Local

Governor Quinn and ‘Serve Illinois Commission’ Announce $8.4 Million Federal Grant for AmeriCorps Programs


Federal funding supports 29 AmeriCorps Programs in nearly 300 sites across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL–(ENEWSPF)–September 11, 2012.  Governor Quinn and his Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service today announced that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has awarded $8.4 million to enable 1,200 volunteers in 29 AmeriCorps programs to better serve Illinois communities. The announcement comes on the National Day of Service and Remembrance when the victims and heroes of 9/11 are honored.
 
“On this sacred day, I am humbled to recognize the fine work that Illinois volunteers do each and every day across the State,” Governor Quinn said. “Service is in our fabric as a State, and this AmeriCorps grant will help grow our commitment to selflessness and service in Illinois.”
 
When fellow Illinoisans are in need, such as the families affected by the recent tornado in Harrisburg, AmeriCorps members and other dedicated volunteers consistently arrive to answer the call.  Some 2.8 million Illinois residents volunteer nearly 400 million hours each year, which is valued at $8.6 billion annually. 
 
This federal grant will go towards services in Illinois including tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, preparing communities to respond effectively to emergencies, and building connections between immigrants and their non-immigrant neighbors. CNCS is the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, and its goal with the grant is to develop and expand volunteer organizations across the country.  The Serve Illinois Commission, a part of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Office of the Governor, administers the AmeriCorps programs in Illinois.
 
“Our AmeriCorps volunteers in Illinois are on the front lines of service, directly addressing the most challenging problems that communities face,” said Brandon Bodor, Executive Director of Serve Illinois. “These volunteers are the bedrock of our volunteer infrastructure in the state. Since 1994, more than 26,000 Illinois AmeriCorps members have served more than 30 million hours.”

AmeriCorps programs receiving funds from the Corporation for National and Community Service:

  • American Red Cross, Safe Families – Chicago  
  • Academy for Urban School Leadership – Chicago  
  • Asian Human Services – Chicago  
  • Chicago Bar Foundation, Illinois Justice Corps – Chicago  
  • Children’s Home Association of Illinois – Peoria  
  • City Year – Chicago  
  • Greater Chicago Food Depository – Chicago  
  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Uniting America – Chicago  
  • Illinois Public Health Association – Springfield  
  • Jumpstart – Chicago  
  • Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House – East St. Louis  
  • Literacy Volunteers of Illinois, Project VOCAL – Chicago  
  • Lutheran Social Services, Prisoner & Family Ministries – Marion  
  • McHenry County Mental Health Board – Crystal Lake  
  • PCC Wellness Center – Oak Park  
  • Peace Corps Fellows, Western Illinois University – Macomb  
  • Project MORE, University of Illinois Board of Trustees – Chicago  
  • Project YES, Northwestern University Settlement Association – Chicago  
  • Public Allies – Chicago  
  • Public Health Institute of Metro Chicago, Healthy Communities Corps – Chicago  
  • Rend Lake College – Ina  
  • Sauk Valley Community College, ABC Program – Dixon  
  • Schuler Family Foundation – Chicago  
  • South Suburban Training & Rehab Services, Healthy and Able Program – Chicago Heights  
  • Southwestern Illinois College – Belleville  
  • Springfield Urban League – Springfield  
  • Teach For America – Chicago  
  • West Suburban PADS – Maywood  
  • Youth Organization Umbrella – Evanston

In addition, Governor Quinn urged all Illinois residents to spend a few hours this week as a volunteer, whether it be at a local food pantry, school, or shelter. To find a volunteer opportunity near you or to learn more about the Serve Illinois Commission and volunteerism in Illinois, visit www.serve.illinois.gov.  If you are interested in a volunteer opportunity in your community, the Serve Illinois site lists 143,000 options.  Serve Illinois may also be reached at (800) 592-9896 or [email protected]

Source: illinois.gov


ARCHIVES