We are extremely saddened by the termination of several other AmeriCorps programs in West Virginia and many more nationwide. These losses of funding have affected many partner organizations within our region. While our own AmeriCorps program has been unaffected and AFNHA remains fully operational, we mourn these losses and expect serious consequences for our communities.
We cannot overstate the drastic impact of these disruptions and the devastating interruption of services that this will cause to the many organizations, both small and large, that AmeriCorps programs support throughout our state. Residents and visitors alike will lose access to vital services, educational programs, community assets, and more. Each year, AmeriCorps programs in West Virginia alone leverage millions of dollars in federal and local money in our communities to benefit local organizations and provide millions more in educational awards to individuals.
We as an organization can support some related projects within our region that have been disrupted, but this represents a small fraction of the AmeriCorps Members who are currently unable to continue their service. We encourage you to reach out to these organizations that have been affected and offer your support.
Now more than ever, it is urgent that our elected officials and members of the public understand the value of AmeriCorps and the losses our communities will face if these programs are not funded (see below).
In the meantime, we are enthusiastically continuing our recruitment efforts and look forward to welcoming new Site Partners and AmeriCorps members who will benefit from the opportunities our programs provide. Learn more or apply here.
Take Action:
Contact your Members of Congress by email or phone using the outreach tools provided by Voices for National Service, or contribute your service year story to help showcase why we need AmeriCorps.
Donate to the national emergency assistance fund for AmeriCorps members, or local programs such as Preservation Alliance of WV or High Rocks Educational Corporation.
Related Links:
AFNHA AmeriCorps Stories: Learn more about our individual AmeriCorps members and how they are serving their sites and communities. In our 2023-24 member service year, we supported 34 AmeriCorps members at 20 organizations whose sites, programs, and activities were visited by 39,860 individuals. These members delivered educational programs to an audience of over 5,000 individuals, treated and improved 1,052 acres of public land, and managed 1,501 hours of volunteer service.
National Service Reports: In 2024, AmeriCorps programs produced federal funding and local project support totalling $31,089,477 in Maryland and $20,808,549 in West Virginia.
Try This West Virginia is hosting a collaborative brainstorm & support day on June 6th for those affected by AmeriCorps cuts in WV.
Follow America’s Service Commissions and Service Year for the latest news and updates on AmeriCorps.
Find Updates & FAQs for Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits from WV Nonprofit Association.
See interactive maps with data on policy, funding, and workforce changes and their localized effect from The Impact Project and CAP.
