Presented by Vicki Janisch and Paul Leverenz, AgrAbility of Wisconsin AmeriCorps Opportunities and AgrAbility National AgrAbility Training Workshop November 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) address: Mailing Address:AgrAbility of Wisconsin 460 Henry Mall Madison, WI 53706