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News – Monday, October 19, 2015
Illinois Recognizes AmeriCorps and Senior Corps Volunteers
Nearly 1,000 to be Sworn In At Ceremony Honoring IL’s Service Volunteers
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rauner has declared October 21, 2015 National Service Recognition Day. On Wednesday, nearly 1,000 Illinoisans will pledge their continuing commitment to helping their communities at the 21st Annual Illinois’ National Service Recognition Day. The event will be in Springfield on October 21 at the Prairie Capital Convention Center, will include a walk to the Old State Capitol, and is open to the press.
“I am proud to welcome these new AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers into the national service family – they are the heart of everything we do,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “National service is an indispensable resource for nonprofits, communities, and the individuals they serve, uniting Americans of all backgrounds with a shared goal: to make a lasting impact on the toughest challenges facing our nation. I salute all the AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers for their dedication, and thank our outstanding partners who make their service possible.”
The celebration will begin with service projects benefiting several Springfield organizations including Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois and the Central Illinois Blood Center. Gloves and baseballs will also be collected for the Gloves4Troops program.
At the Old State Capitol, Spencer and Serve Illinois Executive Director Scott McFarland will lead the members in the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps pledges, where volunteers proclaim their commitment to a year of service to Illinois. “Illinois’ AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers are working on the front lines to improve our communities,” McFarland said. “They dedicate millions of hours a year at over 2,000 locations throughout Illinois. We are very proud of their service, and we are honored to recognize their dedication to our State.”
2,800 current AmeriCorps members have dedicated a year to helping communities meet their unmet economic, education, health, public safety, or environmental needs. Members receive a modest living allowance, student loan deferment, and training. Since 1994, 35,000 Illinois residents have served more than 48 million hours and have qualified for Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $111,370,000.
Senior Corps Members use their lifetime of experience to support communities through the RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions programs. These 55+ volunteers serve as mentors, coaches, and companions to people in need. There are over 12,000 Illinois seniors serving.
About Serve Illinois
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. The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois' AmeriCorps program. For more information on Serve Illinois, or to find one of over 2,500 volunteer opportunities in the state, please visit www.Serve.Illinois.gov.
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