Gwen Moore Celebrates AmeriCorps Week 2012
Washington, DC,
March 12, 2012
Today marks the beginning of a weeklong celebration honoring those who serve our nation through the AmeriCorps programs.
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams or Staci Cox (202) 225- 4572 Gwen Moore Celebrates AmeriCorps Week 2012 Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-4) released this statement in recognition of AmeriCorps Week 2012. “Today marks the beginning of a weeklong celebration honoring those who serve our nation through the AmeriCorps programs. “Each year, AmeriCorps sponsors nearly 75,000 Americans who serve and empower our community through these programs. Their service includes tutoring disadvantaged youth, building affordable housing and improving health services among many other community projects. One program in particular, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), focuses on creating pathways out of poverty. “As someone who has lived in poverty and has seen my community struggling through economic hardship, I understand the importance and need for the AmeriCorps programs. My home, in the Midtown neighborhood of Milwaukee, was one of these towns where its citizens had fallen victim to the ploys of traditional financial institutions. I saw my neighbors slip into financial craters and local businesses bankrupted. Someone needed to help rebuild this community – my community. “In the 1970s – before VISTA was incorporated into AmeriCorps – I was sworn in as a VISTA volunteer. Through this program I, along with my cohort, was able to create a financial institution to give real advice to area residents. Our credit union served as a catalyst that brought businesses, sustained growth and an increased pride to our community. “Today, VISTA is included in the AmeriCorps programs with the same mission of providing pathways out of poverty. In addition to this mission, the volunteers with the AmeriCorps programs provide overall service to our nation. “This week we celebrate the contributions they have made and the dedication they have to empowering our communities. This year’s theme, AmeriCorps Works, is explained by its title. It is our goal to communicate how AmeriCorps works to positively reform our nation. We wish others to understand how AmeriCorps improves not only the lives of those for whom these initiatives are created, but the lives of those who serve as well.” AmeriCorps is a network of three programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Since 1994, nearly 500,000 AmeriCorps members have served with thousands of nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and faith-based organizations nationwide. Every year AmeriCorps week celebrates the contributions these volunteers have made in their communities. To learn more about AmeriCorps week visit www.americorps.gov. Rep. Moore was named VISTA Volunteer of the Decade (1976-1986). She currently serves on the House Committee on Financial Services with the unchanged goal of helping those gain exit out of poverty. ### For “Moore” News Updates Follow Gwen Moore on Twitter @RepGwenMoore and Like Gwen Moore on Facebook
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