Nearly $2.5 Million Targeted
For Immediate Release CONTACT: Kimberly King, DCA Monday, July 7, 2008 (404) 679-0615 Atlanta, GA – Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Mike Beatty and the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV) announced the award of nearly $2.5 million in funding for AmeriCorps programs. Funds will be used to support 2008-2009 program efforts. “Community service is an essential element in community vitality. Our strongest communities have engaged and involved citizens. I applaud AmeriCorps efforts to engage Georgia’s young adults in community service projects that yield real value for them and the communities they serve,” said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty. “I also extend congratulations to the 14 Georgia organizations selected to receive funds. We look forward to hearing more about the impact your programs in these important Georgia communities.” Funds To Extend Reach Of Unique Community ServiceThe Georgia AmeriCorps*State programs are administered and monitored by the GCSV, a part of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Georgia’s AmeriCorps programs provide volunteers to work with community service programs statewide. In addition to providing its members as volunteers, AmeriCorps awards organizational grants in two categories: (1) organizations nominated or selected by the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism and (2) grants made directly to organizations from the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps grants are funded from federal and state dollars. The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) distributes funds to each state Commission using a population-based allocation. Funding amounts are determined on an annual basis. States determine formula funding priorities. Although states are required to follow CNCS-AmeriCorps guidelines when administering funds, states also have the flexibility to support specific state priorities. Total funds awarded in support of Georgia based programs for the 2008-2009 year are $2,471,787. Program funds were awarded in two categories – continuation and new funding. Organizations/ programs selected for funding are listed below: Continuation Funding (Total - $1,895,407.00)
New Funding (Total - $576,380.00)
About AmeriCorps:In 1993, the National and Community Service Trust Act created AmeriCorps as a partnership between the federal government and state commissions to meet educational, environmental, public safety and health care needs, to reward service with expanded educational opportunity and to build the ethic of citizenship among participants and the people they serve. Each year, more than 65,000 AmeriCorps members serve with hundreds of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations nationwide — from small community groups to nationally-known organizations. AmeriCorps In Georgia:The Georgia AmeriCorps*State programs are administered and monitored by the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism (GCSV), a part of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Currently, Georgia has approximately 450 members serving in AmeriCorps programs statewide. Through their community involvement, Georgia’s AmeriCorps members seek to instill values of responsibility and a service ethic while preparing for the future by improving their job-readiness, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Through May 2008, Georgia AmeriCorps members have provided over 268,299 hours of service tutoring and mentoring youth, responding to natural disasters, helping make our streets safer, building affordable housing, assisting underserved citizens, cleaning parks and streams, and recruiting, training and managing community volunteers. For more information on Georgia’s AmeriCorps programs, please visit www.AmeriCorpsGA.org. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) was created in 1977 to serve as an advocate for local governments. # # #
Please contact our office if you have questions or need clarification about any item in this release.
In Service, KATE
Kate Webb, Communications Manager Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism Georgia Department of Community Affairs 60 Executive Park South, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30329 404.327.6860 404.327.6848 fax
Getting Things Done for Georgia! Visit our web site at www.AmeriCorpsGA.org
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