Do you have a passion for public health and contributing to the community? Feel the need to tackle real challenges? Americorps just might be just the right program for you.

Americorps is an organization that focuses on key services to make an impact. When there is a disaster, they go out and help restore houses, help survivors, and assist where they are needed. Americorps provides services to veterans as well. They help connect them to education, jobs, and other benefit opportunities.

The biggest impacts Americorps make are helping with education, tackling homelessness, fighting the opioid crisis, and providing food security. Testimonials can be found on the Americorps website. One member’s time had quite an impact on them.

“My year serving with AmeriCorps NCCC in the Pacific Region left me with fond memories, valuable lessons, and lifelong friends,” said Aven Gehlert. “My roommate became my Ameri-Bestie – my best friend – and I also met my boyfriend during my service.”

Americorps has eight regional offices that serve all states and territories. When a volunteer joins, they can decide how they want to help. The website gives people the opportunity to pick when and how they are available to help. There is some additional information that must be filled out so a person can be pointed in the direction of their interest.

For those seeking to contact Americorps for more details, Antonio Mendez is the Deputy Region Director for Programming for the Southwest regions. He can be contacted at ([email protected]) for questions. Interested parties may also contact Ka Vang ([email protected]) for any questions as well.