AmeriCorps team to serve in Holton
A team of 11 young adults is scheduled to arrive in Holton this weekend for two months of service assignments that will benefit disabled and older Jackson County residents and others, according to Tom Bishop, president and CEO of Holton’s Homestead Affordable Housing.
AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) has announced that the team of young adults will be helping Homestead in rehabilitating homes, building wheelchair ramps, building and installing raised-bed gardens and completeing a variety of service assignments to benefit Jackson County residents, it was reported. The team will begin its work in the first week of November.
“The NCCC team will be young men and women that will come prepared to help change the world here in the Holton, Jackson County area,” Bishop said.
Part of the team’s work plan includes “assisting in the site development and installation of trails and exercise equipment” at the new Prairie View Senior Residences complex, a Homestead-based, 32-unit housing complex for seniors that is currently under construction. The team will also partner with other local organizations “to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need in our community,” he added.
AmeriCorps NCCC members are young men and women, 18 to 24 years old, representing a wide variety of socio-economic, cultural, geographic and educational backgrounds, it was reported. Team members earn their place on an NCCC team through demonstrating a commitment to serve their community, develop practical skills and put forward a year of hard work “to make the nation stronger,” according to AmeriCorps.
In addition to receiving an increased understanding about “how effective and active citizenship can make a positive difference in the lives of others and build stronger communities,” according to AmeriCorps, team members also learn and sharpen technical and interpersonal skills that will serve them well in the future, along with an education award of $5,775 per person that will enable them to continue their education or reduce their educational debt.
It was reported that Homestead will also apply to have additional AmeriCorps teams serve in Holton and the Jackson County area, and the company plans to submit an application for a visit from another team in the spring of 2016.
“We believe the NCCC teams will have a great impact on the lives of many in Holton and Jackson County, while also encouraging more local volunteerism and letting others know the opportunities available through AmeriCorps,” says Brian Boeckman, Homestead volunteer coordinator and Single Family Program manager.
Those in need of wheelchair ramps or other emergency repairs, along with experienced carpenters to help design ramps and order materials, are encouraged to contact Homestead at 364-0110.
Homestead Affordable Housing, based in Holton, is a non-profit housing assistance organization and a state-certified Community Housing Development Organization, serving rural Kansas. More information can be found at Homestead’s Web site, www.homesteadks.org
