AmeriCorps is a national service program whereby an individual can serve up to 1700 hours per year with a nonprofit agency in exchange for a living allowance, educational stipend, and the chance to make a positive difference in his/her community while learning teamwork, communication, responsibility and other essential skills. 

The Northwest Iowa Youth AmeriCorps program was begun because of the increased need for youth services in northwest Iowa in correlation to the decreased funding encountered by many area nonprofit agencies that provide such services.  Our mission is to “Expand the capacity of northwest Iowa nonprofit organizations to promote and provide a healthy and nurturing environment for infants, children, and young people.”

An AmeriCorps Member can benefit your agency in the following ways:

·        Provide hands-on, skilled assistance in providing direct services;

·        Work to ensure sustainability of your program by participating in strategic planning, fundraising efforts, and volunteer recruitment;

·        Represent your organization in the community to raise awareness of your programs and services;

·        Provide much needed support at minimal cost to your organization!

If you are interested in having an AmeriCorps Member serve in your organization, either full time or part time, please contact Natasha Bleimehl, Program Coordinator, at 712-262-2264; or use the links below to find information and application forms that can be downloaded, filled out and returned to Clay County Extension.

AmeriCorps Brochure– will answer many of the questions you may have regarding participation in the Northwest Iowa Youth AmeriCorps program

Cost Match - every organization that is matched with an AmeriCorps member is required to provide a cost match; this spreadsheet will show the breakdown of what sites must pay, and what the grant will pay, for the member living allowance.

Host Site Application  – answer all questions as comprehensively as possible.  Page 3 shows a prioritized list of needs; applications will be accepted based on how well this list of needs is met by the program design.

Contract  –This contract will most likely be signed during an orientation training held for all Community Partners in September, but you may read it over here and note any questions you may have.  The contract lays out some of the provisions required by the Community Partner and by the Northwest Iowa Youth AmeriCorps program coordinator.

Sample Position Description  - Each Community Partner will need to supply the Northwest Iowa Youth AmeriCorps program with a position description.  This will give you some idea of what we are looking for if you need to start from scratch.  Having a complete and detailed position description will assure that applicants with genuine interest and skill in that position will apply.