AmeriCorps shows it’s a program worth preserving

By Gary Hinzman

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Before, during and post flood, the surrounding counties have been served well by AmeriCorps and VISTA volunteers.

Before the flood, the VISTA members were assigned to help develop community capacity in the Cedar Rapids Weed & Seed area. These volunteers helped local officials reduce crime and establish meaningful programs that had a positive effect on community betterment. Locally, a non-profit foundation called CCIA recruited and managed the volunteers.

The volunteers are people from across the country who want to make a difference. They receive a small stipend and an educational award.

Knowing their dedication to serve, it is sad that the U.S. House of Representatives has put this program on the chopping block.

Before the 2008 flood water receded, the state offices of VISTA and AmeriCorps were calling to provide assistance. They authorized up to

220 positions to help combat the flooding throughout the surrounding area, particularly in Linn and Johnson counties.

During the time, this was the second-largest, single-site program in the country next to New York City.

With a long-standing commitment to service, AmeriCorps programs including AmeriCorps State/National, Green Iowa AmeriCorps, AmeriCorps*VISTA, and VISTA Foster Grandparents are serving our local communities. CCIA has 94 AmeriCorps members currently serving in Linn, Johnson and Tama counties.

It is alarming that included in the $74 billion in proposed cuts released in late February was the elimination of the AmeriCorps program, which has so greatly benefited our communities. AmeriCorps members have been answering the call to service loud and clear throughout the state, meeting critical needs and filling service gaps during this time of economic uncertainty.

l AmeriCorps*VISTA members were critical to responding to the fifth-largest natural disaster in U.S. history in our communities. They coordinated the work of more than 7,600 volunteers, who completed more than 200,000 volunteer hours working in more than one-third of the 5,400 flood-impacted homes.

l AmeriCorps members have assisted in generating more than $4.57 million in federal refunds through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Centers, and a further economic impact of more than $3 million.

l Each One Reach One AmeriCorps program has made a difference in the lives of 1,434 vulnerable youth, 309 adults/families receiving mentoring support (jobs, parenting, etc.) and the residents of the targeted high-risk neighborhoods in which they live. The program works collaboratively to tap into the unique abilities of faith-based and community organizations in order to help more disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers to success.

l 1,624 additional volunteers have been recruited by AmeriCorps members as citizens see the value in these community organizations reaching their neighbors and want to help.

l Green Iowa AmeriCorps has helped flood victims rebuild using energy-efficient green technology, thereby contributing to the health of our community.

l Foster Grandparents work with children to give those children improved reading and math skills so they are competitive in early childhood.

Not only do AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps *VISTA provide individuals with opportunities to help address their communities' most pressing needs, but the program also spurs individuals to be agents of positive change in their communities long after their AmeriCorps service. The AmeriCorps program has been and will continue to be invaluable to our community.

As this community issued a “call to action” that was answered by AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteers, this community now needs to respond to a “call for action” to let Congress know that this valuable program should not be a pawn in a high-stakes political gamble.

Gary Hinzman is director of the 6th Judicial District Department of Correctional Services and a former Cedar Rapids police chief. Comments: Gary.Hinzman@iowa.gov