AmeriCorps National Service Program
The mission of the Corporation for National and Community Service is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
AmeriCorps, the national service initiative created by Congress and President Clinton to “get things done” in communities throughout America, was NJCDC’s first program upon its founding in 1994. Nearly 15 years and 350 graduates later, AmeriCorps has left its mark on Paterson and on NJCDC. The ethic of service and community which lies at the heart of AmeriCorps also lies at the heart of NJCDC and the work that we do.
Through our AmeriCorps program, we recruit current college students and recent college graduates to commit a year to helping others in exchange for a modest living allowance and help with college costs. Our current AmeriCorps members’ emphasis is on helping empower low-income families and students. Our members engage in activities throughout our different program areas and with our many community partners, ranging from helping operate much-needed afterschool programs to mobilizing the community to engage more actively in neighborhood planning and volunteering efforts. Each year, AmeriCorps members recruit over 300 volunteers to serve over 3,000 children and community residents.
Beyond providing countless hours of direct service for the betterment of our community, AmeriCorps members fulfill an even deeper and more meaningful role. They serve as living examples of change and the spirit of service. Others in our community are often inspired to action after benefiting from AmeriCorps members’ service and witnessing their seemingly endless energy and commitment.
For more information about AmeriCorps, please visit www.americorps.gov.
To see what’s going on with our current class of AmeriCorps members, please view our 2008-2009 calendar.
Want to learn more about becoming an AmeriCorps member in Paterson? Join us on twitter !
AmeriCorps members work in many NJCDC programs, including NJ After 3, YouthBuild, Garrett Morgan Academy, and School Based Youth Services, working at high school teen centers throughout the area. Photo by Thomas E. Franklin.