FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 21, 2024

AmeriCorps joins OregonServes to enhance its ability to service Oregonians during times of need

WASHINGTON, DC - AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with OregonServes, Oregon’s state service commission, providing a framework for collaboration when responding to natural disasters.

OregonServes State Service Commission promotes and enhances the culture of service, volunteerism, and civic engagement across communities throughout Oregon. OregonServes works with partners to increase resources and programs that meet needs in education, environmental stewardship, emergency response, community capacity and resiliency, economic opportunity, workforce development, civic and community engagement, service learning, and senior and veteran services.

For the past seven years, AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region has played a vital role in supporting Oregon communities recovering from natural disasters brought on by floods, tornados, land/mudslides, the COVID-19 pandemic and winter storms. OregonServes has been essential in guiding AmeriCorps NCCC to communities in the greatest need of assistance and facilitating relationships with on-the-ground organizations. As a result, NCCC has been able to focus its resources to help impacted families get back into their homes and communities recover. 

“For 30 years, AmeriCorps has partnered with federal, state and local governments to expand opportunities to serve and provide more effective and efficient support to communities served,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. “This partnership between AmeriCorps and OregonServes signifies a pivotal step forward in strengthening disaster response in Oregon. By combining resources and expertise, this partnership is set to transform the landscape of disaster recovery efforts, ensuring swift, effective assistance for Oregonians in times of need."

The Memorandum of Understanding between AmeriCorps and OregonServes marks a commitment to expand AmeriCorps NCCC's support in Oregon, enhancing their ability to assist Oregonians during natural disasters. This partnership will leverage efficient processes for disaster support, from immediate to longer-term recovery. OregonServes will pinpoint local opportunities for AmeriCorps assistance, ensuring project applications align with recovery priorities and AmeriCorps will deploy teams accordingly.

Jennifer Denning, OregonServes Disaster Services Coordinator stated, “we are excited to formalize our collaboration with AmeriCorps NCCC. This partnership strengthens our ability to mobilize resources and volunteers in times of need, ensuring that communities across Oregon are better prepared and more resilient when disasters strike. Together, we’re building a culture of service that empowers individuals to make a lasting impact.”

Quinn Butler, Voluntary Agency Liaison at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management stated, “The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is thrilled to support the agreement between OregonServes State Service Commission and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Communities across the state have benefited greatly through the civic engagement and volunteer coordination support provided by OregonServes and AmeriCorps NCCC. Disaster response and recovery processes are often complex and resource intensive. This agreement allows for OregonServes and NCCC to help address the challenges and resource constraints of disaster-impacted communities by acknowledging the commonalities between these two agencies.” 

Since the first class of AmeriCorps members pledged to “get things done for America” nearly 30 years ago, more than 1.3 million Americans have served. Every year, thousands of AmeriCorps members prepare students for success, rebuild communities and revitalize cities, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, fight the opioid epidemic, preserve public lands, strengthen the workforce and so much more. AmeriCorps members who complete a full term of service earn a Segal Education Award. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have earned more than $4.5 billion in education scholarships.

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.