IN SERVICE TO COMMUNITY
SkillSource has a long-standing relationship with AmeriCorps, which is a national service movement that aims to improve lives and foster civic engagement. The Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council (CDCAC) is the local AmeriCorps partner for Central Washington. CDCAC places AmeriCorps members with local organizations such as the Wenatchee School District, Confluence Health, and SkillSource!
AmeriCorps members typically commit to up to 11 months of service at 40 hours a week for a host organization that directly impacts the community. SkillSource has been a host organization for AmeriCorps members since 2005. Members earn a bi-monthly living stipend, and a financial education award that can be applied to existing student loans or future education.
AMERICORPS GETS THINGS DONE
Haydee Mendoza is an AmeriCorps member who just completed nine months of service. She came on to support SkillSource and WorkSource Wenatchee in a collaborative role that significantly helped workforce development efforts. Haydee was instrumental in organizing a hiring event earlier in the year, as well as planning a Workforce Collaboration Summit, and representing SkillSource at community and cultural events like the Apple Blossom Festival and La Terraza.
“I first heard about the AmeriCorps program in 2021. I was fresh out of high school and didn’t know where I was headed. My sister told me about the opportunity through AmeriCorps, and I decided that getting some experience was the perfect route for me. During the last several months I learned so much about workforce development and what this community has to offer to those in need. This opportunity was very eye opening and educational!”
WHERE THEY GROW FROM HERE
AmeriCorps members have an immediate impact on their communities, and gain professional development and hands-on experience that lead to rewarding careers. Haydee will now go on to take classes at Wenatchee Valley College in the fall, where she’ll be able to utilize her education award earned during her terms with AmeriCorps. And she’ll be putting her newfound experience straight to work with the Wenatchee Valley College CAMP program, to help students from migrant and seasonal farmworking backgrounds during their first year of college.
“I encourage people to join AmeriCorps and keep this amazing program going. Especially if you are feeling lost or unsure of what your next steps are in life. You will meet great people and receive so much support and encouragement. I can’t begin to explain how thankful I am to have had this opportunity.”
Thank you to our partners at Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council, and thank you to Haydee and all of the other incredible AmeriCorps members who contribute their talents, time, and hearts to improving lives! Want to learn more? Watch this video to learn more about AmeriCorps, and visit CDCAC.org/americorps to see current opportunities.
