boulevard West. Agencies hosting LISC AmeriCorps members included Riverworks Development Corporation, Journey House, United Methodist Children’s Services, Walnut Way Conservation Corp, Urban Ecology Center, Urban Strategies, Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, Northcott Neighborhood House, Wisconsin Community Services, and Neighborhood Improvement Development Corp.