Tag Archives: Serve Idaho

Governor recognizes Arco volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 26, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

An Arco volunteer was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, Oct. 22.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Jeanne Keller with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Keller founded Wish Upon a Star: Christmas for the Children and has dedicated 29 years to helping families and children experiencing economic hardship. Each holiday season, she volunteers approximately 60 hours a week to help provide Christmas gifts, clothing and food to families throughout the Lost River Valley. Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Lava Hot Springs volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Sept. 24, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

MarthaFae Frymire being presented with the Idaho's Brightest Star award by Serve Idaho commissioner Farhana Hibbert and Gov. Brad Little

Left to right: MarthaFae Frymire, Serve Idaho Commissioner Farhana Hibbert, Gov. Brad Little

A volunteer from Lava Hot Springs was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized MarthaFae Frymire with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Frymire was nominated by the Lava Hot Springs Senior Center for her dedicated work supporting seniors in the community by taking them on trips to places like the zoo and museum. She also started a weekly bingo game that brings together connection and friendship within the community. Continue reading →

Idaho receives more than $3.9 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: July 20, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Serve Idaho — the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism — has received a grant of $2,131,088 in competitive funding from AmeriCorps. The funding will expand programming for Idaho State University and the Student Conservation Association, both located in rural Idaho.

Additionally, Serve Idaho was awarded $1,771,644 in formula funding, which will go toward AmeriCorps programs with the University of Idaho, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute, Teach for America and the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association as well as toward furthering the growth of AmeriCorps within the state. Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Filer volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Little shaking hands with Drew Olsen.A volunteer from Filer was honored for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, April 30.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Drew Olsen with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.

Olsen was nominated by the Filer Senior Haven for his dedicated work supporting their mission to create a warm and welcoming community where older adults can gather, connect and thrive.

Continue reading →

Gov. Little appoints four new commissioners to Serve Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 15.

“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” Program Manager Emily Straubhar said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.” Continue reading →

Secretary of State McGrane shares AmeriCorps experience to help kick off AmeriCorps Week

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Secretary of State Phil McGrane featured in overalls during his time in AmeriCorps.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane during his time in AmeriCorps (pictured on the right).

This year’s AmeriCorps Week takes place March 8-14 and celebrates the theme “AmeriCorps in Action: Americans serving America.”

Secretary of State Phil McGrane shared his experience to illustrate how volunteering with AmeriCorps can shape a career in public service.

McGrane served for Habitat for Humanity, an AmeriCorps program, from August 2002–2003 in Anniston, Alabama. During his year of service, he oversaw hundreds of volunteers as a part of a massive team effort to build 40 homes for those in need. Continue reading →

AmeriCorps deploys team to Idaho Panhandle National Forests

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 17, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Serve Idaho — the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism — has announced the deployment of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Phoenix 1 team to complete reforestation work in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests from Feb. 15 to April 1.

“AmeriCorps NCCC has enjoyed a long and productive history of partnering with Serve Idaho and communities across the Gem State. With the recent addition of the Forest Corps program to our portfolio, we’re thrilled that our collaboration has now extended to serving and supporting national forests across Idaho,” said NCCC Director Ken Goodson. Continue reading →

MLK – Idaho Human Rights Day celebration takes place at State Capitol, Jan. 19

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Jan. 16, 2026
Media Contact: Ben Earwicker, J.D., Ph.D., Benjamin.Earwicker@labor.idaho.gov, 208-696-2448

Monday, Jan. 19, will mark the 39th year that Idaho has celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. – Idaho Human Rights Day, first commemoratively and later as a state holiday.

The public is invited to attend ceremonies in the State Capitol’s second-floor rotunda beginning at noon and concluding at 1 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke will present the state proclamation. Idaho Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Administrator Benjamin Earwicker and IHRC Commissioners will be speaking at the event.

Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Preston volunteer for contributions

For Immediate Release: Oct. 30, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Photo of Stevie Emerson receiving award

Left to right: Becky Martin, Stevie Emerson, Gov. Little

A volunteer from Preston received recognition for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, honored Stevie Emerson with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for her exceptional volunteer service.

Emerson was nominated by the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce for her passion and commitment to promoting local businesses, developing strong community relationships and sharing her marketing and design expertise.

Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Oakley volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 29, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

A volunteer from Oakley received recognition for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday Aug. 28.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, proudly recognized Blake Matthews with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.

Matthews’ volunteer commitment is rooted in family tradition, beginning with his grandfather’s involvement in the Oakley Vigilantes. This year, when leadership was unavailable, he stepped forward to lead Oakley Pioneer Days, a community celebration dating back to the late 1800s. Continue reading →