Essential Estrogen

Gov. Chet Culver is announcing today the launch of five new AmeriCorps in Iowa, bringing the total number of programs serving the state to 13.

"AmeriCorps members are tackling our toughest problems, strengthening our communities and improving the civic life of our state," Culver said in a prepared statement. "I congratulate all of the organizations receiving these grants and thank all those who have answered the call to service by joining AmeriCorps."

The new programs will focus on reducing child abuse, mentoring of adjudicated delinquents with learning disabilities, enticing volunteers, serving under-resourced urban communities and expanding services to victims, offenders (upon re-entry) and their families.

"AmeriCorps is a grant-funded program," said Kristin Honz, program officer for the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. "The new projects that are funded receive their resources from the federal funding agency. These organizations applied last winter and were notified earlier this spring and summer that they were selected."

She added that all Iowa programs start on Sept. 1, so the press release about the new programs was timed to be in conjunction with the start dates.

The five new programs are AmeriCorps Partnering to Protect Children (statewide child abuse prevention), Each One Reach One AmeriCorps Program (correctional services in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City), 2007 Planning Grant (Graceland University outreach), Iowa Campus Compact (Wartburg College outreach), and AMIGOS - Woodbury County Services Project (Siouxland Human Investment Partnership in Sioux City).

Often described as a domestic Peace Corps, AmeriCorps is a federally funded program that enables Americans ages 17 and over to commit a significant amount of time to voluntary service designed to meet community needs. In exchange for one year of service, AmeriCorps members receive a small living allowance and an education award to help finance their college education, vocational training or assistance in paying off student loans.

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service oversees the program as well as other volunteer and service opportunities in the state. More information can be found by visiting volunteeriowa.org or by phoning 1-800-308-5987.