FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 26, 2022

Two New York-based organizations will engage 700 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in new pilot program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, awarded more than $7 million to two AmeriCorps Seniors grantee organizations in New York to address economic opportunity and build pathways to employment for older adults.

These grants are part of a pilot program to enhance opportunities for adults ages 55+ to participate in national service activities, impact their community and gain the skills needed to transition back into the workforce. Designed to be sustainable and replicable, these programs are intended to extend beyond the period of AmeriCorps grant funding. Both programs support AmeriCorps Seniors’ commitment to funding programs that achieve sustainable change in communities and align with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility. 

“Partnering with these new grantees will strengthen AmeriCorps Seniors’ efforts to impact the communities we serve and enhance the lives of our volunteers in a new and tangible way” said Atalaya Sergi, director, AmeriCorps Seniors. “We are excited to support older adults to use the skills they have and those they will develop to not only serve their community but find financial security and new purpose. Upon completion of their service, they will be prepared and supported to re-enter the workforce.” 

The funded programs include:

  • Lifespan of Greater Rochester in New York state will engage more than 300 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to provide respite support to caregivers in southern New York over the next three years. The AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who participate in the workforce development pilot will serve as both respite support volunteers and receive training through a respite care certification program. The training will equip the volunteers with the skills to enhance their job readiness and to transition from unpaid volunteers to paid respite professionals.

  • New York City Department for the Aging will engage more than750 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in community service volunteer assignments at various nonprofit, community and social service organizations in New York City over the next three years. In addition to their community service volunteer assignments, the volunteers will move through a series of trainings, which include quality skills development, upskilling, credential training, job placement and supplemental follow-up services that support job retention.

AmeriCorps continues to invest in national service across all 50 states and U.S. territories, support the nation’s COVID-19 recovery, support economic empowerment, and unite people through national and community service. AmeriCorps Seniors serve in all 50 states and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AmeriCorps adapts to meet some of the most pressing needs of communities, advance civic engagement and empower individuals across the generations to improve lives and communities all over the country. 

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 250,000 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.

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.