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AmeriCorps*Texas: Stories of Transition, Training and Inclusion

Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH

Senior Program Officer, OneStar Foundation

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Agenda

Welcome! Today we will..• Learn about OneStar Foundation• Provide an overview of national service• Discuss why AmeriCorps is a great solution for

transition• Hear real stories of AmeriCorps• Identify what you can do to join AmeriCorps• Find out what questions you have about this

transition solution!

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Poll

Show of hands:

How many of you have heard about AmeriCorps?

How many of you knew you could get paid to volunteer within your community?

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About the Corporation for National and Community Service

• Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is a federal agency established in 1993 and reauthorized in 2009 with the passage of the Kennedy Serve America Act, to provide opportunities for ALL Americans to give back to their communities through service and volunteering.

• CNCS mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.

• Structured volunteer service opportunities are provided through three major programs: Senior Corps, AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America.

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Learn and Serve America Senior Corps

AmeriCorps

State and National Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA)

National Civilian Community Corps

About OneStar Foundation

Mission

OneStar Foundation connects partners and resources to build a stronger nonprofit sector in Texas.

Vision

OneStar Foundation envisions Texas having the strongest, most effective nonprofit sector in the country.

Tagline

OneStar Foundation is building a stronger nonprofit sector for a better Texas.

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How does OneStar achieve this?

Connect: OneStar connects faith-based and community organizations, businesses, government and foundations to resources and information about the nonprofit sector.

Promote: We promote the nonprofit sector, innovative strategies and public-private partnerships to drive community solutions.

Convene: OneStar is the statewide convener of nonprofit networks, developing a coordinated approach to building the strongest most impactful nonprofit sector.

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OneStar’s Key Programs

AmeriCorps*Texas

Texas Connector

Facilitating partnerships between networks statewide

Disability Inclusion Team

Austin Interfaith Inclusion Network

Volunteer Center Association

Nonprofit Management Alliance of Texas

Cities and Communities of Service

Interagency Coordinating Group

Volunteer Portal

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AmeriCorps Eligibility

• US Citizens 17 years or older, with a H.S. diploma/GED or working on one, or with an Independent Educational Assessment are eligible to apply.

• AC State and National members are eligible to receive a living allowance, health insurance, child care, and an education award upon successful completion of the service period. The HEART Act of 2008 made it possible for the living stipend to be disregarded as income for SSI eligibility purposes.

• Limited funds are available to members and volunteers in all streams of service through State Service Commissions for reasonable accommodations.

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Member Benefits

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In addition to the many benefits, in exchange for volunteering in a National Service program participants are eligible to receive:

• A living stipend• An Education Award• Health Insurance, as needed• Child care benefits, as needed

AmeriCorps*Texas

• 20 programs for 2013-2014• Programs all across Texas• Emphasis on education, housing,

homelessness, disaster preparedness and recovery and more

• AmeriCorps links on our website:• www.onestarfoundation.org • AmeriCorps National website:

http://www.nationalservice.gov/

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VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA provides full-time volunteers to community organizations and public agencies to create and expand programs that build capacity and ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

AmeriCorps VISTA members or volunteers are eligible to receive a living allowance, health care, child care and an education award upon completion.

The VISTA living allowance is not regarded as income for purposes of SSI or SSDI eligibility

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National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time residential program for men and women aged 18-24 that strengthens communities while developing leaders through direct, team-based national and community service.

NCCC members receive a living allowance, health care and an education award upon completion.

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The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

• A benefit VISTA, AmeriCorps, & NCCC members receive upon successful completion of their term of service.

• members are eligible for an award of up to $5,550. • AmeriCorps, VISTA, and NCCC members can enroll in

multiples terms of service that add up to the value of two full-time education awards.

• a number of colleges & universities encourage AmeriCorps alumni to attend by offering them scholarships.

• used for enrichment classes, course(s) through community college, junior college, or university, to purchase a computer &/or and/or buy school gear as long as items qualify as "cost of attendance" expenses at a Title IV school.

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Additional Benefits

Longitudinal studies show AmeriCorps alums:

• are more connected to their communities

• continue to participate in community activities

• choose public service careers at higher levels than

their peers

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Examples in Texas

Kemi’s Story (video)

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Examples in Texas

Chase’s Story (video)

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Transition Planning

• Great opportunity for training

• Pathway to long term employment

• Benefits for ongoing education

• Giving back

What else?

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What are we missing?

• Why aren’t more youth signing up for AmeriCorps*Texas?

• Why aren’t more people with disabilities signing up?

• What are we missing?

• What suggestions do you have for us?

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“Like” us on Facebook!

“Follow” us on Twitter: @onestarfdn

Check out our website: www.onestarfoundation.org

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Contact

Thank you!

Suzanne Potts, LMSW, MPH

(512) 287-2043

Suzanne@onestarfoundation.org

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