Giving is not an act reserved for the holidays. Across the metro-Birmingham area and the nation, benevolent givers are making a positive impact every day through community service.
“Since this year’s program started in September our AmeriCorps members have served more than 15,000 individuals, including more than 100 veterans,” said YWCA Central Alabama’s AmeriCorps Director Angela Scott Abdur-Rasheed. “Our Building Communities, Bettering Lives AmeriCorps Program is an award-winning program designed to harness the interests and talents of Americans with a passion for service.”
YWCA Central Alabama’s AmeriCorps program kicks off its recruitment season and seeks more than 30 people, from young to senior adults, who want to spend the 2020-2021 year generously improving the lives of others. Those interested in serving may visit www.ywcabham.org/americorps to apply or find out more.
In addition, the YW will pause during national AmeriCorps Week (March 8-14, 2020) to recognize those dedicated to national service, including members and alumni who have engaged in the local program since its inception in 2009. Their outstanding service will be celebrated at a free, 9-11 a.m. reception on March 12 in YWCA Central Alabama’s Kimerling Chapel.
AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alumni for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible.
YWCA Central Alabama has more than 30 AmeriCorps members offering full-time direct service and capacity building in the metro-Birmingham area. Abdur-Rasheed said these AmeriCorps members improve the programs and capacities of YWCA Central Alabama and its 11 partnering nonprofit agencies who host an AmeriCorps member through the program. Partnering nonprofits include BuildUp Ensley; Legal Services of Alabama; One Roof; College Admissions Made Possible; Birmingham Education Foundation; AlaQuest Collaborative for Education; Firehouse Shelter; Girls, Inc.; Junior Achievement; YMCA Northeast Branch; and YouthServe.
The YW’s Building Communities, Bettering Lives AmeriCorps program aims to improve the quality of life for Central Alabamians through service in education, homelessness prevention and housing, youth empowerment, economic development, social justice initiatives, domestic violence services, healthy families, volunteer recruitment and management, and environmental stewardship.
Members receive a small monthly stipend and an education award for their one year of service. Many go on to productive careers in social services, education and the legal field, Abdur-Rasheed said. At the end of their AmeriCorps service, more than 70 have found careers with the YWCA or its nonprofit partner agencies, she said.
 
For details, contact Angela Abdur-Rasheed at (205) 322-9922 ext. 206 or americorps@ywcabham.org.