-- As Prepared --

Chairwoman Foxx, Congressman Hinojosa. Thank you for this opportunity to testify today. I will keep my comments brief, and ask that my written testimony be made part of the record.

I welcome this opportunity to discuss our agency’s commitment to accountability, oversight and monitoring practices, and enhancements we plan to make.

New Orleans -- The Corporation for National and Community Service presented nine outstanding volunteer programs and participants with the Service Impact Award at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service today.

$216 Million to Support Organizations Using Service as a Solution to Social and Economic Problems

New Orleans, La. -- As thousands of service leaders and social entrepreneurs wrapped up the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service here today, Corporation for National and Community Service Acting CEO Robert Velasco announced $216 million in AmeriCorps grants to strengthen the impact of more than 300 organizations across the country in tackling the most pressing challenges facing communities and the nation.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is awarding 321 grants to national and local nonprofits that will engage more than 51,500 new AmeriCorps members in improving lives and strengthening communities from coast to coast. (See June 8, 2011 press release and August 12, 2011 press release)

Public and Private Support Needed to Scale Effective Programs
Meeting Critical Needs Across the Country

Gathering Showcases Impact of Volunteers in Disasters and Other Critical Issues

New Orleans – Witnessing first-hand the power that national service and social innovation has had in restoring the Gulf Coast, nearly 4,000 service leaders from across the country gathered in New Orleans today to kick off the 2011 National Conference on Volunteering and Service (NCVS).

Hoopa, Calif. – The AmeriCorps Hoopa Tribal Civilian Community Corps (Hoopa TCCC) is currently hard at work in Southeast Missouri, helping residents recover and rebuild after devastating flooding in April.

National Conference on Volunteering and Service Showcases Innovative Solutions to Community Challenges

Largest Gathering of Volunteer and Service Leaders Convenes in New Orleans, June 6-8

Dear Colleagues,
 
We are very pleased to announce that President Obama has designated Robert Velasco, II, as Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service.