Editor:
AmeriCorps Week is March 9-17. We would like to take the opportunity to share the impact that AmeriCorps has in our region.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages people of all ages and backgrounds in working in a variety of community service areas. Each year, close to 80,000 people serve as AmeriCorps Members through local and national nonprofit groups. AmeriCorps Members are neither employees nor volunteers. They are people who have committed a year towards community service; they receive a modest living allowance and a few other benefits. They gain experience, training, connection, and are often ready to step into community leadership roles after completing their term of service.
In southwest Colorado, the Regional Substance Abuse Prevention Partners (RSAPP) is an AmeriCorps program that supports 15 AmeriCorps members who are hosted by youth-serving organizations across the five-county region. This team of AmeriCorps members offers prevention programs, projects and activities that reach more than 4,000 youth! Five RSAPP AmeriCorps Members are currently serving in Montezuma County. Terry Newlin is at Cortez Middle School; Teresa Jennings is at Mancos Middle and High Schools; Julie Kogot is at Dolores Middle and High Schools; Cindy Houston and Tyra Hughes are with the School Community Youth Collaborative; Tyra Hughes also serves with the Montelores Early Childhood Council. For more information about RSAPP visit www.rsapp.org.
The Bridge Emergency Shelter is hosting two AmeriCorps Members, Kristen Tworek and Christy Janiszewski. The Bridge is part of the Southwest Rural Homeless Shelter Collaborative, along with La Puente Home in Alamosa and Homeward Bound in Grand Junction. Kristen and Christy have brought great energy, fresh ideas, and a nice balance of skills and education to the Bridge.
Please take some time this week to thank these AmeriCorps Members for their dedication and service!
Cathy Cowles
RSAPP Executive Director
MB McAfee
Chair, Bridge Board of Directors
