Press release from the office of Gov. Pat McCrory, shared March 8:

RALEIGH — Today, Gov. Pat McCrory signed a proclamation declaring March 9-17, 2013, as National AmeriCorps Week in North Carolina. AmeriCorps members, alumni and their community partners will be recognized for the extraordinary impact they make across our state every day. Additionally, the governor’s office announced ten service activities across the state.
- The Partnership to End Homelessness (Guilford County) Participants will clean and assist in beautification of Douglas Park, which is located in an economically disadvantaged neighborhood. Contact Julie Silverman at (336) 272-2681.
- The Spirit of Excellence (Guilford County) Participants will collaborate for the “The Real World” event, teaching independent living skills to youth ages 16-21 through a simulation of the real world, which addresses education and employment decisions youth make in combination with lifestyle choices. Contact Likesha Morgan Tillman at (336) 310-5512.
- UNC Advising Corps (18 NC School Districts) Participants will visit middle schools in 18 counties to raise student awareness about college before they attend high school. Contact Donté McGuire at (919) 962-1429.
- UNC-G ACCESS (Guilford County) Participants will be engaged in classroom and beautification projects at facilities that serve immigrant/refugee children (Newcomer School) and Latino mothers and pre-school age children (Thriving at Three). Contact Cynthia Mejia at (336) 256-1375.
- Access JobLink AmeriCorps (Johnston County) Participants will volunteer at Reigns From Above, a therapeutic horseback riding facility for children with special needs. Contact Stacey Ryder at (919) 631-9294 or (919) 938-1556.
- AmeriCorps and Children Together (Durham County) Participants will prepare, serve and clean up after lunch at the Women and Children’s Shelter at the Durham Rescue Mission. They will also help organize a thrift store storage area. Contact Katie Snow at (336) 985-2676.
- Project HEART (Various Counties) Participants will participate in the Project HEART AmeriCorps Week Challenge, engaging in daily activities to promote and educate others through social media about AmeriCorps. Contact Betty Beacham at (252) 328-1849.
- NC ElderCare (Gaston County) Participants will engage in facility renovation, repairs, maintenance and beautification projects at Shining Hope Farms, a facility that provides therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults who have special needs. Contact Milinda Kirkpatrick at (704) 608-6449.
- Project Conserve (Mitchell County) Participants will help create an outdoor learning environment at a local school by removing trash and non-native invasive plants, establishing erosion control measures, clearing trails and creating an outdoor gathering area. Contact Astra Coyle at (828) 230-9050.
- Project POWER AmeriCorps (Buncombe County) Participants will host a celebration of service at the second annual Amerilympics field day. Other collaborative partners will participate. Contact Chrissy Sibley at (828) 259-9717.
The N.C. Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, a division within the Office of the Governor, currently provides federal funding to 11 AmeriCorps programs in North Carolina. For more information about AmeriCorps, visit www.volunteernc.org or phone (800) 820-4483.