AmeriCorps NCCC

As the one year anniversary of the devastating Joplin tornado approaches, we wanted to highlight AmeriCorps' significant contributions to the ongoing recovery effort. For more information about AmeriCorps' role in Joplin's recovery, click here.

This post originally appeared on the AmeriCorps NCCC Blog on February 13, 2012.

Meg B. is a current AmeriCorps NCCC member serving with team Earth 4 at the Southwest Region Campus.

When I found out that for Round 2 my team would be serving in Joplin, Missouri, which was hit by a devastating tornado at the end of May 2011, my immediate reaction was excitement coupled with nervousness. The main reason I decided to apply for AmeriCorps NCCC was to help the communities in our nation that needed it most, and being assigned to Joplin, I knew this was the case. After being in Joplin for just over a week, I have already been able to witness the strong sense of commitment and resilience this city contains, as well as a truly amazing spirit that runs throughout the entire community.

Earth 4 explores what the community named the "Volunteer House". This house was donated to the city by the family who onced lived there and serves as a reminder of the miracle of the human spirit displayed after the storm.

For the next two months, my team, “Earth 4”, will be assisting the newly established non-profit organization Rebuild Joplin. Rebuild Joplin exists to ensure that resources of all kinds are effectively leveraged to holistically address the post-tornado needs in the Joplin community and create a brighter, more vibrant future for its residents and families.

We are working directly with the staff of Rebuild Joplin and will complete the following tasks in order to assess and fulfill the needs of the community. The team will be responsible for volunteer and logistical coordination, construction, and resource management and will strategize to recruit volunteers on both the local and national level. In addition, we will assess information about identified homeowners’ ongoing needs and subsequently lead volunteers in the rebuilding of these homes.

Amanda, Rebuild Joplin’s volunteer coordinator and our supervisor, expressed her enthusiasm about working directly with us for the next two months. "We are very excited to have the Earth 4 AmeriCorps NCCC team with us assisting our office as we begin to manage the volunteers and construction efforts to rebuild Joplin. The team will initially help us hit the ground running by completing various tasks to get our office organized. I am looking forward to getting to know them better as we begin construction for the many individuals in our community who need help getting back into their homes.”

My team and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of rebuilding Joplin into the bigger, better and stronger community we know it will be.

~Meg

In a related story, AmeriCorps members, like Meg, were recently honored by the Missouri House of Representatives, who passed a resolution honoring AmeriCorps members from across the country who have played an indispensable role in helping the city of Joplin recover from the devastating tornado that struck the city on May 22, 2011.

To read more, go here.

Read an honest account from Skylar on the Raven 1 team about her moments of doubt and missing her life back home. Despite missing some important events in the lives of her family members, Skylar sees that there is so much good to do in AmeriCorps NCCC and her new team is inspiring her to continue with NCCC.

I love my family and would do anything for them. I love the days when we have family dinner, play a game or when we just talk and laugh so hard I cry. I can't stand being away from them and missing important moments in their lives: like my nephew's first birthday; helping my sister plan her wedding; or simply eating dinner with my parents.

Skylar stops mulching for a photo op at Winterthur Museum

Of course, there are hard days in AmeriCorps NCCC. There are days when I forget why I am here and just want to go home, even if it’s just for a day. Although t has been hard being away from my family this first round of projects, I have been constantly reminded why I am doing this. I want to tell you about some moments that have kept me going and encouraged me to stay with NCCC and Raven 1. While I love and miss my family dearly, I have so many reasons to continue to serve.

Some of my most memorable times were small things like enjoying the beauty of the gardens at Winterthur. Or a hard day’s work of pulling out invasive trees and the satisfaction I got when I heard the “CRACK” of the roots being broken, meaning I could finally move on to the next one.

I also get those reminders of purpose during a really inspiring project, like Connecticut Mission of Mercy. Having the opportunity to set up a dental clinic, and then seeing it actually up and running was such an amazing experience. After two days, 2,000 people received dental care, many of them without a chance of seeing a dentist without the clinic. I really can't do justice to the experience with my descriptions. It was quite overwhelming to see our project sponsor and all the other volunteers work just as long as we did. Everyone was in such high spirits and always made sure we were OK and everything was running smoothly. It was truly moving to see people with so much passion for their mission. I left there with memories I will never forget.

Skylar provides dental assistance at Connecticut Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic

Then there are those days that I look around at my team and know that I wouldn’t want to share this experience with anyone else. I feel truly blessed to have everyone on my team as my teammates. One of those days happened on Easter Sunday. We all basically spent the day as a team making brunch, coloring Easter eggs, and we even made Easter baskets for each other and hid them around the house. The prize for being the first person to find your bag was the privilege of not cleaning for a week! Unfortunately, the person who hid my bag was quite good, and I was the last one to find it. Later that day, we had an Easter egg hunt with Henry as our Easter bunny who hid the eggs all over the "Enchanted Garden" at Winterthur. And that night, we feasted on a delicious turkey dinner! Days like that make me realize I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

So while I would love to be back home to see my nephew, or pick out flowers with my sister, or share that meal with my parents, I realize that, for now, I'm right where I need to be. It’s rare to have a group that meshes as well as we do. My team might be a little eccentric at times, or completely awkward, and maybe kind of quirky, but together we “R1” and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

~Skylar
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach the stars to change the world” – Harriet Tubman-Skylar-

This year, in addition to the Raven 1 team, the NCCC Atlantic Region campus will also feature one team from the Buffalo Unit and Moose Unit. Watch this video to see Moose 5’s commitment, dedication and willpower.

Find out more about the members of Moose 5 by viewing their team brochure

Ariel from Auburn, Maine is an alumna of the NCCC Southwest Region campus from service year XIII. Read her story about overcoming physical and social challenges to get things done for America.

Ariel (L) with her team at the New Orleans Jazz Fest

At age 12, I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder similar to that of the DiGeorge Syndrome, or 22q11.2 deletion. After I was diagnosed with Velo Cardio Facial Syndrome, I knew I was different. Although I was able to keep up in school academically, I struggled socially, light years behind my peers. This followed me all the way through until college, when I suddenly realized I could make friends just like anyone else.

Since 2002, I volunteered at one of NCCC Atlantic Region projects – Camp Sunshine in Casco, Maine. In 2006, I had tried another AmeriCorps State program, and was heartbroken when they couldn’t accommodate my special needs. I was volunteering at Camp Sunshine that same year and met my very first AmeriCorps NCCC team.

I talked a lot with the NCCC team that week- as they saw the magic of camp unfold before their very eyes. Camp Sunshine is a retreat for critically ill children and their families. I had had spinal surgery in 2004, followed by a year- long rehabilitation my junior year in college.

I was skeptical of trying NCCC because of my limited strength and health challenges. What really made me apply to NCCC was the bond between the team that was at Camp Sunshine while I was at the camp that week. I wanted that, and above all I wanted to serve like I had done in Kiwanis.

So I took that chance, and in 2007 my best friend and I entered Class XIII in Denver CO. When our teams were assigned, I was petrified. I told my best friend there is NO way I can live with these people. We are just too different. By the end of the first round of projects, I was gaining strength, overcoming fears, and learning how to work as a team.

I liked my teammates, but I was just starting to feel like I fit in. It would take three rounds of projects before I admitted to them what my challenges were, and once I did, they helped me to overcome them. It was wonderful to have teammates who supported me, told me the truth and are truly like siblings.

What I want everyone who’s interested in NCCC to realize is that AmeriCorps NCCC is truly what you make of it. I learned that I was not the center of the universe. That people had much bigger problems than what I was going through and how good it feels to help someone in need. But this does not come right away. NCCC a unique journey for each individual, it is a team-based program with team and individual stories. Each individual writes the pages, the beginning, middle and end.

Recently I was an intern for a foundation that helps children with brain tumors and I also lost my best friend to cancer. I learned a great deal from those experiences, part of which was that opportunities should be seized and that many people in the world are suffering under great challenges far greater than imagined.

One of the mottos of AmeriCorps is getting things done for America. It’s funny, if I was asked five years ago what AmeriCorps was, I could not have answered correctly. In the fall of 2006, I was a new graduate from the University of Southern Maine with a degree in music and not really knowing where life was going to take me. Suddenly, I felt lost, I was out of the university loop and I did not have enough experience to land a solid job. For years school had been my life, and I was now directionless.

AmeriCorps NCCC gave me the strength, the courage, the on the job training and the friendships I needed to succeed in my adult life, and without that I would not be the person I am today.

Ariel (front left) with her team at a Habitat for Humanity project in 2007

If you are thinking about applying to NCCC and you have some social or physical challenges, I encourage you to be open, be honest, be helpful and have fun. You too can get things done for America.

-Ariel

This year, Ariel completed her master's degree in Child Life from the University of La Verne, in Southern CA. Ariel also serves on the NCCC Alumni Leadership Council representing the Atlantic Region in Maine. Since recently becoming engaged, Ariel plans to move to Sacramento, California with her fiancé. All of her teammates from NCCC are expected to attend the wedding ceremony.

The AmeriCorps NCCC Alumni Leadership Council was recently established to increase NCCC's alumni engagement. The council currently consists of 11 members including 2 alums representing each region and 1 Chair. Alums are currently spear-heading committees related to new member recruitment, building relationships with project sponsors, fundraising, national days of service days, and 20th Anniversary planning. Please contact Tiffany Zapico if you'd like to become involved as a Regional Rep ncccalums@gmail.com.

Tiffany from Louisville, KY, is a class 18 Team Leader at the NCCC Atlantic Region campus. She has an amazing story of survival and service. Read how accepting a call to lead a team has changed her life.

The writer, Albert Pine, once wrote, “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” That quote became real to me in December 2008 after I was involved in a fatal head on collision car accident where a young man of the same age lost his life. As a result of that accident, I was underwent four surgeries, two weeks of hospitalization and six months of rehabilitation. After surviving such a horrible ordeal, I could not help but ask, “What am I living for?” Despite the service given to my church, university, and job as well as through my sorority, I found a void that I could not fill.

Luckily, I had a supervisor who at one point could relate and she recommended AmeriCorps to me, as a result of her successful service year. Initially I down played the idea that a new “job” could be what I was looking for but I applied anyway because at that point it could not hurt to try. In November 2011, I received a phone call from Jason, an Atlantic Region Unit Leader, inquiring about my interest in a Team Leader (TL) position for the 2012 service year. Unknowingly, that call changed my life.

The 2012 Buffalo Leadership team, My NCCC Family-Sharon (Unit Leader),
Tony (TL), Taft (TL), Elisabeth (TL), Tomoyo (TL), and Tiffany (TL)

After accepting the position and without any hesitation, I packed my bags to leave Louisville, Kentucky to head to the Atlantic Region campus in Perry Point, Maryland. On January 5, 2012, Team Leader Training (TLT) commenced and my service year started like a whirlwind. TLT was four weeks full of service, team building, weekend adventures, crucial training sessions and challenges. I can honestly say I work with some of the most talented, intellectual, unique and daring group of individuals the nation has to offer.

Still shot of meeting President Obama on MLK Jr. Day of Service 2012 (while still in Team Leader Training)

Though TLT was fun, it was nothing in comparison to the adventure of Corps Training Institute (CTI). CTI marks the arrival and training of Corps Members. Despite my background in leadership development and mentoring, nothing is like being responsible for the training and growth of 10 people. The joy I experience when I think of my team can possibly be compared to the joy a child brings a parent. With this position, I was hoping to pass along some wisdom and such but in exchange, my Team, my Unit Leader, and members throughout the Corps and staff have provided me with an immeasurable amount of experience and support.

My unbelievable team, Buffalo IV, on Team Reveal Day!

AmeriCorps NCCC fully recognizes the impact a leader can play in the life of others. Daily I have the opportunity to wake up and be an agent of change through serving my team, the local community and in part the nation.

My birthday outfit-how cool?

As stated in my mission statement, I will continue to offer my ambition, energy, time and passion to cultivate an open atmosphere of achievement, personal growth and change for those in the community of need because they deserve it. As a TL, I take pride in watching and serving alongside my team as we “Get things done for America.”

Now you must ask, “What am I living for?”

~Tiffany

The NCCC adventure starts with one step – applying to the program. Tomoyo, a Class 18 NCCC Atlantic Region Team Leader from California, shares how her first step led two NCCC terms of service.

Tomoyo as a Class 18 Team Leader of the Buffalo 2 team

Hi there! My name is Tomoyo and I am currently serving my second term of AmeriCorps NCCC with the Atlantic Region campus. I served as a Corps Member for Class 17 and I have proudly returned in Class 18 as a Team Leader.

Each project during my Corps Member year posed new challenges and, as a result, I was able to gain a plethora of new skills. These skills range from resume worthy items such as experience with tutoring first graders and managing community volunteers at a donations warehouse after a major disaster, to those that are worthy of mention 50 years from now as I sit in a rocking chair reminiscing the ‘good old days’ to my grandchildren. These include surviving on $4.75 a day, living in a tent for a month in sauna-like Alabama, cruising miles on end in a 15-passenger van and establishing unbreakable bonds with 10 strangers from all over the country that I would not have crossed paths with otherwise.

Tomoyo at the Class 17 NCCC Atlantic Region graduation

In short, my experience as a Corps Member was absolutely life changing. During the 10 months, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a robotics competition, assist with maintenance work at two camp sites, staff an after-school program, paint an entire floor of a VA hospital unit, interview World War II veterans, as well as assist in the response and recovery of three major disasters: the tornado that devastated Alabama, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.

Growing up in California, I had very little idea of what life is like on the East Coast. All I knew was that it snows in the winter and pizza tastes better. The day I browsed the AmeriCorps website for the first time, I read the description for NCCC and I immediately knew that it was exactly what I wanted to do. Just as the famous quote by Lao Tzu, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,”

Tomoyo and her Class 17 team take a break at Camp Vacamas in NJ

I knew that the first step for me to see what else is out there was to apply to the program. Fortunately I was accepted into the Perry Point, Maryland campus for Class 17. My journey three thousand miles away from home was everything I had hoped for and more. I am here to continue my journey throughout the Atlantic Region as a Team Leader and I would like to encourage anyone who is looking for a challenge or an exciting new opportunity to take that first step towards discovering what else is out there for you.

As I lead my team this year, I am both anxious and hopeful for all of the challenges my Corps Members will face. It is not easy to move to a new state, live with a group of strangers, grocery shop to accommodate everyone’s unique eating habits, walk around in steel-toe boots and dig holes for six hours a day.

Tomoyo leads her team in a team building exercise

But as a Team Leader I have taken it upon myself to convince these young leaders that it is possible to live without television, that the work we are doing indeed has a purpose, that they will most likely survive tick bites and most importantly that each one of them is capable of much more than they think they are. I cannot wait to see my Corps Members walk across the stage at graduation with their heads held high, full of pride for all of their accomplishments and excitement for what lies ahead of them.

~Tomoyo

Despite being an independent woman, Cassie discovers that her new "team-life" is better than she anticipated. Here she tells of her recent surprise birthday party with Raven 1.

I’m a very self-sufficient person, I think. I tend to keep to myself and have had the same friends for years. I was in a few clubs in high school, but never really on a team, like for sports. So when I joined NCCC, I was definitely in for a new experience after living on my own for a few years. In AmeriCorps NCCC, we live, eat, breathe and sleep as a team. In the morning, we make breakfast in the same small kitchen and brush our teeth together in the same small bathroom. We work together, ride home together, cook dinner together and eat together. We have team meetings a couple times a week. When we want to go to a store or restaurant, we generally go together.

There have definitely been a few times where I’ve wondered what I got myself into. It’s a big adjustment and the only time my team is quiet is when we’re eating. While I’ve definitely wondered what I’m doing here from time to time, I generally find myself very excited that I made the leap. I live, eat, breathe and sleep with nine very amazing people. When I’ve found myself struggling, there is always someone there to offer help or advice or just to listen. They help support my goals, no matter how silly or serious they are.

Most importantly, they help me have fun in my Ameri-life. One of my favorite memories of my team so far was the birthday surprise they gave me. It’s hard being sneaky in such close quarters, but Raven 1 does it well. Without me knowing it, they decorated the dining room of our spike housing with balloons and a "Happy Birthday" sign. They blindfolded me and brought me in. Everyone, including Edgar (the toy Raven mascot), wore party hats. They were playing some classic country tunes, which is one of my favorite kinds of music and a taste of home for me. It was goofy and fun and a great way to break away from our everyday routine.

Check out my surprised face in this video!

~Cassie

After college, even Courtney's local fast food drive thru restaurant wasn’t hiring. She is now returning to NCCC to serve in the NCCC FEMA Corps at the North Central Region campus. Read Courtney’s story and her reflections from Class 17 at Perry Point, MD.

AmeriCorps NCCC has changed my life in so many ways, but the one that stands out is my shyness. I have never been the type who would do things that would put the attention on me or talk to random people. AmeriCorps forced me to step out of my comfort zone and I am thankful for that.

Just before I applied to AmeriCorps NCCC, I was in a standstill. After going through two years of college, I realized I didn't like what I was doing with my life. My days were becoming a little repetitive, and I dropped out of college. After returning home, I couldn't find a job; even the local fast food drive thru wouldn't hire me! So, my boyfriend referred me to a program called AmeriCorps NCCC. I had never heard of it before. I did some research and realized it was exactly what I was looking for. I applied, joined the AmeriCorps group on Facebook and the waiting began! I was accepted in September of 2010 and from then on my life changed.

Courtney, far right, with her class 17 team Moose 4

There were some great moments and some challenging moments during my year. The most difficult? Two words: Camp Brown; aka, my 3rd round. It had to been one of the most challenging projects for my team. I am not a kid person, but being a co-counselor for a week and an activity counselor for the remainder of the round, I've grown to like children. Not saying I want to surround myself with children, but I can tolerate them a bit more. It was the first time that I had to actually lead people by myself. So, I pretty much was a single counselor, waking the girls up in the morning, taking them to breakfast, setting the table and making sure we made it to our activities on time. I told myself that I would try to be a positive role model to the girls and any other campers I interacted with; and I hope a little piece of me brushed off on them.

Overall, my favorite rounds of the year would have to be the disaster rounds I went on. The first was on the disaster composite team Thunder 1. We worked in Tuscaloosa, AL, primarily at the Volunteer Reception Center. We also removed debris, conducted disaster assessments and worked in donations warehouses. Seeing the destruction of the tornadoes firsthand was an eye-opening experience. So many people thanked us, even if we were just answering phone calls or registering volunteers.

Months later I was sent to New Jersey on another composite team which worked for the American Red Cross in bulk distribution. Even though our days were long and sometimes slow, we got the job done by helping the older Red Cross volunteers.

Courtney, left, works alongside local Boys Scouts, firefighters and police officers distributing clean up kits for residents of Cranford, NJ with the American Red Cross

Out of all of my disaster deployments, working for All Hands in upstate New York was the most rewarding. My team and I went into dark, murky basements and hauled out buckets and buckets of mud and muddy water for hours, but it was SO worth it! I learned to push myself, even though I was exhausted. But I knew that somebody had to do it.

Courtney serving with All Hands in upstate New York

To the current and future AmeriCorps NCCC members: your service year can be amazing. Your service year may be hard and you might want to quit, but continue to push yourself and get things done! Since graduating from Class 17, I feel so confident; as if I can do anything. I now feel as if I can go back to college with a more level head and determination to complete my degree.

Courtney has decided to serve with the brand new NCCC FEMA Corps at the North Central Region campus before she heads back to college.

Want to join her?

More information about FEMA Corps is found here

Take a walk in the steel-toe boots of Ashley from the Raven 1 blog team as she reflects on the boots that complete the AmeriCorps NCCC uniform.

I remember the first day I got to the Atlantic Region Campus at Perry Point was the day I fell in love with my steel-toes. Jet lagged and tired, but running off of adrenaline, I was escorted to the gym where I filled out a lot of paper work. And that’s when it happened. In the corner of my eye I saw corps members getting fitted for work boots. So SHINY. I couldn’t wait to get a pair. Those boots are what stood between the Ashley who was lost in California to the Ashley who was ready to serve, travel the East coast, and have a fuller sense of herself.

I tried them on, wiggled my feet, and walked around to make sure they fit. For me, these boots were a symbolic test to see if I was ready for the lifestyle I was about to endure for the next ten months. I found a pair I liked, gave the staff person all my measurements, and then it was only a waiting game until the order came in. Those days leading up to when my boots arrived seemed to take forever, but when they finally did, my uniform was complete. I was proud. I was ready. The way I walked was different. Look at me and look at my cool boots.

My boots wait for me downstairs every morning before work. Putting them on means it’s time to wake up and get in the zone.

Coming home from work I take them off one lace at a time. After each lace, my body becomes more relaxed. I put them in the same corner and they wait for me to return the next day.

The dirtier they are at the end of the workday makes me feel more accomplished, but I shine them when the both of us need to be “polished” for our presentations back on campus.

My Ameri-boots have become an extension of myself.

“You never truly know someone until you've walked a mile in his shoes”

~Ashley

At the end of the project round, NCCC members return to their campus for a period of transition which can vary from one to five days. During transitions members debrief their previous projects, prepare for upcoming projects, and participate in Corps Life activities such as community meetings.

At the NCCC Atlantic Region campus, each team nominates one member from their team to receive the P.A.C.E. (Positive Attitude Consistent Effort) award and one member from each unit is selected for the Corps Member of the Round recognition.

Below are the three Corps Members selected out of 140 members for the Corps Member of the Round recognition for round 1 projects.

The Buffalo Unit would like to award Patrick from Massachusetts as the “Corps Member of the Round” for his hard work, dedication, and dependability.

This Corps Member was a pillar of the team this round. Patrick was always the first person to pick up the tools and start working in the morning, and brought 100% to any given task. The team describes this person as the hardest working member on the team, and this member surely deserves that title. Fellow team members are grateful for the hard work, but also for the support and companionship Patrick brought to each one of them. When the team hit a low point, he remained calm and collected and went out of their way to offer help to those in need. When fellow members were facing a personal crisis, Patrick was there to offer kind words and to be a listening ear. Something about Patrick that everyone appreciates is the unexpected jokes that he throws out. The team cannot help but laugh, no matter how bland the joke is.

As the Team Leader, I feel very fortunate to have Patrick on the team. He exemplifies hard work and positive attitude. I have especially enjoyed his gift in reading maps. I suppose he helped keep our team on the right path in many ways. On top of all of the above qualities, he is extremely modest about what they contribute to the team. Therefore, the team and I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Patrick for being a wonderful teammate and Corps Member. ~ Tomoyo, Team Leader, Buffalo 2

Watch a video of the Buffalo Unit leader announcing Patrick as the Buffalo Unit Corps Member of the Round. Read more about Patrick’s projects and see his teammates.

The Moose Unit awards Jessica from Indiana as the “Corps Member of the Round” for her exemplary leadership on and off the worksite.

Jessica is a model worker, and an exemplary leader on and off the worksite. She is patient, diligence and flexible. There is no task that I have given her that she has not been able to tackle, on time and with good results. I think one of her most important traits is her ability to see things from all perspectives and really help the team work together to get the goal accomplished. Moreover, I have observed her taking initiative more than anyone else on the team, a trait that has not gone unnoticed. But it is not just in comparison that she been industrious, she legitimately enjoys helping others and helping the team work together. Her constant effort and work that she puts into the team has been beyond helpful, it has been a saving grace. In summation, I want to reiterate my confidence in Jessica’s ability to lead and foster a healthy team dynamic. She is a self-starter (and I mean that in no uncertain terms), and that has showcased her as the assistant team leader for my team and really been a role model to others. ~ Tobiah, Team Leader, Moose 5

Watch a video of Jessica’s Team Leader announcing Jessica as the Moose Unit Corps Member of the Round. More information about Jessica’s team is available here

The Raven Unit awards Quin from California as the “Corps Member of the Round” for her positive attitude, pushing herself and others, and strong ethics.

Quin has exemplified and been an example to her team by being positive, by pushing the team to reach its goal, by taking moral stances about her work, as well as being undoubtedly active and ethical in her specialty role even during CTI. A care is taken into her job that can be seen by event sponsors. Her team speaks about her character in a way that these words cannot paint; even with colors such as ‘Avocado,’ ‘Rice Patty’, or even ‘White Duck.’ I would like to nominate Quin for Corps Member of the Round. ~ Daniel, Team Leader, Raven 5

Watch a video of the Raven Unit Leader announcing Quin as Raven Unit Corps Member of the Round. Read more about Quin, her teammates and her round 1 project in her team’s brochure

Congratulations to all 1st round awardees!

What’s your reason for joining NCCC? Get at least ten reasons to join NCCC from Buffalo 4 in this introduction video about why they joined NCCC.

Buffalo 4 is one of three NCCC Atlantic Region teams that will blog throughout the class 18 service year. Take a look at Buffalo 4’s team brochure for more information about the team and their projects so far and read the personal story of Buffalo 4’s Team Leader Tiffany here on the blog

Maddi, from Raven 1, reflects on the “Women Build” event with New Castle County Habitat for Humanity in Wilmington, Delaware.

Week two at New Castle County Habitat for Humanity and the greatly anticipated Lowe's National Women Build Week had arrived! The week was unique in that Lowe's donates funds to any Habitat that hosts a Women Build meeting specific criteria. Lowe’s is compelled to do this because such a large percentage of their customers are women. Raven 1 was assigned the prestigious task of leading groups of women volunteers, which totaled 236 over the five days.

I would be lying if I did not admit this assignment was accompanied by a small level of anxiety amongst our group; it was only our second week with Habitat. Many of us had little to no prior experience with construction or volunteer coordinating. However, our fears were quickly assuaged once the week was in full swing. The Habitat crew managed to be omnipresent on site; always available to lend support or instructions if our team members were in need, but also encouraging us to take the lead as often as possible. This was especially important for me because I have a tendency to take a back seat when learning new things, but with this new level of responsibility and trust, I became much more involved, actively listening to instructions and asking questions, knowing I would soon (within minutes) reteach the information.

Keiper, Raven 1, Team Leader flexes with volunteers at the New Castle County Habitat for Humanity Women Build Day of Service

Our whole group excelled in their new roles. Ashley was able to convince even her most timid volunteers to go above and beyond their comfort zones, having one woman who was scared of power tools using a circular saw on the roof of a house by the end of the day. Keiper rallied volunteer morale by teaching her group different cheers to motivate and encourage one another. Overall the experience was a mixture of excitement and fun. Women of all ages came out, with all different backgrounds, stories and experiences. I was extremely impressed and inspired by how uninhibited my groups of volunteers were about the work. Not once did a woman pass one of her assignments because she did not know how, or because she was afraid. I even had a woman drilling in a guard rail on the edge of the second story of a house who was afraid of heights. "As long as I do not look down..." she assured the group, and she was the most efficient driller of the whole group!

--Maddi—

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep balance you must keep moving" -Albert Einstein

Raven 1 pictured with the First Lady of Delaware, left to right- Maddi, Emily, Andre, Skylar, First Lady Markell, Cassie, Ashley, Michael, Henry and Keiper

This post originally appeared on June 29, 2012 on the AmeriCorps Alums blog.

by Ken Tran

Today’s guest post comes from Chad Jeremy Davis, the Chapter President of Seattle AmeriCorps Alums. He is from San Diego and has traveled all over the United States in service to communities. He currently resides in Seattle, WA.

Happy Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LGBT) Pride Month! As June comes to a close and Pride celebrations all around this country wrap up I thought I’d take an opportunity to reflect on my experience serving in AmeriCorps as an out LGBT individual.

I served between January 2004 and December 2005 in AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) at the Atlantic Region in Perry Point, MD. I was 22 years old when I started my service and I had been openly gay since I was 16 years old. My biggest fear was the idea of a residential program that was built on aspects of military culture. I knew I had a desire to serve my country that was central to my being; yet, I also (thought I) knew that military-like residential environments and rural communities were hostile to lesbians and gays not to mention transgendered or bisexual individuals.

I was afraid of how the staff and fellow members would treat me or how well I would integrate into this thing called AmeriCorps. I also knew that I would travel to communities that were different and far away from my own. Needless to say, I had a lot of anxiety around this decision I had made to serve. However, my desire to serve was even greater than those anxieties, so I packed up my bags and left for Maryland.

Chad Jeremy with his NCCC team

I can honestly say it was an amazing and transformative experience, which isn’t to say it was without its challenges. What I experienced was that my fears, while understandable, did not come to fruition. I came to know people that would become some of my best friends. One in particular never had known a gay person before he met me. I helped him change his opinion on LGBT people and I did so just by being myself. The staff always treated me with respect and dignity and many have become long-time trusted advisors and mentors.

There were times when I did face certain bias and judgments from sponsoring organizations or community members, as did many other members on my team (women, individuals of color, atheists, and anyone else that was different from the identity of those with power and privilege). However, my team always came together during those challenging times to support each other. I came to respect that experience as part of the process of sparking change in attitudes.

In fact, I would argue that service is a great equalizer.

I was able to engage in conversations that I would never have if I weren’t serving alongside people with opinions different from my own. I would encourage, without hesitation, any LGBT individual interested in serving in AmeriCorps to do so! It is an experience you won’t forget.

LGBT AmeriCorps Alums and allies alike can continue to volunteer with the LGBT community. One area in particular is combating homophobia and bullying in schools. You can get involved with a LGBT youth center like I have, volunteer with a crisis hotline, a school based anti-bullying campaign or many other projects. There is another way we can lend our assistance, one that we are particularly well positioned as Alums to do – Tell more people, ESPECIALLY those that are different from yourself about AmeriCorps. I am not oblivious to the fact that while I am gay, I am also white, male identified, and from a just barely middle-class family.

If service is to continue to be the great equalizer I claim it is, than we need more individuals that come from different backgrounds and identities to be serving alongside us and alongside the communities we serve in solidarity with so that AmeriCorps becomes a model for the kind of world we want to create.

For another perspective on LGBT service in AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, check out the 2009 Idealist podcast that Chad participated in here.

Jerramie, a member of the Raven 1 team, is trained to serve on wildland fire composite teams. The fire teams are only a small fraction of the Corps, but their experiences and hard work ethic echoes throughout the region. Jerramie recounts his experiences during the intense week of Type-2 Wildland Firefighting training in North Carolina.

The first two days at fire training facilities in Kinston, North Carolina were long: waking up at 6 am and sitting in a class room until 4:30 pm. Although, at times we found it extremely difficult to stay awake, the information provided to us was invaluable. The main foundation of all the courses was personal safety, how to stay safe in any environment, and maintain situational awareness. Next we learned the different engine types, hose lays, and the chain of command in the wild land firefighting system, which starts with the lowest “rank” in the firefighting world – the firefighter type 2, or us - going all the way up to Incident Commander.

NCCC Atlantic Region Class 18 wildland firefighters at fire camp training in North Carolina

By the second day, at lunch time, we progressed to training exercises out on the field. We were all extremely enthused to go “play with fire,” or so we thought. And I have to say at the end of the day we were severely disappointed, and a few people were openly questioning they’re decision of joining. Instead of going out and fighting fire as we had expected, we spent the day digging line… and quite a bit of it. The learning experience was necessary, and it set the foundation for not only the next few days, but the rest of our fire careers. Line digging is the basic protection between the fire and the fuel it’s burning. The information was necessary, but it was still a hard break after our built up expectations.

Atlantic Region wildland firefighters in flame resistant Nomex with their pulaski hand tools which are used to construct firebreaks

However, the next few days of field exercises more than made up it. From learning how to take the weather, including temperature, humidity, and wind directions, we also learned hose lays, and how to deploy a hose. And then our anticipation was finally rewarded. The actual fire. We spent time with two instructors learning how to ignite and burn fuel using fusee’s, which are basically very hot road flares, and then, my personal favorite, drip torches! A drip torch is basically a mixture of diesel and gasoline fuels in a canister that is used to spread fire onto unburned fuel in a controlled environment. To prevent it from igniting uncontrollably, we used this to spread fire across a fairly large prescribed burn area, which was personally my high moment of the week.

The final day consisted of a thrilling mock fire, where we not only dug line around the perimeter of the fire, but also ran hose from the engine and sprayed the area down. We spend the day learning in an action-based environment, and readying ourselves for what is to come in the future when we do go out onto a phoenix team (Atlantic Region fire team composed of fire trained members).

Jerramie sharpens his fire rake

Overall we learned many things from fire training, but I think the most important thing I learned was the importance of team cohesion. We had the chance to work alongside many firefighters. I hope we will work together in the future, and to get to know them better. I thoroughly enjoyed that experience, and would suggest anyone coming into AmeriCorps to try out for the team. I look forward to the rest of the year not only serving with my amazing Raven 1 team, but also as a phoenix fire fighter.

~Jerramie

Jerramie is currently serving on a fire composite team in Albany, NY. He will return to the Raven 1 team at the end of the fire team’s project in Albany. About 15% of NCCC Members are certified as wildland firefighters. The training NCCC members receive gives them experience for future fire and forest service careers. NCCC fire composite teams assist state and federal agencies with their fire management duties, including building firebreaks and conducting controlled burns to reduce available fuels, which mitigates wildfire disasters. Controlled burns are also beneficial to the ecology of the environment because it restores the natural balance of native species and eliminates invasive species. Teams are also available to assist with containing and suppressing wildfires.

For more news about the Atlantic Region's fire team, check out this article about their work in Suffolk, VA. This article is especially cool since the project sponsor says he is tracking about 20 NCCC alumni who have fire careers due to NCCC experience!

http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2012/06/14/volunteers-prepare-swamp-for-fire-season/

This post first appeared on May 23, 2012 in the AmeriCorps Alums blog.

by Ken Tran

Today’s guest post comes from Erin O’ Leary, a graduate of the Clinton School of Public Service. She’s served in AmeriCorps NCCC Class 11 and was also a Conservation Corps Crew Leader. She’s currently a Staff Attorney at Center for Arkansas Legal Services.

Last August, my good friend, Kate Raum, fellow alum from the Clinton School of Public Service, organized a service trip to her hometown. She grew up in Joplin and her extended family still lives on the land that has been in their family for generations. During the horrific storm and tornado of 2011, Kate was hunkered down in Little Rock, terrified for her family and community. Her only solace was knowing that her loved ones were all taking refuge in the back of her grandparents’, Frank and Maribel McCutcheon’s, home. Thankfully, her entire family and their homes escaped the tornado’s wrath; however, her community didn’t fare as well.

When Kate organized the service trip, a bunch of our mutual friends and I gladly signed up to help. I was already in the middle of trying to mentally locate my grays and khakis when I found out that my former NCCC teammate and good friend, Annika Rigole, was going to be visiting that very same weekend. Too perfect! Always up for anything, Annika readily agreed and we found ourselves in Joplin, a couple of weeks later.

AmeriCorps members greeted us at the volunteer station and handed us hardhats, demolition tools, and a map to guide us to our project: a lone house still standing, in the middle of a field covered in barren, concrete foundations, collapsed buildings, and wind-stripped trees. Our job was to clear the house of the all its contents and begin the demolition process.

Annika & Erin serving in Joplin

We pulled up to the house, and the first thing we noticed was a spray painted message with the words, “2-ALIVE +OK”. Apparently the occupants survived the storm and ran out afterwards, with enough time to scrawl this across the front of their home, as they waited for help. The house seemed lonely, as it was one of only a few structures left on the once bustling neighborhood street. Moreover, since the tornado had flattened the entire neighborhood, the house now had a clear view of the hospital that had miraculously moved on its foundation to survive.

More sobering was the condition of the inside of the house: completely full of everything a working home would have inside. Except now, everything had been toppled, broken, turned upside down, and left to rot in the summer heat for months, due to the evacuation and neglect. We set about shoveling up spoiled sacks of rice, broken dishes, and matted blankets and gingerly removing them through broken-out windows or in wheelbarrows pushed through door-less doorframes.

Divulging the home of its goods, we lined them up along the side of the road for pick up by other volunteers. Once the rooms were cleared, we began to demolish the frame of the house. In one photo, you can see my friends and fellow volunteers Heather Malveaux and Anna Strong next to an entire wall that we were able to eventually pull down. By the end of the day, the house was ready for complete demolition, with the hope that, someday, the site would be ready for rebuilding.

That evening, after showers and giant Sonic drinks, we enjoyed the fantastic hospitality of the McCutcheon family. We didn’t really talk about the tornado or go into gory details of the house we worked on. Maybe we all had enough sad stories for one day, and, in the case of Kate's family. emough for a lifetime. However, what we did talk about was gratitude. We, as volunteers, were so grateful for the opportunity to come and to serve in Joplin. Annika and I reminisced of our NCCC days, and found ourselves still amazed, all these years later, by the transformative power of service and humbled that we were welcomed into the community of Joplin and so warmly into the McCutcheon family home.

Kate & her Grandma

Even more amazing was the fact the family, who had seen so much pain, was so grateful for and generous with what they still had.

Driving home, Annika and I continued to recall our days in NCCC. We talked about who we were then, and who we are now, and how our terms of service impacted our lives. I know that most of us Alums truly believe that service transforms lives: those of the people served, and of those who serve.

On our trip home, we tried to remember our AmeriCorps Pledge and finally did piece together the phrases that we once knew so well. It seems that we Alums always do this with each other- reunions with teammates inevitably result the group chanting, then shouting,

“I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member and I will GET THINGS DONE!!!”

It’s so funny how the last sentences of the Pledge are the ones that we always seem to remember. Maybe because none of us ever forget…

This week's guest post comes from an AmeriCorps NCCC Team Leader Alum who currently works at NCCC HQ selecting and placing new NCCC members. If you apply, you might get a chance to talk with him! Enjoy!

First day of Team Leader Training

Late one night back in October 2009, I picked up my laptop and applied to be a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC. I never thought in a million years that I would actually interview for and be offered a position. Two years and three months after applying, I sit here in my cubicle at NCCC Headquarters in DC; reminiscing about some of the greatest memories from my two years of service as a Team Leader.

Upon seeing myself in uniform for the first time, I was in disbelief. “I’m really a Team Leader”, I thought to myself. Team Leader Training was intense and very informative, which prepared me for the rollercoaster ride that was AmeriCorps NCCC. My team, Raven 7, worked with: City Neighbors Charter School, Rebuilding Together Baltimore, Serve Rhode Island, New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, Eden Mill Nature Center, American Red Cross, Copper Cannon Camp and the Long Island Nature Conservancy.

Although I was nervous about leading a team, once we started working, all of my fears quickly disappeared. We tore down lockers, recycled aluminum, performed flood relief services, built 5 homes in 5 days, created mountain bike trails, removed tons of invasive plants and a lot more. We fought hard but we also loved just as hard. Those ten members quickly became a part of my extended family. Also, if it weren’t for my Unit Leader, the Raven Unit TLs and Team Green, I would not have survived the year. Graduation came and went and five days later, I was back in Mississippi, living a somewhat normal life.

Raven 7 at Girl couts of Chesapeake Bay

I learned how to sleep in a school without hot water and heat. I learned about the importance of physical training and how it can have a tremendous effect on your work performance.

Raven 7 during project wtih Copper Cannon Camp

I learned to drink lots water before doing construction work in New Orleans in 100 degree weather. I learned how to effectively manage finances, write reports and a host of other skills. Most importantly, I learned how to lead, advocate for and co-exist with a team of individuals from very diverse backgrounds.

One day, I received an email from my former Unit Leader and two weeks later, I found myself back in Perry Point, donning the green “A” and tan BDU’s once more. My team, Raven One, worked with: Delaware State Parks, the VA Medical Center, Stone Soup Leadership Institute, Vermont VOAD, Greene County Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and The Loading Dock. We did beautification work, painted buildings, worked on a farm, traveled to Martha’s Vineyard, mucked and gutted homes, became chainsaw trained, met the first lady of Delaware and so much more.

Raven 1 on team reveal day

Many might think that a second-year Team Leader like me would know everything, but that was not the case. I encountered many personal and professional challenges that made me question whether or not I could finish the year but I knew that I had a team of eight individuals who were counting on me and I could not give up on them. Life is full of ups, downs, twists and turns but one must never give up. We successfully finished our year all together as a team and I could not have asked for anything more.

Raven 1 after graduation ceremony

After two years in the field and reaching the “tipping point” as my Unit Leader stated to me, there was no way that I would be coming down. After several weeks of searching, I finally landed a job here in Washington, DC with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) as a Selection and Placement Assistant in the NCCC division. Yesterday (July 17) makes six months that I have been here at HQ and I love it. I review applicant applications, produce the monthly newsletter and recently, I’ve been learning how to assign members and send out welcome packets. Most importantly, I get to continue GETTING THINGS DONE behind the scenes.

Raven 1 in Greenville, TN after a hot day of chainsawing

Although there were challenging moments during my years as a Team Leader, this experience was also one of the most fun-filled, exciting, life-changing, memorable experiences ever. Call me crazy but if I had the opportunity to do it all again, I would not hesitate. I will never forget the journey and would recommend AmeriCorps NCCC to any and all.

Taken during Raven 7's first round project- I did actually lift that entire piano and throw it into the dumpster

A little piece of advice to current and future members: Enjoy every single moment of this journey. Communicate with each other. Work hard and represent the “A” to the max. Have fun! Remember that the work that you are doing is helping to strengthen communities and develop key leadership skills that will be beneficial to you in the future. Document your experience via a journal, a blog, photos and/or video. As a former project sponsor of mines once said, “You may never come this way again”.

-KJ

Before and After: Years of Neglect Transformed in a Day

The PhillyRising Collaborative is working in partnership with SERVE Philadelphia to support the very first AmeriCorps NCCC team in Philadelphia. So far during the round Raven 2 has completed a variety of projects around the city including cleaning up the dirty streets of Philly with gloved hands and steel-toe boots. In the course of their work, they have encountered feces, condoms, and bullet casings. But they are changing the look and feel of entire neighborhoods, inspiring residents to come out of their homes, pick up a shovel and lend a hand. Team Leader Davey recaps their efforts so far this year.

The first day of our project, we jumped right into waist high weeds and trash. In northern Philly, in a neighborhood called Swampoodle, we worked with one of our project sponsors Philly Rising, and several community members including Block Captain Vincent Kennedy to clear a few vacant lots and build a community garden. The team removed over two tons of debris, trash and weeds, leveling the large lot down to an even surface. By the second day, we began building raised garden beds, which residents used to plant assorted vegetables such as corn, tomatoes and onions for the community. The Philadelphia Horticultural Society had a few extra flowers that folks didn’t need for their “Love Your Park” kick-off service events that coming Saturday, so they offered them to us and we took them back to Swampoodle to plant in the garden.

Overgrown weeds and waste get cleared by Raven 2

During construction of the garden, we ran out of soil. A resident of the block offered his services (and his pick-up truck) to help us shuttle a large pile of dirt from the local library. We began to network and work with Manny Ramos from Neighborhood Services who brought a dump truck each day to our site to pick up the trash and debris that we removed and take it to the city dump. This is just one example of many of how community members came together to make a simple project like a community garden come to life.

Alleyway Before

Alleyway After

Following the garden project, we headed off for a few days of alleyway clean ups. We cleaned over five alleyways and removed easily over seven or eight tons of debris and trash from the alleyways over the next three days. In the alleyways we began filming for a potential “Dirty Jobs: AmeriCorps NCCC” episode. Not only were the alleyways overgrown with vines and trees, they were often filled with mounds of trash, furniture, cinder blocks, dirt and poop, sometimes knee to waist high. Our findings were everything from used condoms, reclining chairs, tires, soiled diapers (lots of them), dog poop (lots of it, sometimes three to six inches thick; We thought it was mud until the smell hit us), needles, lots of broken glass, bottles, clothes, bullet casings, countless dime bags and more. Although the work was tough and a bit smelly at times, the results were very rewarding taking an alleyway that had been neglected for over a decade and cleaning it all the way. Community members were pretty excited to see the work we were doing at the alleyways. Most were thankful and the occasional would buy a couple sodas or waters and hand them out to our team. Some, so excited, would grab a few tools and join us or at least do what they could to sweep the streets.

What are some benefits of city revitalization?

Clearing alleyways:

· Fire safety. Residents need an exit from their homes in addition to their front door in case of fire. Especially senior citizens, need a safe passageway to get out. In cluttered and overgrown alleyways, they would be trapped.

· Visibility. Alleyways are a popular place for criminal activity. Criminals know the police will have difficulty following them into the alleyway because of all the trash and debris. Criminals ditch drugs, weapons and other items into the alleyway. Having a clear line of site allows home-owners to feel safer knowing what is going on and reduces potential for criminal activity.

· Sanitation. The trash, debris and feces is an unsanitary situation that can be harmful to residents' health and safety.

· Abandoned lots and homes, overgrown vines and trees can damage the structural integrity of an abandoned home placing its neighbors at a safety risk.

Lot clearing and community garden building

· Vacant lots gather trash and illegal items and they attract criminal activity. Cleaning a lot of weeds and debris allow community members to have a more manageable site, which they can maintain and discourage the negative behavior.

Raven 2 members support planting projects around the city of Philadelphia

It takes a negative space and creates a positive one, and provide a community with healthier food, thereby addressing the issue of food deserts. Engaged community members investing their own sweat equity and reclaiming ownership on their block will make them more likely to remain invested in the improvement of their community. This follows the wisdom of the broken window theory.

Improving Parks and conducting tree surveys

· Documenting live trees and potential spots for trees to be planted

· Tree surveys are part of a city-wide campaign to increase tree coverage to 30%

· Park improvement – trimming lower branches on trees increases visibility in park and reduces illegal activities such as drug dealing.

· More trees can provide the same benefits as a cleaned vacant lot.

Raven 2 Meets Philadelphia's Mayor Nutter

Get more from Raven 2 by reading about their work in Philadelphia at the Philly Rising blog here or by watching their video for Philadelphia’s Love Your Park Week:

Did you ever have a project round that seemed endless and then when it was over you wanted to linger?

Go to Cradle Beach, NY with Buffalo 4 and read how tears sum up the round 2 project

Angola, New York – The drive from Perry Point, Maryland, a story in itself, empowered the “anything is possible” energy by defeating the doubt of ever reaching our project with the sight of a simple entrance sign. The van boiled with excitement as we turned onto the narrow road surrounded by various airy trees giving a sudden claustrophobia. As the approaching seconds lingered a massive wooden house began to unfold as a mixture of formal facility and Caribbean beach hut, single story boasting a 30ft. ceiling, at the point. As the trip that seemed to never end drew out its final moments, small cabins began to appear scattered about, near and far, in groups and stand-alone, in the trees and in the clearing that started to give away, in no particular order.

Those focused on getting out and the main facility titled the ‘Jim Kelly House’ with a lady making her way out missed the obvious pool and playground to the immediate left. We maintained composure exiting the vehicle as our site supervisor, Bonnie, introduced herself. After we situated ourselves, she gave a brief verbal tour and history of Cradle Beach Camp. When she turned to direct a small portion of our team to the living quarters and parking lot the rest turned about soaking in the wondrous surroundings, stopping at the playground, a few took off into the nostalgia eager to stretch restless travel legs.

With red bags in hand, eyes widened and jaws dropped as the group made their way around the Jim Kelly House to their modest living quarters with a sandy beach backdrop. Rooms were set up in haste, anxious to intimately meet the blue horizon. Minus the team leader and two unfortunate grocery shoppers, the team set off along the water’s edge in high spirits. The coast proved to be beyond expectations, a source of spectacular amusements from sea glass to endless supplies of choice skipping rocks. Lake Erie has one forgivable flaw, the mixture of shallow water and algae covered shale made it un-swimmable in any climate. That first night and nearly every night there afterwards the team enjoyed exquisite sunsets which like snowflakes were unique at every sighting – inspiring and calming.

Round 2 passed in a paradox, a week would pass before lunch time and the hour after 9:30 am was so long it went through four seasons. The first two weeks, young and drunk with novelty, truly went in the blink of an eye and missed like the last piece of gum accidently swallowed. The next four held the longest work days filled with staining and painting or painting and staining; yet held a variety of misadventures consisting of many proud moments like the completion of the ambitious goal of holding a minimum 80 hours of individual service project time per person and other occasions that are better forgotten. Eventually the final weeks occurred like it ended too soon and we were left with a bittersweet feeling of wanting it to linger but eager to return for our well-deserved summer break.

We worked to prepare the camp for their busy summer start and more notably the 50 year reunion that would occur during our stay. There was no warning they could give to prepare us for the day in and out of working with a brush in hand and the monotony it brought that tested our resolve. The brief breaks between painting/staining were so welcomed that anyone would jump at the opportunity to clean out drain gutters for a morning instead. Fortunately time remained as consistent as ever and our vigilance showed in the eye catching details of Cradle Beach Camp, where once was an overlooked looked dull wooden structure was now replaced with vibrantly stained wood that was not only more pleasant to look at but was now protected from the elements.

When the reunion rolled around the fruits of our labor swelled. As it was made clear to all the returning alumni that the majority of the change they instantly noticed had been done by us. The many expressions of appreciation from the reunion attendees came in volumes. A few words from an older gentleman offering his thanks on the verge of tears summed up the second round project.

~Rufus

Raven 1 team member, Henry, makes new friends, and sees old ones all in one week.

This past week was quite eventful. Throughout the entire week we had a group of volunteers from Le Moyne College in New York having an alternative summer break. These people were awesome! Every single one of them was unique, dedicated, and awesome! Shout out to them! We had tons of fun! I even got invited to their housing at a local church to go give them a performance, so I played piano and sang for them which was about as therapeutic to me as it was entertaining for them. They were just a great bunch of people doing great things with their free time. I commend them.

Then, Saturday we had another AmeriCorps NCCC team join us for our work day. Raven 3 flew in from Perry Point, and helped us do some major dirty work. We took out cabinets, carpet, and years and years of old furniture, toys, books, and other items from a house, which the homeowner had stored years and years of belongings, so much so that it impeded her living space. This eye-opening experience was perhaps most hard hitting when I realized how much hard work and dedication it takes for someone who holds to remedy this situation. It was perhaps the most work I have seen a NCCC team do since I have been here. The sweltering heat and disgusting nature of the job did not discourage anyone. We were all positive and overcame, and triumphed. As if I did not already feel very accomplished, it was all verified when I overheard on the worksite today someone complimenting the team to our team leader, commending how amazing of a job we did. Good times. Won’t be forgotten.

As much as I love my team, it’s so refreshing to socialize with people you don’t live with 24/7. They verify you haven’t gone completely crazy just yet and falling asleep at 8:30 is not a crazy notion after the hard work completed every day.

~Henry~

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” –Aristotle-

Service learning is a big part of the NCCC experience. Read how a new Habitat homeowner brings it together for Raven 1

Raven 1 receives tool training with Habitat for Humanity

During round 2 Raven 1 was in Wilmington Delaware working with Habitat for Humanity. The team had the chance to work on two different sites during eight week stay in Wilmington. The majority of Raven 1’s time was spent at the Pavilion work site doing finishing work on seven homes; finish work such as caulking, crown molding, building trim, painting, laying down sod, building shelves, installing doors, installing insolation, and staining porches.

Henry gets ready to get back on the ladder

The team was able to strengthen their leadership skills by guiding large groups of volunteers, including Moose 1, in a variety of tasks. With an almost unlimited supply of coffee, granola bars, and sunscreen Raven 1 and the volunteers were able to present the seven houses of Pavilion to the home owners at the site dedication. At the dedication was the Habitat of Humanity staff, the home owners and their friends and family, and Senator Coons.

Keiper and Emily laying down sod with Habitat for Humanity

The team was also working at the Millstone work site with over 21 homes all in different stages of development. There was a Habitat for Humanity event at Millstone called women’s build a week-long celebration of women empowering women. During this event hundreds of volunteers from all over the city came, different faces every day, different skills, strengths, and inspirations. Each member of the Raven 1 team was able to interact with almost all of them leading them in skills they have learned during their tool training. Dawning their hardhats and tool belts they braved the 95 degree heat placing in lamp beams, framing, building fences, and placing up firewalls. With the help of hundreds of hard working hands the foundation for several homes was created.

During the dedication day, there were a series of heartwarming stories, touching speeches, and a flow of tears and laughter, even some of the AmeriCorps NCCC members got a little tearing eyed. One of most memorable moments was when they opened up the houses for the tours. One of the homeowners danced her way into the house and all over the living room with the biggest smile on her face giving the absolute why behind the what.

Ashley sanding a window with Habitat for Humanity

Emily helping to build a shelf

- Henry

Joplin: One Year Later

Skylar pulls through doubts and missing life at home

Introducing the Moose Unit with Moose 5

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps – Alumni Spotlight

What are you living for?

Take the First Step- A Journey of A Thousand Miles

Raven 1 Celebrates Cassie’s birthday!

Returning for FEMA Corps – Alumna Joins NCCC again to serve with FEMA Corps

Courtney has decided to serve with the brand new NCCC FEMA Corps at the North Central Region campus before she heads back to college.

Want to join her?

More information about FEMA Corps is found here

Ameri-boots – Made for serving

Round 1 Corps Members of the Round

At least Ten Reasons Why We Joined NCCC!

Everyday Women Build… Every Day

Being Gay & Serving in AmeriCorps

Learn to Burn

Getting Things Done for Joplin

Reflections of an NCCC Team Leader

Philly is Rising and Soaring with Raven 2

Tears Sum up this Second Round Project of Buffalo 4 from the NCCC Atlantic Region

You’ve Got A Friend in Me

Raven 1 Finds the Why behind the What in – Wilmington, DE