Tag Archives: Volunteerism

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

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 →

Governor recognizes Preston volunteer for contributions

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

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 →

Governor recognizes Orofino volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

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

Pictured above: Jo Moore (left) and Susan Jacobson (right).

A volunteer from Orofino received recognition for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday July 24.

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

Moore was nominated by Susan Jacobson, president of the Clearwater Community Complex, for her dedication and commitment to ensuring a public aquatic facility is built. She has raised funds, gathered community input and support and provided weekly updates to the local paper on the progress of the project. Continue reading →

Shelley volunteer recognized for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

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

A volunteer from Shelley was honored for her service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Wednesday, May 28.

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

Morris was nominated by the Shelley Senior Center for her dedicated work supporting their mission to promote, coordinate and integrate their programs across Northern Bingham County. Morris served on the board of directors for the center for six years and has volunteered there for nine years. Continue reading →

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) teams respond to Idaho fires

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 26, 2024
Media Contact: Micaela.deLoyola-Carkin@labor.idaho.gov

Three AmeriCorps NCCC forest teams deployed to Idaho to assist the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, the Sawtooth National Forest and the Boise National Forest in wildfire risk reduction.

“I am infinitely grateful to AmeriCorps, the U.S. Forest Service and the state of Idaho for the opportunity to serve on my first wildfire in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest,” Lily Liebowitz, AmeriCorps NCCC forest team, Delta 2 member said. “I had the wonderful chance to meet, network and learn from wildland firefighters from all over the country and across agencies.”

Continue reading →