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Media Release
For Immediate Release: July 24, 2007
For more information contact:
Tammy Capps or Michelle Spevak
Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps
828.259.9717
Twenty Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps members will graduate on
July 31st – capping off a year of service to children in Buncombe County
They come to Asheville from a variety of locations and backgrounds and will
move on to pursue careers in education, law, social services, business, and
government. But for one year, they focus on a common mission: serving the
children of Buncombe County as a Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps
member.
Twenty Project POWER/AmeriCorps members will graduate on July 31st, 6:30 PM,
at the Governor’s Western Residence, celebrating a year focused on service
learning, volunteer management, and student enrichment and academic
assistance. Their collective impact: 36,000 hours of service in six
elementary schools and through partnerships with Big Brothers/Big Sisters,
the Reid Center, UNCA Key Center, YMCA, YWCA, I Have A Dream, Asheville
Housing Authority, Buncombe County Schools, and Asheville City Schools.
“Project POWER/AmeriCorps is silently turning the tide for at-risk children
in our community,” notes Allison Jordan, Executive Director of Children
First. “Through the collaborations with schools and other organizations,
this program leverages resources far beyond what any one of us could do
alone to expand opportunities for children in our community.”
Project POWER/AmeriCorps members develop strong leadership skills and carry
a commitment to community service after graduation. Some end up staying in
Asheville – often finding jobs with the organizations they served with.
After graduating in July, Victoria Tripp will begin a job with Big
Brothers/Big Sisters – her placement through Project POWER/AmeriCorps.
“Working with the AmeriCorps team to build community has been a true honor.
Being a part of a team has provided the support to allow me to build
meaningful relationships and to make a difference in individual lives, mine
included," says Tripp.
Seven members have signed on for a second year of service: Lindsley
Doddridge is one of them. Doddridge, who grew up in Asheville, has been
moved by her experience: “For a lot of the kids we serve, it is their first
time being in an after school or summer camp program. Project POWER/AmeriCorps
gives a lot of good training and is a really meaningful opportunity.”
“We are so proud of this year’s team and thank our partners for making this
year one of our best,” says Tammy Capps, Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps
Director. “This program inspires hope and changes lives not only for the
children, but the members and our partners.”
Children First of Buncombe County improves the lives of children, youth, and
their families through community collaborations, advocacy, and services.
Children First Project POWER/AmeriCorps will begin its tenth year in August
and receives funding from the NC Commission on Volunteerism and the
Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps was created by
Congress as a domestic Peace Corps in YEAR.
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