Serve Wisconsin announced that Wisconsin has received nearly $8.1 million in grant funding from AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and community volunteerism. Included within those funds are $410,813 in AmeriCorps funding for two AmeriCorps programs specifically centered in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls, with several other statewide programs also having members serving in the region.
“This funding will put 888 AmeriCorps members, including over 90 members from Eau Claire
and Chippewa counties, on the ground to help our local communities as our state continues
to grapple with the effects of COVID-19,” said Jeanne Duffy, Executive Director of Serve
Wisconsin.
“These AmeriCorps members will continue and expand upon the service of the Wisconsin
AmeriCorps members who have served over 750,000 hours since the beginning of the
COVID-19 pandemic. The service by these new AmeriCorps members will be critical in
providing assistance with local recovery efforts and in tackling some of the toughest
problems in Wisconsin, many of which have been exacerbated in recent months, including
the opioid epidemic, the academic achievement gap, healthcare access, and housing
shortages for low-income families,” Duffy continued.
The funding will support the following Wisconsin AmeriCorps programs:
UW-Eau Claire – ECLIPSE 45 AmeriCorps members provide one-on-one intervention to 3-5 year old children who are at risk and/or from low income families in order to help them grow in the areas of language, literacy, social interaction and initiative skills.
Western Dairyland EOC, Inc. – Chippewa Fresh Start 48 AmeriCorps members construct new homes for income-eligible families in the local community while working on achieving high school diplomas/HSEDs, developing career goals, improving self-esteem and alleviating barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
