2008 Volunteering in America Report is Released

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has released its annual Volunteering in America Report, which looks at volunteering trends across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 50 large and 75 mid-sized cities. Despite a slight nationwide drop in the overall volunteerism rate, Virginia increased its ranking to 29th highest volunteerism rate, up from 32nd the previous year. The report reveals that, in 2007, more than 1.6 million Virginians volunteered 233.2 million hours with an estimated economic impact of $4.5 billion to the Commonwealth. The report stresses that now is a critical moment for volunteering in America, due to:

• Increased support from many sectors (i.e., Presidential candidates, bipartisan Congressional support, corporations embracing social responsiblity, and growth of service learning in schools)
• A moment of opportunity driven by Baby Boomers and Youth
• The need for volunteer support due to economic downturn

To read the complete report, visit www.volunteeringinamerica.gov.

Kimberly Frola is Virginia's New CNCS State Director

Virginia to Expand Collaboration with National Service Programs

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) has named Kimberly Frola as the new State Program Director for the Virginia State Office. Since beginning this role in March, Kim has been actively engaged with Virginia's national service partners to increase collaborative efforts. She formerly served as the Country Director and a program officer for the Peace Corps program in Samoa where she worked closely with an average of 55 volunteers per year. Kim has also worked on the South America Desk at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., and as a Youth Development Peace Corps volunteer in Nepal. Kim served as a Pennsylvania Service Corps member with the Youth Volunteer Corps of Pittsburgh and was also in the first group of AmeriCorps Leaders placed with the Youth Volunteer Corps of America in Kansas City. Kim says that she is delighted and honored to be able to serve as a resource for the volunteers and communities of the Commonwealth: "With the current state of the economy, I really believe that we need to draw upon and reinvigorate America's tradition of civic engagement. I know that Virginians are committed to community service and civic engagement, and I am proud to be part of this and look forward to working together to strengthen our communities."

Literacy Council Celebrates a Year of Achievement

The annual meeting of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, June 19, was an inspiring event showcasing its students' achievements over the past year. The event was attended by approximately 175 individuals -- including volunteers, students, donors, community partners, and local officials. Several students who had been taught by Americorps members were recognized as "Outstanding Students," and two winners of the Student Essay Contest came from members' classrooms. The event also recognized "Outstanding Teacher" nominees (including AmeriCorps members Katie Beckman and Karen Usselman), long-serving volunteers, Volunteers of the Year, Community Service Awards, and Certificates of National Service for the five AmeriCorps members. The event also featured a sneak preview of the Council's latest project: S.H.A.R.E. - "Stories of Hope on Adult Reading and Education," an oral history project which will record the struggles and successes of Literacy Council students as told by the students themselves.

Students and AmeriCorps Members Have Fun with Science

Members and directors of the Virginia Community Corps (VCC) AmeriCorps program joined a group of Stafford county students on a recent field trip to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. The outing was part of the Olde Forge Junction (OFJ) Summer Program. OFJ creates community programs to connect families living in 229 townhouses off U.S. 17 east of Interstate 95. The students toured the museum and viewed the latest IMAX© movie. A highlight of the day was when the students learned about conditioning and basic theories of learning by watching two rats play basketball. View photos from this event.

Tried and Tested Tools for AmeriCorps and VISTA

EnCorps is a set of online resources for AmeriCorps and VISTA program staff targeting member recruitment, placement, orientation, training, supervision, and transitioning beyond their year of service. EnCorps Resources carry a "field stamp of approval" with veteran program staff having reviewed and recommended the tools. Visit EnCorps at encorps.nationalserviceresources.org.

National Organizations Will Lead 2009 King Day of Service

The growing movement to make the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday a national day of service will get a boost from the leadership of seven organizations selected for grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The organizations include the Points of Light Institute, the Corps Network, the North Carolina Campus Compact, Youth Serve America, Service for Peace, Campus Kitchen, and the National Alliance for Faith and Justice. These organizations will activate their networks, reach out to new partners, mobilize volunteers, and provide cross-sector leadership for the annual King Day of Service, January 19. Find out how your organization can become involved in next year's King Day of Service.

Web Tool for Faith-Based and Community Organizations

The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has unveiled its newly-updated "Innovations in Effective Compassion" Web site which features a wealth of research, evaluations, practical tools and more. Features on the site capture the impact of faith-based and community organization partnerships with government to address specific issues -- including volunteerism and private strategies, addiction, homelessness, prisoner reentry, and other pressing needs. Visit www.innovationincompassion.hhs.gov.

Microsoft Lauches Tech Help Web Site for Nonprofits

A Web site has been introduced by Microsoft designed to help nongovernmental organizations learn how to use technology more effectively and easily access a variety of resources. Microsoft NGO Connection also provides free or discounted software applications, training and certification information, and discussion forums. Check out the new resource now.

Financial Assistance for Children's Mental Health Services

Children in Virginia being treated for mental health issues have a new resource to assist with medical expenses. In December 2007, the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) began providing reimbursements through the Children's Mental Health Program for community-based mental health services to Medicaid eligible individuals under age 21. Eligible patients must have been residing in a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility for at least 90 days. With just a few enrollments so far, the program seeks to encourage more families to take advantage of this beneficial assistance. Visit the DMAS Web site and scroll down to "Children's Mental Health Fact Sheet" to find out more. 

EasyLiving Homes Available in Virginia

Virginia officially unveiled its first EasyLiving Home in Glen Allen this past March. EasyLiving Homes is the nation's first voluntary certification program that specifies criteria in everyday construction to add convenience and to welcome all individuals regardless of age, size or physical ability. The EasyLiving Home program has been developed by a coalition of public and private organizations to encourage the voluntary inclusion of key features which make a home cost effective, accessible and convenient for everyone without sacrificing style or adding substantial construction costs. If your organization knows of individuals in the community who could benefit from this program, visit the EasyLiving Homes Web site. See also a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch article.