Illinois Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner has proclaimed March 11-17, 2018 AmeriCorps Week in Illinois.  Each year, the nation celebrates the service that tens of thousands of Americans perform through AmeriCorps.  The Serve Illinois Commission uses this week to salute the AmeriCorps members and alums for their hard work and thank the community partners that support them.

“Each year, thousands of AmeriCorps members in Illinois take time out of their busy lives to help their neighbors,” said Governor Rauner. “These volunteers work to keep children safe, the environment clean, help people find jobs, and much more.  AmeriCorps Week in Illinois reminds us to thank AmeriCorps members and alums for their service, to thank AmeriCorps’ community partners, and encourage more people to join in service.”

AmeriCorps provides opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups.  From neighborhood cleanups and building homes, to tutoring children and helping the homeless, Illinois’ 2,600 AmeriCorps members are celebrating by doing what they do best – serving their communities.

“When faced with a community need, Illinois’ AmeriCorps members step up,” said Serve Illinois Commission Executive Director Scott McFarland.  “These people from all walks of life come together in the spirit of service, and Illinois owes each of them a great debt.”

Since 1994, more than 39,000 Illinoisans have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to “get things done for America.”  Those members have given back more than 55 million hours to their communities, which equates to more than $1.4 billion in impact.  During the past 24 years, Illinois AmeriCorps members have earned more than $131 million in education awards to pay for college or eliminate student debt.  For every dollar invested by the federal government, Illinois communities receive $3.50 in service.  For every dollar the state invests, AmeriCorps brings in $124 worth of volunteer impact!

Illinois AmeriCorps by the Numbers

• 2,628 AmeriCorps Members Currently Serving
• 209,286 Youth Serviced Last Year
• 39,744 Veterans and Military Family Members Served Last Year
• 18,219 Additional Volunteers Recruited Last Year
• 39,000 Illinoisans Served in AmeriCorps since 1994
• 55,000,000 AmeriCorps Hours Contributed since 1994
• $131,000,000 Earned in Education Awards since 1994
• $1,427,250,000 Impact to Illinois Communities since 1994

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40-member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health.  Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state.

For a full listing of AmeriCorps programs and information on how to find a volunteer opportunity any time of the year, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.