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Services
Spring 2024 Newsletter
Update from the Executive Director
On behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Bureau on Volunteerism and Community Service, and the Serve Illinois Commissioners, thank you for your ongoing service to Illinois!
We are off and running in 2024! As we are ending the first quarter of the new calendar year, Serve Illinois has been incredibly busy setting the foundation for an impactful year. We are in the process of releasing several Notices of Funding Opportunities for AmeriCorps with new program models as well as planning grants to reach all parts of Illinois.
We have also been very busy preparing to honor volunteers at the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards (GVSA) being held in Chicago. This year we will be recognizing awardees from 2023 and 2024 from across Illinois. On the 20th of May, Serve Illinois will be hosting the National
Service Summit in Chicago. The National Service Summit is the annual assembly of AmeriCorps members and stakeholders in Illinois. This event is designed to celebrate our AmeriCorps members while introducing young people to the wonderful world of National Service.
Under the National Service Program, the Volunteer Generation Fund is working very closely with the University of Illinois to launch ‘civics in the classroom’ curriculum, which would be implemented in several school districts across Illinois.
Finally, the Commissioners of the Serve Illinois Commission have been busy finalizing the strategic plan for 2024-2026 after working with Embark Solutions on developing a strategic framework for the commission. All this before the summer begins with lots more coming from the Serve Illinois Commission.
We truly appreciate your support and partnership. Stay in touch through our social media posts, come to one of our volunteer opportunities, or simply reach out to see how you can be a part of a movement not a moment for Illinois.
Yours in Service,
Andres Fernandez
Serve Illinois Executive Director
Update from the Strategic Planning Committee Chair
On behalf of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Bureau on Volunteerism and Community Service, and the Serve Illinois Commissioners, thank you for your ongoing service to Illinois!
We are off and running in 2024! As we are ending the first quarter of the new calendar year, Serve Illinois has been incredibly busy setting the foundation for an impactful year. We are in the process of releasing several Notices of Funding Opportunities for AmeriCorps with new program models as well as planning grants to reach all parts of Illinois.
We have also been very busy preparing to honor volunteers at the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards (GVSA) being held in Chicago. This year we will be recognizing awardees from 2023 and 2024 from across Illinois. On the 20th of May, Serve Illinois will be hosting the National Service Summit in Chicago. The National Service Summit is the annual assembly of AmeriCorps members and stakeholders in Illinois. This event is designed to celebrate our AmeriCorps members while introducing young people to the wonderful world of National Service.
Under the National Service Program, the Volunteer Generation Fund is working very closely with the University of Illinois to launch ‘civics in the classroom’ curriculum, which would be implemented in several school districts across Illinois.
Finally, the Commissioners of the Serve Illinois Commission have been busy finalizing the strategic plan for 2024-2026 after working with Embark Solutions on developing a strategic framework for the commission. All this before the summer begins with lots more coming from the Serve Illinois Commission.
We truly appreciate your support and partnership. Stay in touch through our social media posts, come to one of our volunteer opportunities, or simply reach out to see how you can be a part of a movement not a moment for Illinois.
Yours in Service,
Andres Fernandez
Serve Illinois Executive Director
Data Snapshot
Focus on Service
“Selective Service acting Director Joel C. Spangenberg and AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the White House to codify their partnership on public awareness strategies and marketing initiatives to promote Americans’ participation in national service opportunities offered by both federal agencies.”
“The Selective Service System and AmeriCorps will work together to launch data-driven public awareness campaigns through digital platforms, media and outreach engagements to inform the public across the nation about opportunities to join AmeriCorps, serve in the US military or with another service organization, and/or volunteer with the Selective Service System as a presidentially appointed local or district board member in the communities where they live.”
– AmeriCorps
Volunteer Spotlight
Jason Powell - Volunteer Spotlight (April 11, 2024)
Sharon Teschendorf - Volunteer Spotlight (March 4, 2024)
Bradley Ross Jackson - Volunteer Spotlight (February 8, 2024)
Nominate a Volunteer!
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
AmeriCorps Member Recruitment Corner
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.)
Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.) AmeriCorps members deliver high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs in 9 elementary and middle/junior high schools in Evanston and Skokie Illinois. AmeriCorps members are responsible for providing youth with tutoring and enrichment activities that promote their academic, social, and emotional skills.
Potential members can contact talent@youthopportunity.org
Severson Dells
Severson Dells Nature Center offers opportunities for AmeriCorps members to serve doing environmental education and habitat restoration in northern Illinois. Members learn best practices in natural resource management and informal science teaching, while helping improve habitat conditions and environmental awareness of the community.
Potential members can contact Jillian Neece at 815-335-2915 or by email jillian.americorps@seversondells.org.
You may also email Emma Zimmerman or Bryce Messer.
Rend Lake College
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Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps Rend Lake College members serve in 5 counties across Southern Illinois. Members serve as tutors and members in 19 different school sites. Members also serve with an environmental agency to educate the community about the importance of environmental stewardship in the area.
Potential members can contact Dean Mandrell or call 618-437-5321 ext. 1351
You may also email Sean Carley or call 618-437-5321 ext. 1246
Special Features
Honorary AmeriCorps Members
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the historic Southshore Cultural Center in Chicago, the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service hosted the 14th annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.
In continuing with the AmeriCorps 30th Anniversary celebration, eighteen special guests were named Honorary AmeriCorps members for their exemplary service to the people in their communities and residents of the State of Illinois.
Those mentioned included the Leo High School choir, who performed several musical numbers for the event, Leo High School Principal Dr. Shaka Rawls, Coordinator Yolanda Sandifer-Horon, and Choir Director LaDonna Hill.
Masters of ceremony for the event, Dr. Jarmese Sherrod and Shelley Long were also named Honorary AmeriCorps Members.
These honorary AmeriCorps members were each asked to raise their right hand and recite the AmeriCorps Pledge, promising to continue and, whenever possible, share their passion for service. Everyone also received a pin from Volunteer Program Manager Jacob Jenkins to wear with pride wherever they go and to show support for the AmeriCorps mission.
Three decades ago, more than 20,000 Americans raised their right hands and pledged to get things done for America. These members helped more than 1,000 communities nationwide during their first year of service. Since then, more than 1.3 million Americans and hundreds of thousands more AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers of all backgrounds have followed in their footsteps, providing billions of hours of results-driven service across each of the 50 states and US territories.
In times of tragedy and triumph, when America calls, AmeriCorps answers. Whether its AmeriCorps members stepping forward to help after 9/11, aiding in recovery from disasters like Hurricane Katrina over decades, or pivoting to address the urgent needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic, AmeriCorps knows how to get things done for America and has been turning moments of impact into a national service movement throughout the years.
Congratulations to the 2023-24 Governor of Illinois’ Volunteer Service Award winners and our new Honorary AmeriCorps Members!
Association House Earth Day
The Association House Public Health AmeriCorps team members & staff collaborated with the Chicago Park District to help beautify Humboldt Park by mulching trees. Association House had 10 of their Life Skills Education (LSE) participants join the project, and it was quite a success.
They were recognized by the Chicago Tribune in the following article after their photographer came by to document their work: Far South Side schools, organizations mobilize for Earth Day (chicagotribune.com)
Governor's Volunteer Service Awards Ceremony
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The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards in celebration of the 2023-2024 class took place on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the South Shore Cultural Center in Chicago.
These awards recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program, highlighting the importance of volunteerism and community service in Illinois. Twenty-seven out of thirty-four winners were awarded plaques for winning in their category and region and received a bouquet donated by Inspire Through Flowers.
The winners recognized traveled from various parts of the state, from Mt. Vernon to Carthage, and Clinton to Chicago. Categories included AmeriCorps Seniors, AmeriCorps Members, Adult, Youth, and Public Health categories. Dr. Jarmese Sherrod and Shelley Long were the masters of ceremony for the night, with Serve Illinois Executive Director Andres Fernandez, IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero, Serve Illinois Chair Natalie Furlett, and Serve Illinois Recognition Committee Chair Amy Rueff providing congratulatory remarks.
Attendees enjoyed entertainment and dinner, including special musical performances by Leo High School Choir, who were recognized as Honorary AmeriCorps members, along with Dr. Sherrod, Shelley Long, and volunteer photographer, Danielle Long, for their volunteerism work at the awards.
The event was full of joy, dancing, and beautiful Lake Michigan sunset views, providing a perfect background for a pleasant evening.
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 awardees!
Good as Gold Ceremony
On April 22, 2024, The University of Illinois Springfield, the Junior League of Springfield, and the United Way of Central Illinois honored more than forty Sangamon County volunteers, businesses, and organizations during the 16th annual Good as Gold Ceremony held in the UIS Student Union ballroom.
This year, Serve Illinois Volunteer Program Coordinators Anthony Wanless and Cecilia Maciel Martinez attended and presented several honorees with the Office of the Governor of Illinois Certificate of Appreciation. This certificate is among the highest honors an Illinoisan can receive for outstanding contributions to service on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois. Among those recognized are the following:
· Donna Brown: Distinguished Volunteer Award
· Brandon Damm: Star Student Award
· Dre Duvendack: Star Staff Award
· Natasia Brown: Youth Volunteer Award
· Springfield Immigrant Advocacy Network: Organization of the Year
Twenty-six volunteers were also honored with the prestigious Heart of Gold Award.
The Good as Gold Ceremony was started in 2008 to honor people, businesses, and organizations who freely give their time and talents to make Sangamon County a better place to live.
The Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service would like to thank The University of Illinois at Springfield for hosting this event and the Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois for sponsoring. We look forward to future collaborations.
Good Deeds Day
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Volunteer Program Manager Jacob Jenkins, Commissioner Amy Rueff, and community members teamed up for International Good Deeds Day. U of I Extension Macon County donated their kitchen, while local certified food handlers donated their time and expertise. Local volunteer groups such as Tribe of Judah Steppers, Eva Clark, Ms. Toni Catering, John Philips, and TheIncSpot all worked to
ensure that unhoused community members could enjoy lunch and dinner. On behalf of the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, we thank Decatur for participating in International Good Deeds Day.
Regional Recognition Event: Celebrating Women’s History Month at the Women Who Lead Gala
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, in support of Women’s History Month, IDHS-Serve Illinois Volunteer Program Manager, Jacob Jenkins, and Upstate Volunteer Programs Coordinator, Cecilia Maciel Martinez, attended the Women Who Lead Gala hosted by Women and Wealth to present the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service Office of the Governor Certificate of appreciation to thirty-three amazing volunteers for their outstanding community projects in the Greater Rockford Area.
This certificate is one of the highest honors an Illinoisian can receive for volunteerism and service. This certificate bears the signature of Governor J.B. Pritzker, IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero, and Serve Illinois Commission
Chair, Natalie Furlett. This certificate e and bears the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve”.
Women and Wealth provides mentorship, education, and training to advance and empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. They serve professionals, aspiring professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, and executives. They do so by providing nine-month programs consisting of group learning sessions, training, development, community events, partnerships, and mentorship. Women and Wealth believes being “wealthy” consists of more than just monetary needs, but instead encompasses a holistic approach to disrupt the cycle of generational poverty.
Part of the program also includes executing individual volunteer projects. These include collecting toiletries and essential items for the Family Peace Center and Remedies Renewing Live, collaborating with Life Recovery Programs at the Mission, hosting a community clean up in partnership with Home Depot, facilitating a self-regulation boys’ group at Welsh Elementary School, and hosting a college fair informing students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Gala programming included encouraging words for Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Women and Wealth co-founders and mother-daughter dynamic duo Dr. Sheila Hill and Khay Horton.
Keynote speaker Karli Harvey Raymond, entrepreneur, international host, and magazine editor, provided encouraging words and special advice on how to succeed as women, including having a group of “super friends” who support you in all endeavors.
Thank you to Women and Wealth for having us and congratulations to the three awardees!
Public Allies MLK Day of Service
On February 19, 2024, Executive Director Andres Fernandez and Chicago Program Officer Raja Banerjee joined Public Allies staff and their AmeriCorps members as they provided service to Newberry Elementary School, alongside school staff members and public volunteers. They engaged in painting projects beautifying the school, helped set up furniture for a new staff lounge, and made Blessing Bags for the less fortunate. The volunteers were joined by Assistant Principal Megan Clendening, who told them how much their actions will benefit the school and its operations.
Cairo Volunteers Recognized as Part of Black History Month Celebration
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, Volunteer Programs Manager, Jacob Jenkins, and Downstate Volunteer Programs Coordinator Anthony Wanless, along with Serve Illinois Executive Director Andres Fernandez traveled to Cairo, Illinois to recognize Rise Community Market and Café. Under the leadership of Steven Tarver and the Rise Community cooperative board, volunteers from Cairo and
surrounding areas, including Southern Illinois University Carbondale and members of the local 4-H club, came together to fight food insecurity.
The Rise Community Market is a co-op with a membership that exceeds over 300 individuals from across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to Cairo’s revitalization. Serve Illinois Volunteer Programs staff witnessed this first-hand as they toured the facility and listened to Steven Tarver as he explained the courageous efforts it took and commended each one of the volunteers for participating in the process.
As part of Black History Month and the State of Illinois’ theme of “Knowing the Past Open Doors for the Future,” Serve Illinois formally recognized the Rise Community Market volunteers with the Office of the Governor Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service Certificate of Appreciation presented as an expression of our appreciation for their outstanding contributions on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois. This certificate is one of the highest honors an Illinoisian can receive for volunteerism and service and bears the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve”. A total of 49 volunteers were recognized.
Volunteer Team Disaster Response
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, Serve Illinois Volunteer Program Manager, Jacob Jenkins, Upstate Volunteer Program Coordinator, Cecilia Maciel Martinez, Downstate Volunteer Program Coordinator, Anthony Wanless, along with Executive Director, Andres Fernandez, and Serve Illinois Commissioner John Gremer met with FEMA representatives, including Anne Robertson and Tim Little pictured above, representatives from the American Red Cross, and IEMA to discuss ongoing efforts to
mitigate the flood disaster in Cook County. As far as this project, Serve Illinois has recruited 45 volunteers to assist with case coordination and other administrative functions in the affected areas. Serve Illinois is proud to partner with FEMA and other disaster response partners to address emergent disaster needs in Illinois. For more information about these projects and to get involved, please visit the Serve Illinois website Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (illinois.gov) and Ready Illinois.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Learning Lab
On January 29, 2024, the second Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Learning Lab took place at the Kankakee County Courthouse in partnership with AmeriCorps, IDHS, Kankakee School District, Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, JUMP Mentoring, and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office. Over 30 students from BBCHS and Kankakee School District served as defense attorneys, prosecution, and jury in a trial discussing the State of Mississippi VS J.W. Milam and Roy
Bryant, commonly referred to as the Emmet Till trial. Till’s death is considered a watershed moment for the United States and many historians regard it as a catalyst for the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement. The goal of a justice learning lab is to provide an educational space for students to learn in a real environment and allow them to interact with the justice system on their own terms.
During this time, Serve Illinois formally recognized all the students who participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Justice Learning Lab with the Office of the Governor Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service Certificate of Appreciation presented as an expression of our appreciation for their outstanding contributions on behalf of the people of the State of Illinois. This certificate is one of the highest honors an Illinoisian can receive for volunteerism and service and bears the immortal words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Values of Service
“Everybody Can Be Great, Because Everybody Can Serve”. Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Values of Service. On Monday, January 25, 2024, Serve Illinois Volunteer Program Manager Jacob Jenkins, Upstate Volunteer Program Coordinator, Cecilia Maciel Martinez, and Commissioner Carolyn Roberts attended the MLK Day of Service Event by the Jack and Jill Western Cook County Chapter and The EveryWoman Project. Participants assisted in packing care packages for the unhoused to be
delivered to various shelters across Cook County. Jack and Jill Western Cook County Chapter President Lanya Satchell and Vice President Sonya Anderson were recognized with Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation along with Zoie Alexandria Joseph and Hudson Davis, who exceeded their minimum service requirement. Kimyada Wellington was also recognized with a Governor’s Certificate of Appreciation along with an AmeriCorps pin in honor of AmeriCorps’ 30th anniversary for exemplifying AmeriCorps’ values, demonstrating that service is not a moment, but a movement.
The Western Cook County has donated books to Scarce (a reuse and recycle center), organized a sock collection for Soldiers Angels that was sent to troops stationed overseas, stuffed bags with personal hygiene items that were donated to Meals on Wheels, collected canned goods for local food pantries created kindness rocks, filled local community fridges with food, participated in holiday toy drive, and built a book library for local organization Moms of Murdered Sons. The chapter will return to the book library on the 1st anniversary to place a plaque on the library and register the library with Little Free Library. These are just some of the ways this chapter contributes to the betterment of their communities.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Beloved Community
On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Serve Illinois Executive Director Andres Fernandez, Volunteer Programs Manager Jacob Jenkins, and Upstate Volunteer Program Coordinator Cecilia Maciel Martinez visited Trinity Tabernacle Baptist Church of Faith to recognize volunteers and the congregation for their community service work. Trinity Baptist Church of Faith is committed to making a positive impact through various initiatives, including providing food for the homeless and distributing toiletry bags to meet their basic needs, regularly spending time at two senior housing buildings, and assisting seniors with transportation to doctors, grocery stores, and other errands. Rev. Don Gardner, Rev. Wilbert Taylor Sr., and Thomasina Tatum received Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation, while LaTasha Morris also received a Governor’s Certificate Appreciation along with a Serve Illinois pin in honor of AmeriCorps’ 30th
anniversary for exemplifying AmeriCorps’ values, demonstrating that service is not a moment, but a movement.
Congratulations to all who were recognized and thank you to Trinity Tabernacle Baptist Church of Faith for their outstanding work.
Illinois AmeriCorps Programs MLK Day of Service
Illinois AmeriCorps programs all over the state hosted and co-hosted service projects in their community with the intent of amplifying and encompassing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and values of the Beloved Community. From community clean-ups to providing intergenerational community events, our
programs continuously do their part to create a “community in which everyone is cared for, absent of poverty, hunger, and hate.”
Greater Chicago Food Depository Repack Totals
· 9,024 lbs. Pinto Beans, which is 7,520 meals, which means each volunteer packed 179 meals!
· 3,000 boxes of Cutlery Kits, which means each volunteer packed 103 kits!
For a grand total of 9,024 lbs. of Food and 7,520 Meals Repacked!
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