AmeriCorps Programs at Goodwill

History

In 2003, the Maine Commission for Community Service, the agency charged with AmeriCorps administration in Maine, awarded Training Resource Center (now Goodwill) a grant to recruit and support thirteen AmeriCorps volunteers in Southern, Western and Coastal Maine. These volunteers worked in a variety of settings encouraging young people to get involved in community service projects in the greater Portland area. And in central Maine, TRC's project was working to support and increase participation in emergency medical response and fire department services in Franklin County.

Emergency Response Corps

In 2004 this emergency response component was awarded its own grant, and the program has been called the Emergency Response Corps. With twenty full time paid AmeriCorps Members in 2008 and over 100 unpaid volunteers - this program has truly strengthened the ability of rural communities to respond to emergencies in their areas.

Community Resource Corps

The Community Resource Corps (CRC) started as a program that provided AmeriCorps Members to organizations in Southern Maine who wanted to strengthen their programs to engage youth in community service. Starting in grant year 2006-2007 the Community Resource Corps was granted a significant expansion to allow the CRC to serve all of Maine with over 40 AmeriCorps members. The CRC also has an expanded focus to allow it to serve any agency that wants to strengthen its volunteer system.

AmerCorps Volunteers

Full time AmeriCorps volunteers in both programs earn a modest stipend of $11,400 for Members who serve 1,700 hours, in addition to educational awards of $4,725 that can be used for college or to repay student loans. Volunteers working less than 1,700 hours a year often receive no stipend but earn educational awards. Host organizations provide the volunteers with supervision and program support.

For more on:

Community Resource Corps
Joely Ross 207-775-5891 x448

Emergency Response Corps
Billye Senecal 207-491-4915

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England
c/o AmeriCorps Programs
PO Box 738
Portland, Maine 04104