Service: What is AmeriCorps?

National Service

AmeriCorps is a National Service program. Let’s stop right there to explain a little more.

You’ve heard of military service and the Peace Corps. With those programs, volunteers join or enlist, making a commitment for a specific time period in exchange for perks or benefits.

AmeriCorps is the same idea. People volunteer to give their time for one year and, in return, are eligible for money for school, student loan deferment, and a living allowance, among other things.

What is the point of AmeriCorps?

To get things done! No, really. That’s the tagline of the AmeriCorps program.

Practically speaking, it means that AmeriCorps members reinforce nonprofits, community- and faith-based organizations, and public agencies. Members supply the extra workforce that organizations like Habitat need to achieve their mission. You would be part of the solution to a problem that the organization is trying to solve.

At Habitat, there are three main goals for engaging AmeriCorps members:

  • Develop and cultivate lifelong housing leaders, advocates, and community change agents
  • Build the organizational capacity of Habitat for Humanity
  • Support our goal to serve more families

Translation: Members learn why affordable housing matters and develop skills that will help them to be successful beyond their service. Habitat organizations get to do more of what they do best – build, engage, innovate, advocate – to help more people!

Why would someone choose to join AmeriCorps?

There are many reasons that someone would choose to serve with AmeriCorps. For example:

  • Career exploration: Is nonprofit work a good fit for you? What is your passion? Your purpose?
  • Networking: Meet and connect with other AmeriCorps members, the organization’s staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers, and program partners
  • Resume building: Expand your experience and improve your hard and soft skills
  • Higher education: Earn an education award to attend school for an undergraduate or graduate degree

Who is a “typical” AmeriCorps member?

There is no such thing! Since Beaches Habitat started working with AmeriCorps members in 2002, we have hosted many members, ranging in age from 18 to 60+, at all different life stages, from all across the US, with a range of employment and volunteer experiences.

Although they are all very different, it’s not unusual for AmeriCorps members to choose to serve when they’re at a transition point in their lives. For example, Beaches Habitat AmeriCorps members have included:

  • High school graduates who were not quite ready to start college.
  • Discharged service members looking for a way to transition to civilian life.
  • Newly retired people who still wanted to have a regular schedule.

Meet Some AmeriCorps Alumni

Click on the photos below to see what some of our former members are doing now.

Martha Shafer

Martha Shafer

Where do you currently live?

I live in Jacksonville, Florida and have lived here for 26 years.

Where do you work?

I am retired from CSX (railroad) and I was a Market Manager for over 16 years.

Describe your path since you completed your service.

I retired a bit early from CSX because I wanted to do less commuting and long days at work and dedicate my time to some of my passions before I was too old to even lift a hammer. I gave back to my church immediately by volunteering in the office one morning a week for about two years. I volunteer at Arlington Community Services. a local food pantry that my church supported. I also drove refugees just coming into this country to doctors' appointments or the Social Security office or to job recruitment opportunities, etc.

Most importantly, I got back to volunteering at Beaches Habitat. I was at a home dedication when I was recruited to be on the Family Selection committee which I very much enjoy. I even got back to volunteering at the worksite. After my year of service, I wanted to get more involved in some of my non-profit activities by joining their Board of Directors.

Describe one memorable moment or lasting lesson that has stayed with you from your service.

The one thing that has stayed with me after my service was how on top of things Habitat for Humanity is and how many ideas they had to guide affiliates in the mortgage area which was the focus of my time as an Americorps Vista. HFHI had provided new suggestions for raising money such as a Restore or eliminating substandard housing in an affiliates' service area by repairing homes for Seniors or Veterans. To my mind, Habitat is one of the best non-profits in this country and my local affiliate, Beaches Habitat. is the greatest.

Women on construction site

Bandeth Sok

Bandeth Sok

Where do you currently live?

Washington D.C.

Where do you work?

Government of the District of Columbia - Dept. of Employment Services; Unemployment Fraud Claims Examiner

Describe your path since you completed your service.

Immediately after my term of service, I began an MBA program. Using the fact that I was a former AmeriCorps member and a current student I was able to get an internship at the US Dept. of Transportation's Office of Inspector General. That internship ended right when COVID hit. In April 2021, I was hired at my current position.

Describe one memorable moment or lasting lesson that has stayed with you from your service.

The sense of accomplishment and (for lack of a better word) gratification in seeing our hard work being used by deserving families. Knowing that we made an impact on people's lives.

Man wearing hard hat standing in front of blue townhomes

Paul Thorley

Paul Thorley

Where do you currently live?

Hampton, New Hampshire

Where do you work?

Project Superintendent at Build-It Construction

Describe your path since you completed your service.

I moved back to Pennsylvania and got a job teaching High School Chemistry because it was 2 weeks before the school year started and they needed someone bad. I taught for 2 years while going to grad school at night for my Master's in Construction Management (I realized at Beaches that construction is my passion). I graduated in Sept of 2019 and moved up to NH to be with my Fiancée. I got started in commercial construction as an Assistant Superintendent on a 65,000 sq. ft. project. Not long after the start of the pandemic, I moved to Build-It Construction, managing projects between $500K and $2 million

Describe one memorable moment or lasting lesson that has stayed with you from your service.

I learned about Beaches Habitat because of Collegiate Challenge. Because of my time spent there as a student and my year of service, I learned construction skills and interpersonal skills that have propelled me to where I am now. I think of the homeowners I met throughout my service constantly as a source of motivation to be a better person or to give more. I remember Kiesha coming off of nightshifts to make sure her kids got to school then directly to the worksite to build her home. Their passion drives me to be a better human in my everyday life.

Man standing on construction site

Intrigued?

Beaches Habitat is currently recruiting AmeriCorps members! We have four positions available for members to start service in October. If you're interested in learning more, please visit our recruitment page! You can review the positions descriptions and the benefits of service and you'll also find a link to the application. 

You can also contact our AmeriCorps Host Site Manager, Sarah, who can answer your questions.

Learn More about AmeriCorps Service
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