AmeriCorps Sponsors Eleven New Hires to Help Rebuild New Orleans

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Contact: Lashon Daley, Public Relations Representative FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

E-mail: Lashon@pnola.org

AmeriCorps Sponsors Eleven New Hires to Help Rebuild New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LA: September 8, 2008

While most college students pursue their careers after graduation, ten recent graduates and one rising senior commit a year to volunteer rebuilding homes in the Lower-Mid City community of New Orleans. Sponsored by AmeriCorps, a U.S. federal government program that partners with non-profits, public agencies, and faith-based organization, the volunteers pledged to complete 1700 hours in an eleven-month period of community service with Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA).

“There wasn’t any other place I wanted to be,” said Jennifer Fisher, who received her BBA from James Madison University. “New Orleans is a special place and I wanted to be a part of preserving that.” Fisher had originally volunteered with PNOLA on an alternative spring break in March of 2008. Her story is a familiar one amongst the group.

Brittany Clark, who had visited New Orleans for winter break in January 2007, volunteered two more times before finally deciding to relocate to the city from Seattle. “It was an easy decision,” said Clark about her choice. “PNOLA made it such a great experience for me. I wouldn’t have worked for any other non-profit.”

With the new hires, PNOLA is able to operate more efficiently on a day-to-day basis, filling in some of the gap positions like Public Relations Representative, Donations Manager, and Program Development Manager. The grant also allowed PNOLA to employ two project managers and two case managers.

Kevin Dillon, a case manager, decided to take a break before entering his senior year at Tufts University in order to spend that time rebuilding in New Orleans. “Part of any good education is learning about our commitment to help those around us,” said Dillon. “I believe AmeriCorps provides an excellent opportunity to live this lesson out, rather than just being taught it in the classroom.”

Each AmeriCorps member receives an education award of $4,725 at the end of their completed term, a modest living stipend, and essential job skills and a lifetime worth of valuable experiences.

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If you’d like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Lashon Daley, please e-mail Lashon@pnola.org.

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