National, State, County Dignitaries Gather Throughout State of Pennsylvania to Launch Hundreds into AmeriCorps Service

Harrisburg, Pa., Sept. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AmeriCorps, sponsored by PennSERVE, Governor Tom Corbett's Office of Citizen Service, today launched 1,000 volunteers into year-long service to support and improve communities throughout Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia hosted launch ceremonies.

"I am proud to support PennSERVE and the 1,000 volunteers who today launch their year-long service to local communities facing many social challenges," Corbett said. "In the past year alone, PA AmeriCorps has recruited and worked with more than 12,000 volunteers to help local communities statewide."

PennSERVE, a bureau housed in the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, has awarded more than $7.6 million in federal funding to 14 AmeriCorps programs across the state through the Corporation of National and Community Service.

The Pittsburgh launch event was held in the Teamsters Temple, 4701 Butler St., Lawrenceville. Speakers included National Director of AmeriCorps VISTA Mary Strasser, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Deputy Secretary for Administration Janet Anderson, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Allegheny County Department of Human Services Director Marc Cherna.

The Harrisburg event was held in the Capitol Rotunda. The keynote speaker was state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre). After the remarks, members received a tour of the Capitol building.

The Philadelphia event took place in the City Hall courtyard. Speakers included Lisa Nutter, First Lady of Philadelphia, and President of Philadelphia Academies, Inc., and City of Philadelphia Managing Director Rich Negrin.

After each event, newly sworn-in AmeriCorps members fanned out through each city to complete a number of service projects, including lot and community cleanups, delivering donated goods to homeless shelters and helping public schools transform library spaces.

PennSERVE provides funding for AmeriCorps programs across Pennsylvania that use national and community service as a tool to address local issues such as education, disaster preparedness, food security and health issues. Each of these organizations uses its AmeriCorps funding to recruit, place and supervise AmeriCorps members to carry out service.

To be considered for funding, programs must respond to a request for applications issued each fall by PennSERVE. Programs must identify the need in their community and how AmeriCorps members are uniquely qualified to meet that need. 

For additional information on PennSERVE, visit www.dli.state.pa.us/pennserve or call 1-866-6-SERVEU.

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service each year and administers United We Serve, the President's call to service. 

Individuals can learn about available opportunities and apply online by visiting AmeriCorps.gov.

Media contact: Theresa Elliott, 717-787-7530

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor