Lela Fishe had previous experience working in government agencies and nonprofits and when she lost her job due to downsizing, she wasn’t quite sure what was next.
A friend suggested she apply to an AmeriCorps position.
Initially denied from an AmeriCorps program in Tacoma — where she was living at the time — when she was offered a position in Bremerton, she was hesitant at first.
“I thought, ‘Just go for it,’” Fishe, 47 said. “I was terrified.”
AmeriCorps is a nationwide program, administered by the Corporation for National Community Service, for people to work as volunteers — they are paid a monthly stipend — at various nonprofits ranging in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment.
Kitsap Community Resources has operated an AmeriCorps program in Kitsap since 1994 and will have 40 new members begin their 11-month program of service in October.
Nationally, the number of applications for AmeriCorps has increased.
For Kitsap Community Resources, the only organization in the county that operates an AmeriCorps program, application numbers have been commensurate to recent years.
‘Desire to be involved’
Fishe started as an AmeriCorps member in October 2009 at Kitsap Community Resources and she enjoyed it so much that she extended her program to a second year.
As a computer lab facilitator, she planned curriculum for a variety of classes including resume writing.
Other venues that local AmeriCorps members work at include the Central Kitsap and Bremerton school districts, the YWCA of Kitsap County, the West Sound Red Cross, Children of the Nations, among other nonprofit organizations, said Jennifer Allik, Kitsap Community Resources’ AmeriCorps director.
“The commonality is the desire to be involved in the community,” said Eugenie Jones, spokeswoman for Kitsap Community Resources.
The AmeriCorps program is open to all U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents age 17 and older, but it is a competitive process.
Applications from individuals nationwide increased from 360,000 in the 2008 to 2009 program year to more than 536,000 last year, said Sandy Scott, an AmeriCorps spokeswoman. Each year there are about 75,000 opportunities available.
The jump in applications is due to the down economy and subsequent difficult job market as well as an increase in those interested in service, said Scott.
Members serve full or part time for a 10 to 12-month period depending on their host agency.
This year, Kitsap Community Resources received about 250 applications for the 40 local AmeriCorps positions. Typically, about 200 to 250 applications are received each year, said Allick, adding that a majority of the applicants are Kitsap residents.
The members will each serve 1,700 hours of volunteer work during the 11-month program.
Upon completion, they will each receive a $5,550 education award, she added. The monetary award can go toward college or graduate school tuition, or to pay back qualified student loans.
Kitsap Community Resources’ program has had members from age 17 to about 60.
“If you like to try something on, this is a great way to volunteer and get your feet wet,” said Fishe.
‘Something important’
For the 2010 to 2011 program year, Washington state had 3,068 AmeriCorps members at 109 different sites, Scott said.
Although Fishe was nervous to move to Kitsap from Tacoma, she quickly adapted and felt like a part of the community.
And even though the AmeriCorps job is not salaried, Fishe knew how to live on a tight budget. The monthly living allowance for the 2011 to 2012 program year is $1,100. Medical coverage is available for the member and does not include dental coverage.
Kitsap Community Resources and other organizations have resources available for members to learn about different programs such as affordable housing, Fishe said.
“They have that feeling like ‘I’m doing something,’” said Allik. “It’s that over money.”
