Service is the backbone of our great nation – through military service, local volunteerism, disaster response, AmeriCorps programs, teaching programs, etc. These programs provide skills, promote equality, promote unity, provide a bridge to adulthood and most importantly – provide an individual with a greater sense of purpose.
The U.S. House of Representatives initial budget proposal for FY25 shows significant cuts to AmeriCorps, eliminating state and national programs all together. These drastic funding cuts will hurt local communities who support their citizens in numerous ways and will have a devastating effect on many lives throughout Washington, to include in underrepresented communities.
Both AmeriCorps Competitive and Formula grants enabled 23 programs to operate throughout the state of Washington in Program Year 23-24. These programs provided the following types of support to our local communities: reading literacy, climate conservation, youth programs, veteran support, health services, job readiness training, etc.
Serve Washington subgrantees supported more than 1500 AmeriCorps members serving throughout multiple state locations. These members are recruited from their local communities and proudly serve their programs.
AmeriCorps members gain vital life and technical skills when serving their communities and build friendships and connections with others that will last a lifetime. Once they finish their service commitment they have so much to offer any future employer.
I am proud to say my daughter and son in law both served a year in AmeriCorps and at the conclusion of their service commitment navigated their way into state government jobs and both are doing amazing. I credit this to their time of giving back to their community, while simultaneously building those skills that are in deep demand by hiring officials.
It is these personal stories that will be lost if funding goes away – these stories that define who we are as a nation and state.
Thank you for your time,
Trish Almond, Executive Director Serve Washington