AmeriCorps sending volunteers to distressed counties

The Washington Service Corps and Washington Reading Corps will dispatch about 700 members around the state this fall to help meet educational, environmental, health and public safety needs.

More than 150 of them will serve in distressed counties. The agency includes Wahkiakum as one of the distressed counties, noting that its 11.9 percent unemployment rate average in 2012-14 was second highest in the state, behind Ferry County's 13.6 percent.

The two programs, part of the federal AmeriCorps program and administered by the state Employment Security Department, will use grants totaling more than $9 million to help Washington communities address pressing needs:

Tutoring elementary school students and English-language learners.

Helping unemployed people prepare for the workplace and find jobs.

Restoring prairie, stream and coastal habitats.

Helping senior citizens and people with disabilities get access to meals, transportation and healthcare services.

Training people to prepare for disasters.

One-third of the Washington Readings Corps’ 150 members and nearly 20 percent of the 567 total Washington Service Corps (WSC) members will serve in distressed counties for their 10½ months of community service.

On the washingtonservicecorps.org website, one may see lists of sites where Washington Service Corps teams, individuals and Reading Corps members will serve.

“We make a concerted effort to place members in counties with high unemployment and poverty rates,” said Debbie Aoki, Washington Service Corps director. “Through their dedicated service helping those most in need, AmeriCorps members make a substantial and tangible difference in our communities.

“Additionally, those who serve in national service programs can benefit greatly from the experience they gain. We’re proud to help people improve their lives and communities,” Aoki said.

In return for their service, AmeriCorps members receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, training and an educational scholarship. Eligible members with children also can receive help with childcare.

AmeriCorps grants are funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Washington Service Corps and Washington Reading Corps are the two largest AmeriCorps grant awards in the state for the 2015-16 program year.

Many positions for the 2015-2016 program year, which begins in September, are still open. To learn how to apply, go to washingtonservicecorps.org.