INDIAN HEAD, MD – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) met today with AmeriCorps members serving in the Fifth District, program staff, community action agency and state volunteer program officials, to discuss AmeriCorps programs in the Fifth District and throughout Maryland.

“I was pleased to meet today with representatives of AmeriCorps serving in the Fifth District to learn more about their work to make richer the lives of those less fortunate,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “AmeriCorps and other national service programs enable young people to serve their communities in a way that benefits both those who are served and those performing service, and I applaud these terrific young leaders for their decision to give back to others.”

Last year, 80,000 AmeriCorps members coordinated with and organized 3.4 million volunteers to help tackle America's toughest problems, including disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, veterans and military families, and other issues related to their communities. In Maryland’s Fifth District, AmeriCorps members are helping our local communities by working in a variety of areas, including:

·         Head Start Programs: The AmeriCorps members work one-on-one with children with mental, physical, emotional, and learning disabilities or special needs.

·         Western Charles County Community Association: The AmeriCorps member serves as a liaison between low/no-income individuals or families in need of specific items or services (e.g. wheel chair ramp, clothes, etc.).

·         Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee (SMTCCAC) Housing Counseling Program: The AmeriCorps member helps community members learn about resources to protect their current homes or find needed housing. The member works closely with SMTCCAC staff to provide tailored services based on the specific needs of individuals in the community.

AmeriCorps Week – an annual event taking place this year from Saturday, March 10th through Sunday, March 18th – aims to recognize the commitment of AmeriCorps members and alums by highlighting the extraordinary impact they are making across our communities and our nation every day.

For more information on AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Week, click here.