(Washington, DC)  Today, Congressman John Yarmuth’s (KY-3) announced that Jefferson County Public Schools’ (JCPS) Every 1 Reads program and the Louisville Metro Community Action Partnership (LMCAP) have received a combined $378,000 in federal AmeriCorps funding for FY08.

“In the 14 years since Congress created AmeriCorps, Kentucky has had the benefit of more than seven million service hours from the group’s five thousand volunteers,” said Yarmuth, who last year introduced the House-approved Resolution honoring AmeriCorps.  “Much of the good work being done in Louisville would not have been possible without them, including the exceptional work of Every 1 Reads and the Community Action Partnership.  The benefit from these organizations can be felt all throughout the community, and I’m very grateful for their service.”

“The dedication and passion to service of my members is invaluable.  Their willingness to give of themselves to making their community better has rubbed off on others,” said Terry Harper, program director of Louisville’s Department of Housing and Family Services AmeriCorps Program.  “So far, the Louisville Metro AmeriCorps members have mobilized more than 200 volunteers; and we are only half way through the service year.” 

Every 1 Reads, a community-wide effort to have every child in JCPS reading at grade level, will receive $126,000.  The funding will pay for scholarships and other expenses for 10 of its volunteers.  The program addresses the educational needs of at-risk students utilizing a research-based approach.  Members serve at five elementary schools and five middle schools providing one-on-one tutoring sessions for novice readers.

LMCAP, which develops and coordinates programs to combat poverty-related issues that affect the citizens of Louisville Metro, will get $252,000 and will pay for 28 member positions.  The program addresses the health and nutrition, education, and human service needs of families who live in low-income, urban communities by building capacity and social capital throughout the community.  Members are placed at various organizations to recruit and support volunteers to expand the agencies’ capacities and enhance responses to community needs.