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Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities
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General Description: What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps members serve with more than 3,000 nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based and community organizations. Children’s Hunger Alliance is one non-profit agency that hosts members. The mission of Children’s Hunger Alliance is to break the cycle of childhood hunger through education, leadership, advocacy, and service.
The Basics: What are the responsibilities of the position?
We have three different AmeriCorps positions at Children’s Hunger Alliance. All members commit to a one-year service period from September 9, 2008 to September 8, 2009. Please read below for the different roles members can play at our agency.
Full-time Host-site Member
Members are placed at one faith-based afterschool program in Franklin County (Columbus) or Montgomery County (Dayton). Members teach nutrition education and physical activity education to children attending these afterschool programs. In addition, members help to build the capacity of the afterschool site, church and surrounding community by developing and implementing programs, fairs and information about health and wellness.
Full-time Capacity Member
Members will work out of one of Children’s Hunger Alliance’s offices in Franklin County (Columbus), Montgomery County (Dayton) or Cuyahoga County (Cleveland). Members will spend 50% of their time teaching nutrition education and physical activity education to children attending community and faith-based afterschool programs. Members will spend the other 50% of their time on projects that increase the capacity of Children’s Hunger Alliance and the afterschool programs. Projects can include planning special events, developing and writing newsletters, hosting trainings, grant writing and community engagement.
Part-time Field Member
Members work with several different community and faith-based afterschool programs, school classrooms, and children’s community groups in economically depressed areas of Franklin County (Columbus), Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) or Montgomery County (Dayton) to teach nutrition education and physical activity education to low-income children.
What are the requirements/ qualifications to serve in this position?
- U.S. Citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien of the United States at least 18 years of age
- Able to commit to and complete one-year of service
- Full-time members are required to complete 1,700 hours within their one-year of service; part-time members are required to complete 900 hours
- Able to attend weekly Friday meetings
- Able to attend training in Columbus for approximately 1-day every month
- A desire and ability to make a difference in your community
- Ability to work independently, adapt to new situations, and manage multiple tasks
- Ability and desire to work with children and diverse populations
- Interest in health/wellness and childhood health programs/issues
What are the benefits to serving as an AmeriCorps member?
An AmeriCorps position is an excellent way to gain experience in an education, health, or non-profit field and a great way to improve your overall career skills in general. Colleges and universities (undergrad and graduate programs) look very highly upon community service work, and with AmeriCorps being the “domestic PeaceCorps,” not too many experiences can compare! Plus, what better way to serve your community and truly make a difference in the lives of Ohio’s children!?
Additional benefits include:
- Monthly living stipend (full-time members receive $950 gross per month; part-time members receive $503 gross per month).
- Education award/scholarship of $4,725 for full-time members or $2,363 for part-time members, upon successful completion of service hours. The education award can be used to pay off existing student loans, make future tuition payments, or a combination of both. You have up to 7-years to use the award.
- Paid training & mileage reimbursement
- Student Loan Forbearance
- Health coverage and child-care assistance for full-time members
How do I find out additional information about this position?
Individuals can contact Kristen Reichart, AmeriCorps Manager at Children’s Hunger Alliance directly at 614-341-7700 x 241 or KReichart@ChildrensHungerAlliance.org or can apply online by following the directions below:
To apply for a Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities position at Children’s Hunger Alliance:
1. Go to: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/login.do
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click the red link “Apply to Serve”
3. You will fill out a basic profile of yourself. Once this profile is created you will be sent an email that will provide you with a link to create a username and password. Once your username and password are created you will be logged into the “My AmeriCorps” system. Use the links in the left-hand column to complete the application and reference sections.
4. To apply to the “Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities” program, go to the “Search Listings” link. Scroll down to the quick search section and select:
- Program Type: “AmeriCorps State/National
- State: Ohio
- Program Name: Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities (you can select the part-time or the full-time position, or apply to both if you are unsure)
Once your application has been submitted you will be contacted with next steps. |
