Program Spotlight: Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers AmeriCorps

Host Organization: SAFE Family Service Center

AmeriCorps Program Name: AL Network of Family Resource Centers AmeriCorps

Number of Members Serving: 20 AmeriCorps Members (full-time and half-time)

Counties of Service: Talladega, Houston, Walker, Jefferson, Tuscaloosa, Lee Counties

Program Staff: LaKesha Ross, Program Director

AmeriCorps Program: ANFRC AmeriCorps Program is determined to help its service communities thrive in areas of education, job readiness, youth resiliency, financial and nutritional literacy. At the end of the program year, ANFRC Corps members will be responsible for improving school performance, attendance and graduation rates for students in Talladega, Houston, Tuscaloosa, Lee and Jefferson counties through local Family Resource Centers. Members will also provide disadvantaged individuals with vital life skills to help them thrive in their communities.

Goals and Objectives of the Program: Program Focus Areas: Education, Economic Opportunity, and Healthy Futures

• Members will engage students in tutoring or mentoring, while using the WhyTry curriculum. Students will complete a WhyTry enriched program.

• Members will engage individuals in job readiness training.

• Members will assist individuals with completing their GED.

• Members will assist consumers with securing employment.

• Members will engage economically disadvantaged individuals in receiving financial literacy services.

• Members will assist Individuals by providing support, education, and/or referrals for hunger.

Responsibilities of the AmeriCorps Members: Members will engage in at least one of the programs/activities list below, determined by program availability at their assigned local site:

• Serve as a group leader in After School Programs, Summer Programs, and Saturday Programs.

• Coordinate the ANFRC AmeriCorps economic opportunity and stability initiative which includes but is not limited to Camp H.I.R.E program, Career center, Job readiness courses, Learning Gardens program, and financial literacy courses.

• Serve as a group leader facilitating small group physical fitness classes during After School Programs and/or Summer Programs.

• Serve as a group leader in Seasonal Community Gardens, providing nutritional education.

• Conduct trainings and classes to support ANFRC Healthy Futures initiative which includes but is not limited to Life Skills classes, Nutrition classes, and cooking classes.

• Participate in local, state, and national community service activities.

• Perform appropriate program related tasks as necessary to accomplish the above responsibilities.