Updated: 4/23/2009 3:35:04 AM Posted: 4/22/2009 3:57:03 PM
CLEVELAND -- They don't do it for the money or the fame, but rather, they join Americorps feeling a calling to make a difference.
"When I heard about the opportunity, I didn't even really know it existed," said Bob Piotrkowski, who joined Americorps four months ago. "I just got out of school so this gave me something to do, chance to give back, and something to feel good about when I get home."
Americorps assigned him to supervise volunteers at home building sites through Habitat For Humanity, a non-profit group that depends on government-backed volunteers like Piotrkowski to complete its projects.
"They commit 40 hours per week working at out sites," said Melissa Frei, Habitat's Volunteer Programs Manager. "They're working at our offices, helping us to get our programs going."
President Obama's plan to more than triple the number of service members in groups like Americorps came to life Tuesday as he signed the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.
The bill fulfills a campaign commitment to get more Americans -- specifically young adults -- to serve their country.
"What this legislation does then is help harness this patriotism and connect deeds to needs," Obama said.
Americorps has been described as a homeland peace corps. The program offers men and women ages 18-24 the opportunity to serve in community projects in exchange for a small stipend on college support up to $4,725. To date, 16,000 Ohio residents have earned more than $55 million in education rewards.
The President's new bill should create opportunities for thousands more young adults to take part in local projects.
While Habitat for Humanity receives its Americorps support directly from the federal government, most Ohio's groups -- such as City Year Cleveland, which supports after-school and mentoring opportunities for local schools -- apply for the dollars through the Ohio Community Service Council, appointed by Governor Strickland.
Council member Alan Penn said the number of Ohioans applying to serve with Americorps has gone up 4-5 fold thanks to Obama's call to service.
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