Submitted by Elizabeth Grisham on
The Volunteer Tennessee board of directors recently announced funding for the 2018-2019 AmeriCorps program year. Clinch-Powell’s Appalachia CARES AmeriCorps program is pleased to be one of 13 existing programs in the state to obtain continued funding, along with two new programs. Appalachia CARES has been a critical part of, not only Clinch-Powell’s service to local communities, but of the work of many other community based non-profits and agencies across the state as well.
Clinch-Powell launched Appalachia CARES AmeriCorps in 1994, just one year after the nationwide AmeriCorps program was birthed through the establishment of the Corporation for National and Community Service in 1993. The AmeriCorps agenda fit so well within Clinch-Powell’s mission to build strong communities, it was only natural to make this locally focused, service oriented program a part of Clinch-Powell’s means for serving the community.
Appalachia CARES has evolved throughout the years. What began as a primarily school-based program is now a multifaceted network of partnerships serving various populations across the state. Using service-learning as an implementation tool, Appalachia CARES’ primary focus areas are:
HOUSING SERVICES for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in the rural and urban areas. Housing services include: resource support, assessment, education, identification of appropriate housing, and home repairs.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY to address unmet energy efficiency and environmental needs within communities. This includes education and training in energy efficient and environmentally-conscious practices, including, but not limited to, sustainable energy and other natural resources, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship.
NOT FOR PROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING AND VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT / MANAGEMENT to help partnering agencies expand their outreach, community volunteers, and current programming, as well as implement and expand additional services and programming for clients.
Currently, Appalachia CARES is one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in Tennessee. Enrolling more than 100 AmeriCorps members, Appalachia CARES partners with 35 agencies to provide services in approximately 63 counties across the state. With members placed at housing organizations, food pantries, state parks, soil conservation districts, and other local agencies, Appalachia CARES AmeriCorps is not only building strong communities, but strong citizens as well. For more information on the program, visit http://clinchpowell.net/content/appalachia-cares or connect with Appalachia CARES AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
