Kentucky received nearly $6.7 million in AmeriCorps federal funding for 20 programs with more than 900 total members.
Most of the programs were funded through an annual grant competition by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), a federal agency that engages Americans of all ages in service. The remaining programs are funded through formula grant funds that are allocated to Kentucky by CNCS based on state population.
Successful applicants in the Senior Connections program will provide a range of services and social support to seniors, to reduce the rate of hospitalization among Medicare beneficiaries at a variety of service sites. AmeriCorps members will provide food, services, transportation and social support to 6,000 older adults. In addition, the AmeriCorps members will leverage 800 volunteers who will be engaged in assisting the efforts of AmeriCorps members and some will train with AmeriCorps members to prepare for and recover from disasters that may affect the region.
AmeriCorps program participants make a commitment to a year of community service, a minimum of 1,700 hours over a year—very much like full time employment for a year. Benefits include an annual living allowance of $13,732 and an education award of $5,920. Health insurance is provided to those not already covered.
U.S. citizens age 18 or over and with a high school diploma are eligible for the program. Individuals age 55 and older are encouraged to apply. No one is over-qualified or under-qualified to serve as an AmeriCorps member.