Governor Cuomo Announces $5.9 Million in Second Round of AmeriCorps Grants

Press Release

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has received nearly $6 million in competitive AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service, which will support more than 460 AmeriCorps members Statewide that serve in nearly two dozen organizations to combat challenges facing New Yorkers. An additional $10 million was awarded in May, bringing the total amount of funding in 2014 to approximately $16 million.

"From responding to the major storms of the past few years to helping neighbors in need, New Yorkers have demonstrated what it means to stand up for one's community," Governor Cuomo said. "The AmeriCorps program is the perfect example of that spirit of service and selflessness, and I am proud that our administration is able to support these volunteers in their work. Together we can build a stronger, safer and healthier state for generations to come."

The New York State Commission on National & Community Service -- New Yorkers Volunteer, a Governor-appointed commission, uses the power of AmeriCorps to address some of the State's most challenging issues, and encourages citizens to make a difference in the lives of others. The State's AmeriCorps members improve schools and increase educational opportunities, fight poverty, come to the aid of the sick, prepare communities for disasters and rebuild following severe weather events, preserve the environment and support veterans and military families. Since 1994, more than 72,000 AmeriCorps members in New York have completed more than 110 million hours of service.

New Yorkers Volunteer Executive Director Linda Cohen said, "AmeriCorps members generously devote months and years of their lives to give back, and this round of grants will help to provide more resources for them to improve the lives of people around the State, accomplish their goals, and have a positive influence on their communities. I am thankful for their dedication, and for the funding that will allow AmeriCorps members to do what they do best: serving others who may not have found such help without them."

The 2014 competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families and disaster services. Below is a listing of the second round of 2014 AmeriCorps grants in New York:

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Congressman Charles B. Rangel said, "I am very pleased that the Harlem RBI is receiving the well-deserved funding to keep serving the youths of my congressional district, to provide the invaluable support they need to succeed in life. Every day in communities across America, AmeriCorps members are making a powerful impact on the future of our nation. I applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing the critical value of these types of Federal initiatives and remaining proactively engaged in the process."

Congresswoman Nita Lowey said, "Family Services of Westchester embodies the true meaning of public service, and this AmeriCorps funding will go a long way to help children, teens and adults in our community. In particular, this grant will go toward helping unemployed veterans in the Lower Hudson Valley who have put their lives on the line so that we may enjoy ours. These veterans deserve our full support, and I will continue to fight in Congress as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee to ensure Federal funding for critical programs like AmeriCorps remains strong."

Congressman Jerry Nadler said "These Federal funds will go to organizations that are building a better future for many residents of the Tenth Congressional District as well as other communities throughout our city and state. The funding announced today will allow these programs and volunteers to continue to benefit New Yorkers who need support in finding a job and getting the proper training. I am proud to have been long-time supporter of AmeriCorps and to have fought to protect its Federal funding in Congress. AmeriCorps provides its volunteers with a chance to give back to their community and build a stronger New York, with expanded opportunities for those who need it most."

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said, "AmeriCorps is making a difference for people throughout America and these new grants will allow member organizations in New York to continue serving our communities. Whether they're providing educational opportunities, connecting job seekers with training and employment, beautifying our neighborhoods or enriching the lives of our neighbors through other means, AmeriCorps is strengthening our city. I am proud to be a strong supporter of this program, and I will continue working to maintain its funding."

Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, "The AmeriCorps program empowers young people to make a positive impact in our city."

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "This Federal funding will provide nearly $1 million toward AmeriCorps programs performing critical missions in the Western New York community, including supporting youth, underprivileged and underserved communities and students with disabilities. We are pleased that the Corporation for National and Community Service has once again recognized and rewarded Buffalo's impact as the "City of Good Neighbors.'"

Congressman Tom Reed said, "Southern Tier and Finger Lakes volunteers give their time and their talents selflessly so that their neighbors might be better off -- and in turn they inspire all of us to better serve. We can encourage their service here in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes by making sure they are supported and given the tools they need to improve the lives of others. I'm proud to represent such a caring and giving community that truly appreciates the value of volunteerism."

Congressman Chris Gibson said, "As we prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of AmeriCorps and its legacy of service and community spirit, I am delighted to express my support for these grants to deserving organizations in the 19th Congressional District. AmeriCorps members and their partners across our region provide vital support in our schools and neighborhoods. This programming represents a sound investment in our young people."

Congressman Richard Hanna said, "AmeriCorps has the ability to make positive change in our communities on a very personal neighbor-to-neighbor level. This competitive grant funding helps people in communities throughout New York find better educational opportunities, combat poverty and support our veterans."

Congressman Dan Maffei said, "This funding is great news for the Oswego community, and I am proud that the city has secured this competitive grant. AmeriCorps members make invaluable contributions to our communities by creating economic opportunities, improving education and the environment, and giving back to veterans and military families."

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a Federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Since 1994, more than 830,000 Americans have provided more than 1 billion hours of service. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

About the New York State Commission on National & Community Service -- New Yorkers Volunteer

The New York State Commission on National & Community Service -- New Yorkers Volunteer seeks to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in New York State. It was established in 1994 by an Executive Order of the Governor, and administers programs funded by the National Community Service Trust Act of 1993, including AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps Education Awards programs.