Presented by

Vicki Janisch and Paul Leverenz,

AgrAbility of Wisconsin

AmeriCorps Opportunities and AgrAbility

National AgrAbility Training WorkshopNovember 7-10, 2011

AmeriCorps members serve

What is AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a national service organization, often referred to as the:

“Domestic Peace Corps.”

Members commit to a term of service with common goals of helping others and improving their community.

Members also join to gain career skills, earn AmeriCorps benefits and to experience an adventure.

History of AmeriCorps

1933: Civilian Conservation Corps

1961: Peace Corps

1964: VISTA

1993: The Corporation for National and Community Service and AmeriCorps

2009: Serve America Act

Serve America Act

• Signed into law April 21, 2009

• Landmark legislation to expand service

• Expands AmeriCorps to 250,000 members by 2017

• Priority focus on education, health, environment, veterans, and economic opportunity

History of AmeriCorps with AgrAbility of Wisconsin

Since 2004, Easter Seals Wisconsin has created AmeriCorps opportunities for 279 members.

AgrAbility of Wisconsin became an active partner in 2009 and is one of many opportunities for members to serve their community

AmeriCorps members address needs

Tutor and mentor disadvantaged youth Fight illiteracy Improve health services Build affordable housing Teach computer skills Clean parks and streams Manage or operate after-school programs Help communities respond to disasters Build organizational capacity

Benefits to Service:

AmeriCorps Benefits include:

• Living allowance

• Health care

• Student loan deferment

• Training

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award equal to the maximum amount of the Pell Grant that can be used to pay for college or pay back student loans. For 2011, the amount is $5,550 for full-time AC members

AmeriCorps State and National

AmeriCorps programs apply for funding to meet the following community needs and national performance measures:– Education – *Healthy Futures*– Economic Opportunity– Environmental Stewardship– Veterans and Military Families– Disaster Services– Capacity Building

Healthy Futures

Members serving at Easter Seals Wisconsin and AgrAbility of Wisconsin help improve the health of our nation. Members:•Improve the quality of life •Share information about healthy lifestyles and access to health services•Help people with disabilities access preventative services and assistive technologies

AmeriCorps members

FARM Program Assistant

FARM Outreach Assistant

2 FARM Assistive Technology Assistants

FARM Program Assistant

Provide Client Intake Activities

Interview and follow up with farmers that request services

Coordinate client survey practices

Increase awareness of program by participating in trade shows and conferences

FARM Program Outreach Assistant

Develop display and outreach materials

Create communication avenues for social media - Facebook, and Twitter

Co-Edit online and print newsletters

Increase awareness of program by participating in trade shows and conferences

Assistive Technology Assistant

Research and obtain quotes for Assistive Technologies and farm equipment

Assists with facilitating relationships between clients and equipment vendors

Special project opportunities based on their professional interests

Performance Measures

Number of farmers who benefit by research done by member

Number of individuals receiving outreach materials

Number of clients who interact with AmeriCorps members

Who Benefits

• People with disabilities and their families • benefit from the recreational, respite, assistive technology

recommendations, referrals, preventative health information and other services members provide.

• Communities • benefit from having healthier families, productive employees,

and more engaged citizens.

• AC Members acquire leadership and career skills, earn money for college,

learn how to be active citizens, and continue to work in non- profit organizations

AgrAbility of Wisconsin Benefits

• Gains reach and impact

• Enhanced programs and more people served in Wisconsin.

• Affiliation with national service “brand”

• Building future leaders in issues very few programs have access to

• Increase Collaboration with new ideas and a young outlook on projects

Vicki Janisch Contact Information:

Office Number: (608) 262-9336 Email address: vcooper@wisc.edu Mailing Address: AgrAbility of Wisconsin

460 Henry Mall

Madison, WI 53706