Prevention Resource Center Celebrates AmeriCorps Week
The state Prevention Resource Center (PRC) will join the second nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 11-18, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps*VISTA members in communities across Montana since the national service program began 15 years ago.
A kick-off event will be held Monday, May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda.
The event will recognize the efforts of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA members, sponsors, project directors, alumni and community and state partners. There will also be displays from various AmeriCorps projects around the state. This event is open to the public and will allow community residents to learn about AmeriCorps programs.
Those scheduled to speak include Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly, vice-chair for the Commission on Community Service, former Congressman Rick Hill, a representing board member from the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Chief Justice Karla Gray.
Since 1994, more than 540,000 men and women have joined AmeriCorps, and they have given more than 705 million hours of service to their country. AmeriCorps members have helped mobilize tens of millions of volunteers and improve the lives of countless citizens. Across the country, AmeriCorps*VISTA members are helping communities fight poverty by assisting local organizations with capacity building, fundraising, recruiting volunteers and creating sustainable programs.
The PRC of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services was founded in the summer of 1996 as the working arm for the Interagency Coordinating Council for state prevention programs.
“The VISTA project started alongside the Prevention Resource Center with the intent to implement programs at the community level,” said PRC director Vicki Turner.
The first community PRC VISTAs started in early February of 1997. These 14 members were a diverse group, including four Montanans, and coming from as far away as Massachusetts and New York to serve in communities throughout the state. Some notable accomplishments since 1997 include:
- 265 members have served with the PRC for a total of 265 service years at over 130 sites
- VISTAs have mobilized over 14,442 volunteers who have volunteered for almost 206,387 hours
- Over $753,969 of in-kind donations have been generated
- VISTAs have secured over $3.39 million for the Montana communities they serve
Just as important, AmeriCorps builds lifelong civic leaders who are active in their communities. “A new study has found that AmeriCorps alums have high levels of civic engagement and most go into careers that serve the public good such as teaching, social work, public safety, government or military service,” Turner added.
For more information about the PRC VISTA program please go to www.prevention.mt.gov or call Turner at 406-444-3484.
Page last updated: 05/12/2008
