Cohen & AmeriCorps Host Presentation on Federally-Funded Community Service Programs

MEMPHIS, TN – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today joined with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) to host a presentation on federally-funded community service programs. The presentation was held to benefit non-profit, community and neighborhood organizations that do not have the capacity to apply for and receive federal funding or grants. NCCC offers indirect funding by sending teams to cities to conduct service in one of their four target areas: natural and other disasters; infrastructure improvement; environmental stewardship and conservation; and energy conservation and urban and rural development.

“Some community organizations are unaware of the federal assistance they can receive to help their neighborhoods,” said Congressman Cohen. “We held this presentation for the benefit of community groups looking for new and innovative ways to succeed. I thank AmeriCorps for helping organize this presentation and appreciate the great work they do in Memphis.”

Memphis is supported by the AmeriCorps NCCC Southern Regional Campus. Located in Vicksburg, MS, the campus houses approximately 160 members and team leaders each year and also serves Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for men and women ages 18-24. NCCC members, assigned to one of five campuses, are organized into teams of 10-12 members and serve in local communities in every state responding to needs that are identified by community-based organizations. Approximately 1,100 members serve in NCCC each year.

The Targeted Cities Initiative is an outreach campaign targeting urban areas to increase awareness of national service opportunities and resources, meeting unmet human needs in neighborhoods and communities within the targeted city by committing NCCC teams continuously over a five-year period.