Gov. Quinn proclaims AmeriCorps Week in Illinois
Commends
volunteers for 'Getting Things Done'
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[March 12, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov.
Pat Quinn proclaimed March 10-18 as AmeriCorps Week in Illinois.
AmeriCorps provides opportunities for adults of all ages and
backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local
and national nonprofit groups.
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"AmeriCorps volunteers dedicate themselves to
service and making a difference throughout the great state of
Illinois," Quinn said. "On behalf of the people of our state, I
thank AmeriCorps members and its alumni for their service and
applaud them for their hard work and continued commitment to
strengthening neighborhoods and communities every week of the year."
AmeriCorps is devoted to "Getting Things Done," and this year's
AmeriCorps Week theme is "AmeriCorps Works." Activities for the week
include performing service projects, spreading the word about
AmeriCorps, thanking community supporters and partners, recruiting
more individuals into service, as well as commending AmeriCorps
members, partners, staff, friends and alums who dedicate their time
and resources to perform service all year long.
From neighborhood cleanups and building homes to tutoring
children and signing up new volunteers, AmeriCorps alums and members
are celebrating AmeriCorps Week by doing what they do best -- direct
service.
Currently in Illinois, 2,600 members are serving. Since 1994,
more than 28,000 Illinoisans have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to
"get things done for America." Those members have given back more
than 33 million hours to their communities, which equates to more
than $737 million in service.
Once they complete their service, AmeriCorps members are eligible
for a modest education award to pay a portion of their student loans
or for college courses they plan to take. Over the past 18 years,
Illinoisans have earned more than $83.5 million in education awards.
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The following are a few projects happening around the state
during AmeriCorps Week:
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Chicago -- Several AmeriCorps programs will partner with the
Chicago Greater Food Depository to assist with the sorting and
packaging of donated food for distribution to GCFD's member agencies
-- food pantries, soup kitchens, schools and public housing
facilities.
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Harrisburg -- Lutheran Social Services of Illinois AmeriCorps
members will help with tornado cleanup and distribution of supplies.
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Peoria -- Children's Home Fostering Transitions AmeriCorps
members will help special-needs kids play basketball and other games
at the Peoria Civic Center.
AmeriCorps is administered by the Serve Illinois Commission,
which is operated through the Department of Human Services. The
mission of the 35-member bipartisan commission is to improve
Illinois communities by enhancing traditional volunteer activities
and supporting national service programs.
For a full listing of AmeriCorps Week activities with contact
information, or to find a volunteer opportunity during any part of
the year, visit www.serve.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Human Services
file received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |