[The Source] Empowering AmeriCorps

Together we have helped over 120 AmeriCorps members!

Author

Victoria Matey
September 13, 2024

⭐️ ASC & Scholar Fund: Empowering AmeriCorps

Over the last year, a collaborative effort between Scholar Fund, America’s Service Commissions (ASC), and the Schultz Family Foundation has provided essential financial support to AmeriCorps members. This partnership aims to ensure that financial hardships do not hinder members from completing their service in communities across the country. Scholar Fund has helped standardize the process of applications, payment distribution and customer support. 

This funding initiative is developed on a state-by-state basis with varied award amounts but with the same goal of supporting AmeriCorps members. AmeriCorps members can apply for this emergency fund if they meet state eligibility requirements.

This emergency fund has helped over 120 AmeriCorps members across the nation with medical expenses, housing, transportation, and more!

The program initially launched in January 2024 with state service commissions in Florida, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Wisconsin. As of August 2024, we’ve continued our support in these states and expanded to include commissions in Iowa, Maryland, New York, and Tennessee. Our goal is to extend this crucial support to 20 service commissions by July 2026.

Financial hardships can be unpredictable and we’ve seen the impact this fund has made in many people's lives. We are eager to continue making the process as easy as possible for AmeriCorps members through their financial obstacles.

Two data points on a purple background: The top box reads "AVERAGE AWARD AMOUNT" followed by "$744.88" in large, bold, light purple text. The bottom box reads "TOTAL FUNDS PROCESSED" followed by "$91,613.57" in large, bold, light purple text. Beneath this figure, there is smaller text reading "since January 2024."
A circular donut chart with four segments in different shades of blue, teal, and purple. To the right of the chart, text reads: "80% of Payments went to Transportation, Housing, or Medical Emergencies." Below the chart, smaller text states: "*Eligibility requirements vary on a state-by-state basis.

“I hope this is something that members will be able to utilize this [2024-25 program] year!! I had to use it for unexpected furnace repair cost and it was a R-E-L-I-E-F to have this as a resource!!” 

-2023-24 Serve Wisconsin Recipient

“I really appreciate the assistance. This fund helped pay all but a small portion of my hospital bills and massively reduced my stress and anxiety which made me better able to focus on my year of service.” 

-2023-24 Oregon Serves Recipient

🌟 Community Resources

The Skyway Resource Event is a free community event highlighting local resources in greater Seattle. Various organizations will share information about health insurance, transportation, housing, food bags and more! The event is Friday, September 20, 2024 at Dimmitt Middle School. Dinner will be provided! For more information, contact [email protected].

Alimentando Al Pueblo is a Seattle organization with the vision to have joyful communities. They cultivate healing through community, food, and celebration. Some of their resources include a culturally relevant food bank and community events like their upcoming “Comida’s Y Corazón: Latino Food Drive.”

Informed Immigrant is an organization that provides support to immigrants in the US. Their mission is to equip undocumented immigrants with the knowledge and resources to navigate an unpredictable political and enforcement landscape. Some of the resources they provide include, Advanced Parole Guides, Know Your Rights Information, Updates on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and more!

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