FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb 06, 2023

Michael D. Smith joined AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers Serving in San Juan, Loiza and Ponce

WASHINGTON, DC – AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith visited Puerto Rico last week to meet with national service leaders, participate in a member discussion, tour national service sites in action and meet with local officials.

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Smith hosted a roundtable with Comisión de Voluntariado y ServicioComunitario de Puerto Rico, the Governor-appointed State Service Commission. During this discussion, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serving with Mujeres de Islas, Fundación Bucarabó, Techos Pa' Mi Gente, Mentes Puertorriqueñasen Acción and Corporación del Proyecto ENLACE del Cano Martin Peña shared their member experiences and how national service strengthens their communities.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Smith joined Loíza Mayor Julia M. Nazario to meet with AmeriCorps community partners and grantees including Puerto Rico Community Foundation and Esperanza para la vejez, an AmeriCorps Seniors program.

On Thursday, Feb. 2, Smith met with the Governor’s office to discuss current and potential national service efforts in Puerto Rico including disaster response and economic pathways. Smith concluded his trip in Ponce visiting with members and local teams serving with AmeriCorps grantees, Oficina del Procurador de Personas de EdadAvanzada and NeighborWorks Impact - NeighborWorks America.

In Puerto Rico, more than 1,000 Americans each year unite to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity at more than 100 locations. In 2022, AmeriCorps invested more than $9.1 million in federal funding to support cost-effective community solutions, working with local partners to empower individuals to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.

Follow AmeriCorps on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for additional highlights from Smith’s trip.

Michael D. Smith Visits National Service Sites in Puerto Rico
Michael D. Smith Visits National Service Sites in Puerto Rico
Michael D. Smith Visits National Service Sites in Puerto Rico
Michael D. Smith Visits National Service Sites in Puerto Rico

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.