Representative Matsui Announces $2.6 million in AmeriCorps Funding for Sacramento Region
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
CONTACT: JULIE EDDY
(202) 225-7163
Representative Matsui Announces $2.6 million in AmeriCorps Funding for Sacramento Region
Four AmeriCorps Grants announced, allowing 241 AmeriCorps Members to serve in the Sacramento region
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional National Service Caucus, announced that California's Sixth District has received $2.6 million in AmeriCorps grant funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
These grants will put 241 AmeriCorps members on the ground to serve with three organizations. AmeriCorps members will tackle some of the most pressing needs of the Sacramento region including child abuse prevention and welfare, mentoring services for foster youth, and climate change.
"Service is truly the heart of our community," said Representative Matsui. "I have had the honor of seeing our AmeriCorps members in action in Sacramento, and the profound difference that they have made because they were willing to get up early, roll up their sleeves, and make our community stronger. Congratulations to each of the grantees: Child Abuse Prevention Council Inc.'s Youth Investment Center and Birth and Beyond program; Local Government Commission's Civic Spark; and Prevent Child Abuse California's Child Welfare System Improvement. These organizations are doing important work in the Sacramento community, and I am so pleased that this AmeriCorps grant funding will allow them to continue and expand their reach."
"AmeriCorps members make a powerful impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation,"said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. "Building on California's strong tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, AmeriCorps members will improve lives and strengthen communities across California. While they serve others, AmeriCorps members will also expand opportunity for themselves - gaining skills and experience to jumpstart their careers. I salute AmeriCorps members for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible."
CNCS will provide $1.2 million in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for the AmeriCorps members funded by these grants. After completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an award of $5,645 that they can use to pay for college or to pay off student loans. These grants will also help leverage $4.3 million in local matching support.
About AmeriCorps:
AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 members in intensive service annually to serve through nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations at 25,000 locations across the country. These members help communities tackle pressing problems while mobilizing millions of volunteers for the organizations they serve. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the Presidentand#39;s national call to service initiative, United We Serve.
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