AmeriCorps
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What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national service program that provides individuals an opportunity to strengthen communities, mobilize volunteers and engage in a year of service-learning. In exchange for the commitment, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive benefits, gain valuable experience and build new skills. (Read about how Susan found joy and purpose through AmeriCorps, or about how Michelle helped reunite a refugee family separated by thousands of miles, or how Jacquelyn is making a difference in children's lives.)

Eligibility & benefits

• AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 17 and older
• Receive a modest annual living allowance
• Education award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans
• Eligibility for health and childcare benefits
• Personal and professional development training
• Student loan deferment
• Members serving less than full time receive partial benefits.

Services that AmeriCorps members perform

Lutheran Family Services currently has members serving in program areas including mentoring, youth enrichment programs, community development, health outreach, life skills education, immigration and refugee services, and volunteer recruitment.

AmeriCorps members can serve in three levels of service:

• Full time (1700 hours/year)
• Half Time (900 hours/year)
• Quarter Time (450 hours/year)

How to become involved with AmeriCorps

Persons meeting the AmeriCorps eligibility requirements can contact Lutheran Family Services to request an application or complete an online version of the application at americorps.org. The program hires members to begin service September 1st and finish August 31st each year.

Who can host an AmeriCorps member?

Members are placed at host sites whose mission and value statements are in line with those of Lutheran Family Services and the AmeriCorps program. Priority will go to organizations that address human need issues of youth and family enrichment, immigration and refugee assistance, and life skills education. AmeriCorps members serving under the Lutheran Family Services grant are placed at Not-for-Profit or Faith-Based host site locations across the state of Nebraska:

• Grand Island
• Lexington
• Lincoln
• Norfolk
• Omaha
• Pawnee City

Is there a cost to hosting an AmeriCorps member?

The AmeriCorps federal grant pays for approximately two-thirds of the program cost. The host site organization must come up with the other one-third through a combination in-kind and cash match. A host site agency is responsible for a cash match for each member placed in the program, as well as, in-kind contributions such as office space and supplies. In return, a host site organization receives 450 to 1700 hours of service from a member.

Organizations interested in serving as a host site should contact Lutheran Family Services to request an application.

For more information contact Mikki Chullino, AmeriCorps Program Manager, at our Community Services Center.

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All photos are courtesy of the Corporation for National & Community Service