Virginia Community Corps
Virginia Community Corps is an AmeriCorps program funded through the Virginia Governor’s Commission on National and Community Service and managed by staff at the Virginia Department of Social Services. Commencing in October 2003 through September 2004, fifty-three AmeriCorps members served in 28 sites across the Commonwealth and contributed to the DSS strategic plan and goals of promoting self-sufficiency for low-income families, improving and increasing access to and awareness of high quality services and support, and mobilizing other volunteers in the community. DSS has placed 52 members in approximately 40 sites for the 2004-2005 service year. DSS is partnering with the local departments of social services, community action agencies and central office programs to supervise the members and provide meaningful service experiences as well as developmental opportunities. These partners provide cash and in-kind match for each member.
Achievements
Some examples of the service that members provide are:
- Twelve of the local departments of social services in the southwestern part of the state have formed a joint proposal for fifteen members to offer welfare to work clients and their families’ employment supportive services, mentoring and access to primary health care as well to recruit additional volunteers. A private, non-profit corporation, Occupational Enterprises, Inc. (OEI) manages the members for the local agencies. OEI has a proven track record of success in this part of the state where poverty levels are high.
- Seven community action agencies oversee VCC members in numerous counties and cities to facilitate training and placement of hard-to-employ youth, community outreach for clients’ health care and housing challenges, mobilization of volunteers, food distribution,, English as a second language classes, among other tasks. The CAAs are private, non-profit organizations that were established by the Economic Opportunities Act of 1964 to fight America’s war on poverty. The CAAs “help people help themselves in achieving self-sufficiency”.
- Two central office programs, the Division of Benefit Programs and the Independent Living Program have VCC members to perform service in the areas of food stamp outreach and skill development for youths in foster care. Potential recipients of government benefits like food stamps are assisted in the application process to determine eligibility and foster care youth will have a Youth Council established to determine what leadership skills and job readiness abilities are necessary to obtain and retain a good job.
Virginia Community Corps members serve for 1700 hours over a 9 to 12 month period and earn a $10,197 living allowance, health insurance, subsidized child care if needed and an educational grant worth $4725. Part-time members serve 900 hours and earn half of the stipend and grant.
Contact Information
Paula Scott Dehetre
Program Director
Virginia Community Corps
Virginia Department of Social Services
7 North Eighth Street, 5 th floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804)726-7915
Email: paula.dehetre@dss.virginia.gov