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AmeriCorps CEO Visits NYCHA-Based AmeriCorps Programs

LaToya ,

As part of his visit to New York City on December 9, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith met with residents from Green City Force and NYCHA Health Corps, two NYCHA-partner AmeriCorps programs that work to foster leadership through public service. 

AmeriCorps is a federal agency dedicated to improving lives, strengthening communities, and fostering civic engagement through service and volunteering. NYCHA residents are among the 1.4 million Americans who have participated in AmeriCorps, which celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. 

During his visit, CEO Smith visited the Howard Houses Eco-Hub, a Farms at NYCHA urban agriculture site in Brooklyn, and met with NYCHA resident Corps Members and program alumni who are now Green City Force (GCF) staff. GCF prepares NYCHA residents ages 18 to 24 for careers in green service through full-time service projects and sustainability education. GCF’s program was recognized nationally as the Project of the Year in 2017 by The Corps Network, an association of more than 140 service and conservation corps programs across the nation. 

“This is what AmeriCorps looks like,” CEO Smith said while visiting with Green City Force team members, adding that the best AmeriCorps programs are those where “Corps Members are serving the communities they are from.” 

AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith toured the Howard Houses Eco-Hub and met with Green City Force Corps Members and staff.

Also onsite to welcome CEO Smith were Howard Houses Resident Association President Naomi Johnson; NYCHA’s Director of Resident Health Initiatives Andrea Mata; and Maron Alemu, District Leader for Congressmember Hakeem Jeffries.   

Later in the day, CEO Smith went to City Hall to meet with AmeriCorps members who serve in programs operated by NYC Service, a division of the Office of the Mayor focused on volunteerism and service. NYCHA resident Anitia Maddox was part of the roundtable discussion with CEO Smith. She is a member of the first cohort of NYCHA Health Corps, a new program that provides members with public health training and preventive health work experience while they serve at non-profit organizations and public agencies. Ms. Maddox recently began an eight-month public service term in NYCHA’s Resident Health Initiatives Department.  

NYCHA residents ages 18 to 24 who would like to learn more about Green City Force’s AmeriCorps training program should register online for an upcoming virtual info session or call the REES hotline at (718) 289-8100 to RSVP. Residents interested in NYCHA Health Corps are also encouraged to complete the 2023 NYCHA Health Corps Interest form.  

Featured image photo: AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith (front, center) on the steps of City Hall with AmeriCorps members who serve in NYC Service programs.