FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 13, 2023

National service agency recognizes Arizona volunteers during AmeriCorps Week, annual celebration of millions of Americans who unite in service

WASHINGTON, DC – On Monday, March 13, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith awarded the President’s awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Awards to seven local volunteers who have served thousands of hours across multiple organizations. AmeriCorps is the federal agency for volunteerism and national service.

The Center for Service and Volunteerism at Northern Arizona University has engaged AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers since 1985 and currently engages more than 500 volunteers in eight counties in Arizona, supporting thousands of individuals through the Foster Grandparent, RSVP, and Senior Companion programs. 

According to new AmeriCorps research, in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, more than 1.4 million people volunteered through organizations, contributing 80.1 million hours of service, worth an estimated $2.2 billion in Arizona. 

Additionally, Arizona is a leader in national service. Last year, more than 4,100 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in Arizona united to meet local needs, strengthen communities and expand opportunity through national service at more than 500 locations. Further, AmeriCorps invested more than $15.3 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, directly working with local organizations.

“The President’s Volunteer Service Award continues to highlight the enduring spirit of service that unites Americans and transforms lives,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I am honored to recognize seven inspiring volunteers with Lifetime Achievement awards for their innovative and critical service to their community and the country.”

“NAU’s Center for Service and Volunteerism is thrilled to kick off AmeriCorps Week by honoring some of our outstanding AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers,” said Erin Kruse, director for the Center for Service and Volunteerism at Northern Arizona University. “We are so proud of the Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP volunteers who make an impact each and every day. They help older adults remain living independently, provide respite care to caregivers, are tutors and mentors to children in need, and help support the operations of hundreds of schools and non-profits organizations. Thank you to AmeriCorps’ CEO Michael D. Smith for honoring their contributions and bringing the celebration to Arizona.”

The President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honorees are AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serving in the Senior Companion Program and Foster Grand Parents Program with Northern Arizona University.

  • Xue Ying Chen, 5,615 hours
  • Rosemary Mollon, 17,549 hours 
  • Cobra Morrison, 26,721 hours
  • Fa Yi Lin, 9,823 hours
  • Jesusa Sebastian, 18,632 hours
  • Fredrick Smith, 5,615 hours 
  • Jane Turner, 5,615 hours

Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows organizations to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act.

This announcement coincides with AmeriCorps Week. During this week, AmeriCorps celebrates the millions of Americans ages 18 to 55+, who have served with AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors. In nearly 40,000 locations right now, more than 200,000 people serve as members or volunteers across all 50 states and territories. To join the celebration, follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation by sharing pictures and stories on Twitter, using #AmeriCorpsWeek. 

A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree
A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree
A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree
A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree
A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree
A President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree

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.