Grant Keeps Rockland County AmeriCorps Program Active

The Rockland County Youth Bureau received funding enabling it to continue the Rockland County (RCA) in 2012.  The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNS) provided $170,000 for the program whose future was in the doubt because of the economy.

“Thanks to the great efforts and support from our local, state and federal elected officials and all of our dedicated community partners, current members and active alumni, the program is funded and fully
operational,” said Kathy Galione, AmeriCorps project coordinator.

The funding enables RCA to continue its Literacy Corps, Environmental Corps, Trail Guide Docent Program and Volunteer Corps services.  RCA works with AmeriCorps members and volunteers to pair them with local non-profit organizations and municipalities where they help with environmental protection, safety and sustainability, literacy, youth workforce training and community civic engagement.

In 2010, more than 65 county AmeriCorps members performed 19,640 hours of service to the county at a value of $409,504.

In the past decade more than 500 members have served the county through AmeriCorps and delivered in excess of 163,250 hours of service with a value of $3.4 million.  

The services include:

• 120 free walks led by trained Volunteer Docents through local county parks
• thousands of families served by Literacy Corps members through a partnership with the Rockland 21st Century Collaborative for Children and
  Youth  
• more than 120,000 hours dedicated to preserving Rockland’s parks and open spaces.  

RCA is recruiting for its Literacy Corps for the new program year.  More information can be obtained by e-mail at rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us. or 845-708-7307.