[nabs-l] FW: EXCEL! - AmeriCorps

Thu Oct 8 16:26:32 UTC 2009

What Joe has just provided is a nice overview of the benifits for
AmeriCorps service and a overview of the different programs.  As Joe
also pointed out in a prior thread;  there are many programs.  It's
best to look at what you want to get out of your term of service and
keep in mind that you are going to learn skills on the job.  I
wouldpersonally suggest that you keep an open mind when looking for
programs and a positive mind-set and your confidence about you when
you get out there and serve if you choose to.
 I've made good friends who are  actually texting me as I speak lol.
  One friend  met a blind person who  wanted to join the progrqm and
wanted to know more about  how they might get involved, what things to
think about what questions to ask, and so on. So, I've been lucky
enough to  serve as a resource.  I guess I am saying  that in many
ways; this opends  doors for you!

 Best,
  Darian

On 10/8/09, Joe Orozco <jsorozco at gmail.com> wrote:
>  Given the somewhat recent talk about AmeriCorps, I thought some might find
> this information useful:
>
> Subject: EXCEL! - AmeriCorps
>
>
> From: Olvia Claverie and
> the DC Council of the Blind dccbmail at aol.com
>
> We would like to take this opprtunity to share some  information about the
> Americorps Program and their commitment to inclusion. Americorps can be a
> huge
> benefit to Centers looking for qualified individuals with disabilities to
> lead systems change activities! For an outstanding example of this, see the
> Idaho SILC's Accessible Network Transportation Project.
> It can also be a benefit to young workers or people with disabilities
> returning to the workforce by providing valuable experience.
> Find out more about Americorps at:
>  <http://www.americorps.gov/> http://www.americorps.gov/
>
> AmeriCorps has helped my employment prospects immeasurably; I have more
> experience under my belt and have made a lot of contacts."
>
> -AmeriCorps Member
>
> AmeriCorps is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to volunteers
> with disabilities. Thanks to the Heart Act of 2008, individuals receiving
> SSI
> and SSDI payments can accept AmeriCorps stipends without jeopardizing their
> Social Security benefits. Please read on to learn how AmeriCorps =0
> Acan help your
> consumers and your Center.
>
> AmeriCorps is committed to the inclusion of qualified individuals without
> regard to race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual
> orientation,
> religion, political affiliation or other non-merit factors. We believe that
> all individuals who are qualified and want to serve their community should
> have the opportunity to do so.
>
> What is AmeriCorps?
>
> AmeriCorps is a national service program often referred to as the "Domestic
> Peace Corps." People who join AmeriCorps commit to do a year of service in
> exchange
> for a modest living stipend and a scholarship. AmeriCorps is a real-life
> education and work experience wrapped into one.
>
> What Do AmeriCorps Members Do?
>
> People who join AmeriCorps (called "members") provide direct service in the
> areas of education, human needs, public safety, environment or homeland
> security.
> Examples include tutoring children, helping new immigrants find jobs, and
> building houses. Some members coordinate community programs, recruit
> community
> volunteers, or work in an office setting. There are hundreds of different
> AmeriCorps positions available, including full-time and part-time.
>
> Who Can Join AmeriCorps?
>
> AmeriCorps members must be at least 17 years old (there is no upper age
> limit) and a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident alien.
> People of
> all backgrounds are welcome to apply; education requirements vary by
> program.
>
> B
> enefits of Serving in AmeriCorps
>
> Members receive a modest living allowance, health insurance, a child care
> subsidy, and a scholarship ($4,725 for full-time service) to pay for higher
> education
> or to repay qualified student loans. Members also receive training, career
> connections, marketable skills, and the chance to make a real difference in
> people's lives. AmeriCorps is an awesome adventure and a way to gain the
> experience of a lifetime!
>
> Time Commitment: Full-time members complete 1700 hours of service in about
> one year, usually starting in August, September, or October. Part-time
> positions
> are also available.
>
> Locations: AmeriCorps opportunities exist in communities across the nation,
> including small, medium, and large cities.
>
> Training Opportunities: AmeriCorps members receive significant training and
> personal/professional development opportunities. From 10% - 20% of an
> AmeriCorps
> members' hours are spent in training. Members are trained to perform the
> specific service tasks of their position, and may be trained in other areas
> such
> as leading groups, coordinating volunteers, time management, and preparing
> for a career after AmeriCorps.
>
> Reasonable Accommodations: The people who manage AmeriCorps programs receive
> training in how to provide reasonable accommodations to members with
> disabilities,
> and a fund exists to pay for reasonable accommodations if needed. SSI and
> SSDI Benefits - The HEART Act On June 17, 2008, Preside
> nt Bush signed into law
> H.R. 6081, the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 ("the
> HEART Act"), making AmeriCorps more accessible to people with disabilities.
>
>  "They didn't blink when I applied. In fact, they welcomed me with open
> arms. And looking back, this was one of the greatest experiences of my
> life."
>
> -AmeriCorps Member
>
> SSI: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides a
> monthly cash benefit to low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or who
> have a disability. In the past, receiving an AmeriCorps living allowance
> could disqualify an individual from eligibility. The new law directs the
> Social
> Security Administration to ignore an individual's receipt of AmeriCorps
> benefits for purposes of SSI eligibility. The AmeriCorps living allowance,
> health
> insurance, and child care subsidy are not counted as earned income for SSI.
>
> SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a Federal program that
> provides money to individuals with disabilities based on their payments into
> the insurance program. There are separate laws and regulations for SSI and
> SSDI eligibility and the HEART Act moved through Congress too quickly to
> include
> SSDI. The AmeriCorps living allowance is counted as earned income for SSDI.
> We hope that Congress will extend the AmeriCorps exclusion to SSDI in the
> near-future.
>
>
> AmeriCorps and Other Public Assi
> stance Programs
>
> Medical Assistance (MA): Even if they have other health coverage, people
> with disabilities may need MA to cover high prescription drug costs and
> special
> health expenses, such as personal care assistance. Persons on SSI can
> receive MA at no cost. Other people with disabilities may qualify for the
> Medical
> Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities (MA-EPD) program, which
> provides MA coverage for a monthly premium, based on income. As long as FICA
> taxes are withheld, the AmeriCorps living allowance is counted as earned
> income, thereby allowing AmeriCorps members with disabilities to meet the
> work
> requirement for MA-EPD.
>
> Food Stamps: The AmeriCorps living allowance does not affect eligibility for
> Food Stamps.
>
> Other Benefit Programs: Involvement in AmeriCorps may affect eligibility for
> other programs. Some subsidized housing programs do not count the living
> allowance,
> but others may count it.
>
> Waiving the Living Allowance: Although AmeriCorps rules allow members to
> waive their living allowance, people with disabilities should use caution in
> doing
> so. 2008 AmeriCorps provisions state: "Even if a member waives his or her
> right to receive the living allowance, it is possible - depending on the
> specific
> public assistance program rules - that the amount of the living allowance
> that the member is eligible to receive will be deemed available." Moreover,
> it
> may not be necessary to waiv
> e the living allowance if a person qualifies for certain work incentives
> that can be used to reduce the amount of income counted
> by public programs.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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