FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mar 27, 2024

Federal and state agencies formalize a plan for community needs, leveraging NCCC teams for disaster relief and recovery

WASHINGTON, DC— On Monday, March 11, AmeriCorps NCCC and Serve Virginia, the state service commission for the state of Virginia, signed a disaster relief and recovery Memorandum of Understanding. The signing ceremony took place at the new offices of the Virginia Department of Social Services in Glen Allen, with representatives from AmeriCorps NCCC, Serve Virginia, the Virginia Department of Social Services and the Department of Emergency Management.  

The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding continues Virginia’s ability and streamlines the process to utilize AmeriCorps NCCC as an integral part of recovery and relief efforts in times of disaster. Members of the AmeriCorps NCCC program deploy in teams of eight to 12, competing service projects around the country. The missions typically last between three to 13 weeks. This Memorandum of Understanding empowers a streamlined approach to deploying AmeriCorps NCCC teams across the Commonwealth for disaster response.  

Virginia is one of several states with a Memorandum of Understanding in place to leverage AmeriCorps NCCC for disaster relief and recovery. The Memorandum of Understanding signing event marks the first to engage leadership from the Department of Emergency Management and state service commission in the NCCC partnership.  

“When disaster strikes, you can count on AmeriCorps to respond,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “The global climate crisis continues to increase extreme weather events, placing American communities at risk. This partnership ensures members serving with AmeriCorps NCCC are ready to mobilize and deploy at a moment’s notice, enhancing Virginia’s disaster readiness in times of need.”  

“The partnership between State Service Commissions and AmeriCorps NCCC is a great example of how the state and federal entities come together to support state identified priorities for their residents,” said Ken Goodson, Director, AmeriCorps NCCC. “AmeriCorps NCCC’s ability to respond quickly in times of disaster is a great way for Virginia and other states around the nation to support their communities during times of pressing need.”  

“It is an honor to convene this group of state and federal leaders to lay the groundwork for ensuring Virginians have access to timely and robust disaster recovery and relief support through AmeriCorps NCCC,” said Kathy Spangler, Director, Serve Virginia.

“We are excited to work with Serve Virginia, the Virginia Department of Social Services, and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, as they set this standard on best practices when utilizing AmeriCorps NCCC as a resource for whole-community response and recovery,” said Stephanie Chan, Assistant Program Director, AmeriCorps NCCC.  

AmeriCorps NCCC is an AmeriCorps program founded in 1993 that engages 18- to 26-year-olds in team-based, residential community service projects across the United States. Teams live in the communities they serve to better understand the culture, participate in service-learning, and build leadership and life skills. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov/partner-nccc.  

Serve Virginia aspires to build a culture of service and volunteerism in all corners of the Commonwealth by inspiring individuals and organizations to engage, connecting them with the resources they need to make a difference and celebrating the tremendous impacts we make together. As the state service commission, Serve Virginia operates within the Virginia Department of Social Services as the lead agency for volunteerism and service for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Learn more at servevirginia.org.

The Virginia Department of Social Services is a state supervised and locally administered social services system. Providing oversight and guidance to 120 local offices across the state, VDSS delivers a wide variety of services and benefits to over 2.2 million Virginians each year. Learn more at dss.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management works with local government, state and federal agencies, and voluntary organizations to provide resources and expertise through the four phases of emergency management. VDEM develops and maintains state emergency plans and assists communities in developing localized emergency operations plans. Learn more at vaemergency.gov.

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.