AmeriCorps and Serve Illinois Join Together to Support Communities During Natural Disasters

AmeriCorps joins Serve Illinois to enhance its ability to service Illinois residents during times of need

WASHINGTON, DC-AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Serve Illinois, to unify and expedite the volunteerism efforts for natural disaster recovery projects that occur in Illinois.

Through this Memorandum of Understanding, AmeriCorps NCCC and Serve Illinois will build off this collaborative success and expand NCCC's support and operations in Illinois for disaster survivors. This partnership allows AmeriCorps and Serve Illinois to unify and expedite the volunteerism efforts for natural disaster recovery efforts, thus improving AmeriCorps ability to support communities when the need is greatest.  

AmeriCorps NCCCNorth Central Region has played a vital role in supporting Illinois communities recovering from natural disasters brought on by floods, tornados, land/mudslides, the COVID-19 pandemic, and winter storms. Serve Illinois has been essential in guiding AmeriCorps NCCC to communities in the greatest need of assistance and facilitating relationships with on-the-ground organizations. As a result, NCCC has been able to focus its resources to help impacted families get back into their homes and communities recover.  

"AmeriCorps is committed to making a significant impact in communities where the need is greatest," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps."At a time when natural disasters are more frequent and often increasingly severe, our partnership with Serve Illinois is dedicated to mobilizing and empowering volunteers to support those affected by natural disasters. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient Illinois."

This Memorandum of Understanding will set forth roles and responsibilities for AmeriCorps NCCC and Service Illinois, establishing interagency communication procedures and enhancing cohesive volunteer recruitment, engagement and management to address natural disaster needs within communities across Illinois.

"As the Executive Director of the IDHS-Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service it is important to seek out new opportunities and partnerships that address disaster volunteerism and planning," said Andres Fernandez, Executive Director, IDHS-Serve Illinois. "Our newly cemented partnership with AmeriCorps NCCC puts us in a position to respond faster to disasters in Illinois by connecting communities that are affected the most with our AmeriCorps partner." 

Since the first class of AmeriCorps members pledged to "get things done for America" nearly 30 years ago, more than 1.3 million Americans have served. Every year, thousands of AmeriCorps members prepare students for success, rebuild communities and revitalize cities, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, fight the opioid epidemic, preserve public lands, strengthen the workforce and so much more. AmeriCorps members who complete a full term of service earn a Segal Education Award. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have earned more than $4.5 billion in education scholarships.