OGDEN - The forth annual AmeriCorps Week is being held the week of May 8th. Throughout the week AmeriCorps members, alums, and program partners, are encouraged to inspire more Americans to get involved and better their community.
The AmeriCorps program is a network of national service groups that strives to meet crucial needs in America. These needs include education, public safety, fighting poverty, health concerns, and protecting the environment.
Cottages of Hope partners with many AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. AmeriCorps VISTA and Cottages of Hope's main focus is fighting poverty throughout America, and more specifically in the Ogden Community. VISTA was founded in 1965 as Volunteers in Service to America. It was later incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993 and has been a leader in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.
"As an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer at Cottages of Hope in Ogden, Utah, I have been inspired by the organization's significant efforts and effective success," said Kay Thompson Volunteer Coordinator and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at Cottages of Hope. "I have been involved in the development of the Prosperity Center Computer Lab that offers free job search, resume building, computer skills development, keyboarding skills, and educational assistance. I am very proud to say that I was a small part of this dream becoming a reality."
Research shows that individuals who participate in AmeriCorps have a positive and life long influence on their community. AmeriCorps is a stepping stone to a career in public service and creates leaders throughout the community.
"As a 55 plus years old VISTA, I am impressed by the generosity and dedication of what is often called the give me generation to donate up to three years of their lives to AmeriCorps," said Pam Parkinson, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer at Cottages of Hope. "The opportunity to help those less fortunate is the greatest self-building experience there is. It gives balance to one's life and in light of our present social and economic situation, balance is needed. I appreciate the opportunity to help expand VISTA's mission."
AmeriCorps invites anyone interested in getting involved in AmeriCorps week by volunteering in a fun and rewarding way, to come plant pumpkin seeds at the Oasis Community Garden from 10 AM until 1 PM on May 12th. The pumpkins are being planted to provide jack-o'-lanterns to Ogden children for Halloween. You will also receive free pumpkin seeds to take home and plant for your family. The Oasis Community Garden in located at 2580 Jefferson Ave in downtown Ogden.
To join AmeriCorps or for more information visit their website at www.americorps.gov or call Cottages of Hope at (801) 393-4011.
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