FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 20, 2023

Award brings funding and VISTA member support to vital Atlanta-based groups.

WASHINGTON, DC – AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith joined Rep. Nikema Williams (GA-05) in Atlanta to announce $569,250 in AmeriCorps grant funding for three Atlanta-based organizations. The announcement came during the celebration of AmeriCorps Week, which is observed the second full week of March each year.

“AmeriCorps Week gives us an opportunity to lift up and celebrate the inspiring AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who strengthen communities across the great state of Georgia,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I continue to be inspired by the innovative service opportunities in Atlanta that address urgent community needs while opening pathways for those who serve. AmeriCorps was proud to invest more than $500,000 in three Atlanta community organizations—the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Georgia State University’s research foundation and Covenant Community, Inc.—to support 28 full-time AmeriCorps members from our VISTA program and five Summer Associates. These national service members will serve as volunteer leaders, build capacity for these organizations, and help empower thousands of Black women and children in the greater Atlanta region. I am grateful to our partners in these vital organizations and Rep. Nikema Williams for her enduring support of national service.”  

The three funded programs are: the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, which will receive $78,360 for a new healthcare data manager; Covenant Community, Inc., which will receive $197,040 to help individuals and families recover from addiction; and the Georgia State University Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence, which will receive $293,850 for LGBTQi+ youth street outreach programs. AmeriCorps members serving in the VISTA program serve full-time for one full year to build capacity at a community organization, such as a nonprofit, faith-based organization, college or university, or local government agency, on anti-poverty projects across the country. The AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate program offers individuals the opportunity to become engaged in a community through an existing AmeriCorps VISTA project for 8, 9, or 10 weeks during the summer.

“I secured funding for AmeriCorps VISTA grants because these grants work,” said Rep. Williams. “The three VISTA grant recipients in Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District now have more volunteers to improve the lives of thousands of people. I am proud to work with AmeriCorps, the Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Covenant Community, and the Georgia State University Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence as we uplift marginalized communities.” 

“The AmeriCorps VISTA program has had a measurable impact on our organization and community because as members have lent their skills in the areas of data management, volunteer recruitment, and patient navigation it has yielded more resources and volunteers for our organization to provide needed patient care for the uninsured,” said Jemea Dorsey, CEO of the Center for Black Women’s Wellness. “These new grant funds will help us grow and manage our VISTA program, and we are grateful to Congresswoman Nikema Williams for her support.” 

“We’re so grateful to AmeriCorps VISTA for its renewed support and to Congresswoman Williams for approving the funds,” said Christine Love, CEO of Covenant Community, Inc. “Our program provides residential treatment for up to 14 men and strategic recovery support to thousands of individuals and families grappling with addiction and mental health challenges, helping them regain control of their lives. The AmeriCorps VISTA Awards will allow us to enhance our processes and partnerships to provide more people with comprehensive treatment and expand our impact in the community.” 

“Georgia State University’s Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence will use the VISTA funding to support its LGBTQ+ Street Outreach program,” said Brian Williams, Executive Director of the Georgia State University Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence. “AmeriCorps members serving with the program will work to connect LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness with community services and resources, develop an LGBTQ+ sensitivity and trauma-informed care training program, and create tools to better inform the public about the challenges facing homeless youth in our communities. Thank you to Congresswoman Williams and AmeriCorps for investing in our program.”

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.