Serve Idaho: AmeriCorps members and alums “Unite in Service” to Honor 9/11 Day

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 9, 2023
Media Contact: micaela.deloyola-carkin@labor.idaho.gov

AmeriCorps members and the Serve Idaho Commission and staff will come together for a project to benefit community schools in the Treasure Valley as part of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

“Our community schools serve as neighborhood gathering places where families and community members come together to enhance children’s lives and learning,” said Coby Dennis, Boise School District Superintendent. “The volunteer spirit at the heart of AmeriCorps and the National Day of Service is a great example of what we can do when we work together.”

AmeriCorps alums and the general community are encouraged to donate items to benefit community schools on Monday, Sept. 11 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (MT) at the Idaho Department of Labor located at 317 W Main St, Boise, ID 83735. Requested items to donate include:

  • Laundry detergent (liquid or pods).
  • Lysol wipes or spray.
  • Reusable water bottles.

AmeriCorps is an opportunity for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to give their time and talent to strengthen their communities. In Idaho, AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service. Services include tutoring K-3 students in reading, providing environmental education, teaching science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) education in after-school youth programs, building and maintaining trails and providing health education.

Over the past thirty years, thousands of AmeriCorps members across Idaho have dedicated a year of service to assist their community. We are honored that Secretary of State Phil McGrane, AmeriCorps Alum, will join us Monday, Sept. 11 to spray paint a sensory walk on the Morley Nelson playground for students to enjoy.

”The year I spent leading volunteers in building homes for Habitat for Humanity was an invaluable experience. It gave me a profound appreciation for service, taught me about leadership and set me on a career path in public office that ultimately led to serving the people of Idaho,” said Secretary McGrane.

The events of 9/11 and the heroism of our first responders inspired thousands of young people to get involved in their communities. The Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance was founded by the nonprofit 9/11 Day with the support of the 9/11 community, AmeriCorps, and bipartisan leaders in Congress. Many voluntarily enlisted during wartime and knowingly risked their lives to protect our country, while others found their calling in national and civic service.

To learn more about 9/11 Day and ways to serve, visit: AmeriCorps.gov/911Day

In 2022, AmeriCorps committed more than $5.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $1.5 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.

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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho’s AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor.

More information about Serve Idaho and AmeriCorps service opportunities is at serveidaho.gov

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.

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Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded by local support.