March 29, 2024 4:14 AM
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Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott supports AmeriCorps resources for Yavapai Apache-Nation

Photo: Avery Hines with a jar is full of Cattail Pollen, which will be used in a coming-of-age ceremony up near Payson

Arizona Serve received a $4,500 infusion of funds from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott during their 2022 grant cycle. The award has been slated to provide partnership funding for AmeriCorps roles within the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Specifically, to support tribal youth with their own career development.

“Our AmeriCorps grant allows us to match community investment with educational awards and living stipends,” said Annie Haseley, Executive Director for Arizona Serve of Prescott College. “Several of our community partners would love to add AmeriCorps resources, but cannot come up with the funds.”

Organizations like the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott fill those gaps. Founded in 1998, the foundation follows the 5,000-year tradition of a “mitzvah” or good deed. Funds from generous donors allow the Foundation to support impactful organizations to assist in community needs.

Christine Resnick, Executive Director shares, “We are fortunate to have many generous donors in our community support amazing programs like AmeriCorps.  Their important work to assist families and communities through youth educational programs will make a difference in our future and the lives of these youth and their families.  Their model not only facilitates youth support but also allows for our young adults to further their education and expand their experiences”.

Avery Hines will be the first of three AmeriCorps members serving with the Yavapai-Apache Nation. Hines is a recent Mingus Union High School graduate who serves on the Tribal Youth Council and spent last summer working at the Nation’s food bank. He will help facilitate activities for the summer youth program for his younger peers. Specifically, cultural programming, coordinating camp activities, and facilitating equipment usage.

“I’ve volunteered in various ways within my community,” said Hines. “I see myself using this opportunity to work with AmeriCorps as the next step in me gaining more experience in the outdoors and as a leader within my community.”

Hines will serve 300 hours this summer, and receive a $2,823 living stipend, four free college credits, and a $1,342 education award. Thanks to the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Hines will be able to complete the summer internship before he begins college in the fall.

AmeriCorps began in 1993 and provides human capital to nonprofit and government entities. Arizona Serve is currently taking applications from partners who might benefit from AmeriCorps resources or individuals interested in serving.

For more information about Arizona Serve please visit our website at http://arizonaserve.org or contact Annie Haseley at americorps@arizonaserve.org

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