http://www.serve.gov/stories_all.asp Serve.gov is the most comprehensive clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities ever created. Americans can enter geographic information about where they want to get involved, such as state or ZIP Code, and areas of interest ranging from education to the environment, to access volunteer opportunities offered by a range of partner organizations across the country or around the world. Formerly the website for the USA Freedom Corps office at the White House (under President Bush), Serve.gov is managed by the Corporation for National and Community Service on behalf of the White House. en-us Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST 0 http://www.serve.gov/images/common/logo_servegov.jpg http://www.serve.gov 204 28 http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=746While Juliana Ko was serving with Teach for America on the outskirts of a Navajo Nation Reservation, she tragically lost one of her students to suicide and knew that she had to do something her adopted community. Community RenewalWed, 8 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=745Helping homeless veterans get off the streets feels like work Duane Magee was made to do, and his tireless quest puts him behind the wheel for thousands of miles each year to find them. He is living proof to vets that recovery from homelessness and incarceration is possible because their story is his story, and his quiet mission to assist them led to his nomination for a 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service Award. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=744The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceMon, 6 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=743As a former high-tech entrepreneur, CEO, and philanthropist, I have tried to tackle challenges that were similarly daunting and seemingly intractable. I've found that the 'path forward' is almost always the same - large scale social change requires an 'all hands on deck' approach that is proactive, focused, and inclusive.White House Council for Community SolutionsFri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=740Eight months ago, one of the deadliest tornados in U.S. history touched down in Joplin, Missouri, and took the lives of more than 160 residents and destroyed thousands of homes. The federal response began immediately. Within hours, Federal Emergency Management Agency teams were on the ground to work hand in hand with state and local officials to assist in response and recovery.Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 1 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=739Just hours after a deadly EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, MO, in May 2011, AmeriCorps members began arriving to help with the recovery efforts. Now Missouri state officials are recognizing the national service volunteers who came to the city's aid after the devastating storm. Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=738Of the 130,000 veterans in Idaho, more than 30,000 are registered with the Idaho Department of Labor to receive employment resources and job training. However, budget cuts have put this program in jeopardy. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=737The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceFri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=736Today, too many young people in America are struggling. More than a million students drop out of high school each year and one in every three do not graduate on time. The problem is even more severe among African American and Latino youth, and those from low-income backgrounds. EducationWed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=735To those who have lived through devastation as complete as a tornado, every minute following the horror of wind and chaos is a perpetual memorial to the many who did not survive to see the skies run clear again. Disaster Response and RecoveryMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=733Many years ago, I stepped off a plane from Iraq and onto the tarmac at Pope Airfield in Fort Bragg, NC. The scene was filled with open arms, cheers, the sound of muffled grunts of joy as weeping kids jumped into the arms of their parents, and spouses' soft cries of love and longing. The sounds of reunions were deafening as they bounced off the high walls of the hangar -- it was a sound that I welcomed, and remember to this day. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=732Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have given more than one billion hours and mobilized tens of millions of volunteers to help their fellow citizens. AmeriCorps Week (March 10-March 18) recognizes their commitment and impact. National ServiceFri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=731Today, President Obama, the First Lady, and Malia Obama volunteered at a local elementary school as part of a national day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King, who devoted his life to helping others, once said that 'everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.' United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=730Monuments are built to those who change the course of history. It is right and fitting that a memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. now stands in the heart of our nation's Capital. Even as we renew our understanding of Dr. King's legacy by visiting this beautiful monument; we can honor the legacy of Dr. King by following his example, by serving and volunteering in our communities. United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=729On March 16, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his last visit to the city of Los Angeles. He used that occasion to deliver a speech calling for an end to poverty, and to build support for a Poor People's Campaign to demand jobs, health care and housing for the country's poor. United We ServeMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=728As residents returned to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, a group of young black Catholics from the Archdiocese of New Orleans formed the IMANI Team (IMANI meaning 'faith' or 'belief' in Swahilli), a youth group from black Catholic parishes and schools that united to serve the African-American community of the archdiocese, to encourage and to help rebuild a sense of spiritual community and renewal across the Crescent City. The efforts by this group of young leaders are being recognized with a 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service award. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=727Thanks to so many of you, the momentum of the 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is building and the results will be extraordinary! The MLK Day of Service shines a spotlight on service as a powerful force to bridge economic and social divides - today and throughout the year. United We ServeFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=726Hurricane season is an anxious time for Americans living along the coastal regions of the United States. But when Tropical Storm Lee spread its destruction inland last September, volunteer leaders like Bruce Barney and Sharon Early made a difference in their community's recovery efforts. Their commitment led to their selection as 2012 Martin Luther King Drum Major for Service award recipients. United We ServeThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=725As America's heroes return from war zones and transition back into civilian life, many are facing challenges finding work. Last month, more than over 857,000 veterans were unemployed, and the jobless rate for post-9/11 veterans is 13.1 percent. Veterans and Military FamiliesWed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=724James 'Major' Adams was raised on Chicago's Westside and served in the Army during World War II. When he completed his military service, Adams returned to Chicago and worked for various agencies including Jane Addams' Hull House, one of the city's oldest social and human services programs. United We ServeTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=723As America's heroes return from deployments abroad and transition back into civilian life, many are facing challenges in finding employment. With the unemployment rate among recently returned veterans hovering around 12 percent, these men and women who volunteered to courageously serve our country should not have to return home with bleak opportunities in sight. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 9 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=722In 1960 when she was just six years old, civil rights leader Ruby Bridges was one of four children to integrate the public school system in New Orleans. Every day, she crossed a screaming mob to enter her classroom. United We ServeThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=721In this video, Reverend Lowery remembers his friend 'Martin' and urges us to 'look around and see who's not enjoying all the benefits that they should.' Reverend Lowery asks us, 'How can we fill the gaps? How can we meet the needs of those who need the most?' United We ServeTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=720In this video, Wofford talks about his memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and the origin of MLK Day. United We ServeFri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=719At age 17, Congressman John Lewis was so inspired by Dr. King that he wrote a letter to King asking to meet him. Dr. King wrote back and sent Lewis a round-trip Greyhound bus ticket to meet with him. United We ServeWed, 4 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=718New Year's resolutions are a great way to check in with ourselves and reflect on our priorities. Resolving to eat healthy, exercise more, or spend more time with our loved ones can all be a part of using the New Year as an opportunity to become better versions of ourselves. United We ServeThu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=717On December 20th, Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Robert Velasco, II, and Director of AmeriCorps John Gomperts joined volunteers at DC Central Kitchen. They helped prepare fresh produce that would later be added to delicious meals for area hungry. Each year, more than 14,000 volunteers work side by side with the men and women of the Culinary Job Training program, preparing more than 4500 meals, 365 days a year. United We ServeTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=716The Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday is a National Day of Service, and a time to re-commit ourselves to serving each other and our communities. This year, CNCS will shine a spotlight on the connection between service and economic opportunity, and promote the MLK Day of Service as the first of many opportunities throughout the year for Americans to come together and tackle critical challenges for the greater good. United We ServeThu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=713The mood was merry when Dr. Jill Biden hosted a fourth-grade class from White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, Virginia at the Vice President's Residence on Monday, Dec. 12. The festive event focused on helping children understand the challenges faced by military families during the holiday season. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=712I am honored to be recognized as a Champion of Change through President Obama's Winning the Future Initiative. I have volunteered with the President at service projects in Washington, DC and along with my colleagues at HandsOn Greater DC Cares and the volunteer community of our region, share his commitment to achieving change through service. Community RenewalWed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=710This week I am being recognized as a Champion of Change for my work empowering Arab and Muslim Americans nationally through civic engagement, direct service and advocacy campaigns. Born in Brooklyn, New York to parents who emigrated here from Palestine and attending NYC public schools my whole life, I would say I was an ordinary kid with an ordinary life. United We ServeThu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=709Madison Street Veterans Association began about three years ago with a group of homeless veterans living in an emergency shelter in Phoenix. The veterans decided that they should band together to improve the conditions in the shelter for themselves and any veterans who showed up in the shelter. What a difference they made! Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 3 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=707This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling to deliver hundreds of toys that White House staff donated to Toys for Tots, an annual holiday toy drive organized by the Marines. She thanked volunteers and military families for their hard work and dedication to the 60-year old program. United We ServeMon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=706Earlier this month an important meeting was held in Washington. It wasn't a meeting you would have heard about on the nightly news, but it was a meeting that addressed critical issues facing a core constituency of this nation - American Indians. National ServiceFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=705Last week the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) convened more than 200 leaders in the disability and service communities at the 2011 Symposium on Service and Inclusion. Our goal: to discuss strategies to recruit, engage, and support more people with disabilities in national service. National ServiceThu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=704Every day, AmeriCorps members across the country are making a powerful difference in communities and their own lives. Each year during AmeriCorps Week, we recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums and highlight the extraordinary value AmeriCorps brings to our nation. National ServiceWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=703The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. Take a look at some of the great stories that had people talking recently. National ServiceMon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=702Operation Honor Card has successfully collected 14,000,000 pledged hours of service from Americans who want to honor military families and veterans through acts of kindness, big and small, showing appreciation for their sacrifice. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=701Jennifer Byerly, 47, of Rockport, Indiana weathered the trials and tribulations of life, but has made the most of her circumstances through her service with AmeriCorps. She has also become a champion for those with intellectual disabilities. National ServiceFri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=700On the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service this January, President Obama will recognize unsung heroes around the country who have answered the call to service. Inspired by Dr. King's historic speech on the Drum Major Instinct, the MLK Drum Majors for Service program --facilitated by the White House and the Corporation for National and Community Service -- welcomes the nomination of people in organizations and businesses who are serving their communities, often without recognition. United We ServeTue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=699Native American students and educators face a unique set of circumstances surrounding tribal communities, including poverty, loss of culture and identity, and high suicide rates, all threatening students' academic success.National ServiceWed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=698The holidays are a time when the spirit of kindness and generosity abound. So what better time to recognize your school for its year-round commitment to community service? EducationTue, 6 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=696Within tribal communities, Native Americans are uniting to combat the dire problems affecting their populations, including poverty, addiction, and high suicide rates. Native American youth leaders have taken the lead, inspiring their communities to take action and tackling these issues head on. Community RenewalFri, 2 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=695'We can re-build him. We have the technology.' Remember that classic opening line for the show The Six Million Dollar Man? A version of that line has been going through my head as we observe this year's World AIDS Day. HealthThu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=694Hispanic leaders in Colorado, like so many in the United States, are committed to addressing challenges and improving opportunities for their community. They want to work with the Federal government to understand policies, access information, leverage resources, and build collaboration that will help provide solutions to pressing concerns. In Denver, I saw this commitment first hand. EducationWed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=693As one of the coordinators of the White House Mentorship Program I was moved by HandsOn Greater DC Cares' new initiative to encourage for-profit corporations to provide mentoring opportunities for under-served youth in the Greater D.C. Community. The organization demonstrates the importance of bringing public and private sectors to together to better serve our communities.Community RenewalTue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=692When our armed forces return from combat, the impact it has on their lives is lasting, though not always evident. For many, they are returning with invisible wounds, that left untreated, can turn into scars.Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=691Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends to feast in good company. It is the one day a year reserved for expressing gratitude - for family and friends, health and careers, homes and means. But many Americans will not share in such plentiful abundance. Ending HungerWed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=690Twenty-five years ago, Ferris Bueller skipped school to spend a day of frivolous fun with his friends. He had little regard for authority, responsibility or the rules. We all wanted to be Ferris - slightly cynical, charmingly irreverent, and clever. Ferris - and the movie he starred in - defined a generation - my generation, Generation X. United We ServeMon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=689We've all seen them - in every color of the rainbow and spanning kindergarten through university, the ubiquitous bumper sticker: Proud Parent of an Honor Roll Student. Parents everywhere are eager to display their child's hard work to the world. But parents aren't the only ones who have an opportunity to display such a sticker. EducationThu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=688We'll be joining Jon Carson, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement; Brandon Routh, actor and service advocate; and the team from the Young Non Profit Professionals Network of DC for a Twitter Q&A, November 16th at 1:00 PM EST. United We ServeWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=687Wish you could take better pictures of the great service that you and your fellow volunteers are doing? Believe it or not, you don't need to buy a new camera. Following --and practicing -- a few basic techniques can do a lot to improve the quality of your photos. National ServiceTue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=686On the National Service blog, the past few weeks have been dedicated to veterans. We've shared stories of WWII and Gulf War vets, of vets inspiring and helping young people, and of vets serving their country on the battlefield, and off. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=685Veterans Day should remind us that our veterans deserve much more than our thoughts and kind words. The transition from the battlefield back to civilian life is never easy, but long and multiple deployments and a weak job market make this one of the most difficult times ever to be a veteran. Veterans and Military FamiliesFri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=683Supporting our nation's troops, veterans, and military families is critical to our national security and to strengthening our communities. It is also a top priority for of Corporation for National and Community Service, stemming from the bipartisan Serve America Act. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=682Among the milestone events that have marked our nation's history, World Word II is one everyone knows of but few remember. The heroes of that war, their shared sacrifice and their continued dedication, shows they truly are the greatest generation. Montana's Bernard Mulder, 89, is one of these heroes. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=680Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the sacrifice that veterans have made for our country and an opportunity to create a more meaningful experience for the veterans in your community. One way you can create a lasting memory of service is to record the story of a veteran in your life and contribute it to the Veterans History Project. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=679Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices that military service members and families have made while protecting our nation. Veterans and Military FamiliesWed, 9 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=678On Veterans Day, November 11, we honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country and risked their lives to protect our freedoms. There are many ways to give back to the more than 23 million vets who have sacrificed so much. Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 8 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=677It's no secret that personal attention in the classroom can deliver big results on a report card. For children of military families, that extra kindness can be even more crucial.Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 7 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=676This belief is the bedrock of A Billion + Change, a game-changing initiative that gives nonprofits insight into their own management process and programs from some of the best minds corporate America has to offer. On Thursday, the Corporation for National and Community Service joined Senator Mark Warner, as well as representatives from the Points of Light Institute, the Case Foundation and Deloitte to mark a milestone for the program -- $1 billion worth of pledges.United We ServeFri, 4 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=675Chuck Hundley, a Marine Reservist throughout college was never deployed overseas because his skills as an AAV Technician were needed back in the states. That didn't stop him from trying however, 'I wanted to go so badly and support my fellow troops, but I got the orders to stay back.' Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 3 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=674Todd Schnittke proudly served his country during the Gulf War as a Multiple Launch Rocket System Technician from 1989-1993. Yet, he had a will to continue his service to the United States that never disappeared. Now, he proudly serves under another title - AmeriCorps member at the AMVETs Career Center in Mansfield, Ohio. Veterans and Military FamiliesWed, 2 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=673As Veteran's Day nears, we look to honor those of the "Greatest Generation" who so valiantly served our country during World War II. Today, these heroes are still serving today - tutoring and mentoring at-risk youth, serving veteran and military families, and helping fellow seniors stay independent in their own homes.Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=672There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. That's right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens you'll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you'll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for arealemergency. Disaster Response and RecoveryMon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=671This year, as I reflect on the meaning of Diwali, I also remember the long journey I took to the United States and then to the gates of the White House in my current position as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Corporation for National and Community Service. United We ServeFri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=670Last week, the Corporation for National and Community Service joined the Department of Housing and Urban Development for an event called 'Evidence of Success: Institutions of Higher Education Engaging Communities.' Together, the two agencies hosted a discussion on the role that institutions of higher education play in stimulating local economies. EducationThu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=669When Joseph Aragon heads to school in the morning you won't find him toting a backpack stuffed with school supplies or carrying a lunchbox. Instead, this 64 year-old brings with him a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share with the students of Blanche Pope Elementary School on the Hawaiian Homestead land in Waimanalo. EducationTue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=668This week has been a great week for service, and tomorrow is the biggest national day of service of the year; Make A Difference Day!United We ServeFri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=667Though retired from the service for 14 years, 68 year-old veteran Larry Mills found he wasn't done serving. He answered this call by serving fellow veterans through the Senior Companion program, one of three Senior Corps programs at the Corporation for National and Community Service. Veterans and Military FamiliesThu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=665Three of the biggest stars in America are lending their voices to Joining Forces, the initiative started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr.Jill Biden to bring attention to the unique needs and strength of America's military families.Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg have each created public service announcements (PSAs) that tell real stories about America's military families and call on all Americans to give back to ensure service members and military families have the support they have earned. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=664In Bastrop, TX, AmeriCorps members are helping to match volunteer and nonprofit agency workers with wildfire survivors who need help with recovery tasks. Disaster Response and RecoveryTue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=663Three years ago Chris Oliver was unemployed and facing homelessness after being evicted from his Dallas apartment. He turned to City Square, a local nonprofit that provides vital services to neighbors struggling with poverty. City Square didn't just help Chris put food on the table - it gave him a second chance on life. He joined City Square's AmeriCorps program, where he served for two years. Now Chris has a full-time position working in the organization's homeless outreach program. Community RenewalThu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=662Many Americans struggle with poverty issues. According to the Census Bureau, 1 out of 6 Americans are living in poverty. In the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area, more than 14.6% of individuals live below the poverty line and statewide, 4.6 million Texans live in poverty, putting Texas 3% higher than the national average. Ending HungerWed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=661Today, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions (NFWS) announced grants totaling $2.1 million to five communities as a means to support local, employer-led workforce partnerships. These grants represent the third round of funding supported by the federal Social Innovation Fund grant awarded to the National Fund and its implementation partner, Jobs for the Future.Social Innovation FundThu, 6 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=660In December 1985, the United Nations designated the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day. This year, the theme of World Habitat Day is Cities and Climate Change. Community RenewalMon, 3 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=65959-year-old Lillie Lanser is one of the millions of Americans affected by the economic downturn. She spent years as a legal secretary, but when she was laid off in 2009, Lanser realized that unemployment allowed her to pursue a new direction in her life - service. As a volunteer, she found a passion for giving back and created the Cancer Pilot Transport Program while an RSVP volunteer with Senior Corps. HealthWed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=658A few years ago, as I began to travel around the country and talk to all sorts of people, one set of stories always tugged at my heart.They took my breath away.They inspired me.And they motivated me to learn more.They were stories of strength, courage, and patriotism that define our nation's military families. And I know that Fayetteville is filled with them. Veterans and Military FamiliesMon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=657On April 27, Tuscaloosa, Alabama was on the minds of many Americans, but most didn't realize the damage statewide, especially in the small town of Hackleburg, population 1,500. In a rural area nearly 100 miles away from Birmingham, Hackleburg remains in the shadow of Tuscaloosa but the damage was just as bad, if not worse. The majority of the town was demolished and 17 residents were killed in the storm. Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=656Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy inspired a generation by asking Americans what they could do for their country. Today, as many in the baby boomer generation approach retirement age, they are still serving their country, enriching their own lives in the process. National ServiceWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=655Columbus, OH is home to the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. and the number of low-income, aging immigrants with little or no family nearby is growing. Speaking little or no English and no access to transportation, Somali seniors are struggling to continue living independent lives. National ServiceWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=654For too many veterans, returning home from war does not mean the battle is over. In fact, for some, the battle has just begun. Adjusting to civilian life can be challenging, especially when a veteran is suffering from an injury, depression, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Yet, some returning soldiers can neither drive nor have the daily support necessary to make it to the frequent appointments required for treatment—creating stress for themselves and their families. Veterans and Military FamiliesTue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=653Today marks the beginning of the second annual Senior Corps Week! This week celebrates the commitment and contribution made by Senior Corps volunteers and recognizes their critical impact on addressing tough challenges across our nation. National ServiceMon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=652There was a time when Sydney Jimason's prospects didn't look bright. She was kicked out of high school, unemployed, and spending time on the streets of DC. But that all changed when she learned about the Latin American Youth Corps YouthBuild program.National ServiceWed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=651This year has shown us that disasters can strike anywhere, and can often come unexpectedly. This year alone, we've seen historic flooding along many rivers, deadly tornadoes in several states, a hurricane hit the East Coast (including New England), and recently, even an earthquake in Virginia. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=650This past weekend, hundreds of thousands of Americans participated in service projects to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of 9/11. In all 50 states, volunteers turned out to paint and refurbish homes, run food drives, spruce up schools, reclaim neighborhoods, and support and honor veterans, soldiers, military families, and first responders. United We ServeMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=648The Service News Digest is a regular feature on the Serve.Gov blog. In this series, we showcase news highlights that feature national service and Corporation for National and Community Service programs. In this edition, take a look at some of the great stories that feature September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance activities.United We ServeMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=647To honor those we lost in the worst attack ever on our soil, September 11th has been designated as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, and like many Americans across the country this weekend, the First Family paid their respects by joining a service project. United We ServeMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=646As a native of Long Island, the attacks of September 11th, 2001 hit close to home for Tracy Connelly. Loved ones working in the World Trade Center were missing. Family members responding to the attacks were injured. For 36 hours, she had no idea where her father was. Days after the events, Connelly learned of friends' deaths by passing their memorials in Penn Station. Disaster Response and RecoveryFri, 9 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=644While many people scrambled to escape through the Holland Tunnel from Manhattan to Hoboken after the 9/11 attacks, a few students and their teacher from Hoboken High School traveled to Ground Zero to help. Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=642'A volunteer called to alert us about the first plane. We went into the classroom, which had the only TV and turned it to a local news channel. After adjusting the rabbit ears on top, we all witnessed the second plane hit just a few moments later. I think we all had the same reaction and that was pure terror."Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 8 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=641In the wake of chaos and tragedy following the September 11th tragedy, AmeriCorps members from the National Preparedness and Response Corps of the Atlanta Red Cross were deployed to Ground Zero. Among those who served was then-70-year-old Donald Trantow. Disaster Response and RecoveryWed, 7 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=640With the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, approaching, memories of the tragic events that occurred that day feel particularly powerful. For most Americans, the anniversary will always be full of history, emotion, and reflection but 10 years later it's become a symbol for the spirit of unity that America demonstrated in the aftermath. United We ServeTue, 6 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=639A few weeks ago, a brand new AmeriCorps program, FoodCorps, brought together 50 newly-minted members for a week long training. While there, several of the members shared what inspired them to join a program designed to addressing our country's childhood obesity epidemic through school gardens and farm-to-school programsHealthy FoodsWed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=638For most Americans, September 11th is a day of complicated emotions. It may recall painful memories and heart-breaking images. But it should also remind us of the patriotic pride and resilient American spirit that shined that day. United We ServeTue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=637For many, knowing the relationship between natural disasters and volunteers is limited to response and recovery. It conjures up images of volunteers pulling survivors from rubble, sorting through debris, delivering supplies, consoling victims, and rebuilding communities. But service and volunteerism has a place in disasters long before one actually hits; much can be done in terms of preparation and readiness. Disaster Response and RecoveryThu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=636This year marks the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Organizations across the country will honor those who were lost and those who rose in service in response to the tragedy by participating in the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. United We ServeWed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=635USDA data shows that only 2% of kids eat enough fruits and vegetables and 1 in 4 young adults are too overweight to qualify for military service. Statistics like these don't exactly paint a hopeful picture for the future. But a new national service organization, FoodCorps, has set out to change that. Healthy FoodsFri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=634Much ado has been made lately about summer learning loss—and many assume that the antidote is more school. Whether that takes the form of summer school, year-round school, or computer camp, we have come to believe that more indoor desk time is what our kids need to avoid the 'summer slide.' Strong MindsWed, 17 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=633Every day, volunteers are giving their time and talents to help better their community and their country. Last week, we released our annual Volunteering in America report -- data critical for understanding volunteer trends and demographics, including who is serving, where they are serving and where community needs still exist. This data is vital for elected officials and nonprofit leaders as they develop strategies to mobilize more Americans to address local needs through service. National ServiceTue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST