Today the Department of Human Services (DHS) joined mayors, county judges, volunteers and the National Corporation for National and Community Service in celebrating the national service in Arkansas during the 5th annual Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service.
The celebration included government officials, representatives from AmeriCorps State & National offices, VISTA, RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program, Senior Companions, and City Year.
“It’s important for the citizens of Arkansas to see how many service members are in Arkansas, tutoring youth, building gardens, helping the homeless and so much more,” said Will Roark, Program Administrator for Arkansas Service Commission, which oversees the AmeriCorps programs in Arkansas. “These people are serving Arkansans because they want to improve people’s lives, and you could tell that on their faces today as we recognized them.”
The national service gathering at “Our House” was one of many held across the country.
Opal Sims, the Arkansas State Program Director for the Corporation for National & Community Service, praised how supportive city, county and state governments have been of the federally-funded programs the Corporation oversees.
“This celebration was outstanding. We had over 230 national service members in attendance from all the programs that make-up our portfolio,” she said. “We were honored to have two mayors with us: The mayor of Little Rock Mark Stodala and the mayor of Jacksonville Gary Fletcher. This has been an amazing year for national service. It’s getting bigger and better. The support and recognition for our volunteers just continues to grow.”
Stodala praised national service members for their desire to make a positive societal impact.
“I’m very proud to join over 3,500 mayors from around the country, county officials, and tribal leaders to highlight the impact the volunteers have in improving lives in our city and state,” he said. “I know I speak for all mayors and county officials when I say that your service is indispensable.
“Charge on. You’re making a real life, real-world change in the lives of people right here in Arkansas.”
Established in 1994, AmeriCorps engages more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at 21,600 sites – including nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the nation.
To remain abreast of events, and outreach opportunities – you can follow the national service programs on social media.
Facebook: National Service | AmeriCorps | Senior Corps
Twitter: @NationalService | @AmeriCorps | @SeniorCorps | @SIFund
Instagram: Instagram.com/nationalservice
Tumblr: NationalService.Tumblr.com
Snapchat: nationalservice
