Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on June 1.
The Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program is one of four organizations in Wisconsin to receive federal Public Health AmeriCorps funding for capacity-building at health-oriented organizations, such as public health departments, health systems, health clinics, schools, early care centers and nonprofit organizations.
Through Be Well Fox Valley, a community-clinical initiative created to improve health and well-being, AmeriCorps members have been improving community health in Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties since 2018. The new grant from Public Health AmeriCorps (a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) will provide $259,200 in the first year, with the opportunity to receive up to $1.3 million dollars in support over five years to expand the Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program's presence and impact throughout the Northeast Wisconsin region.
“It’s a huge honor to receive this funding,” said Amanda Ross, the Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program Manager. “We have already seen the incredible impact of our current AmeriCorps members as they work to improve the physical, mental, and social health and well-being of our communities. We are very excited to have this opportunity to continue to support our community partners and expand throughout Calumet, Outagamie, Winnebago and neighboring counties.”
AmeriCorps projects benefit both members and partner organizations, such as ThedaCare.
“AmeriCorps members bring a unique perspective, skill set and life experiences to our region,” said Vaya Jones, Social Determinants of Health Coordinator at ThedaCare. “The partnership with AmeriCorps supports our teams and allows us to continue understanding each person’s needs and provide comprehensive care focused on health and well-being.”
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has also hosted members through the Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program and were able to offer a full-time position to a recent member.
“The Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program allowed us to bring a highly-skilled professional to our organization,” said Cassie Faulks, Director of Community and Government Relations at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “She brought many new ideas to our team and is a vital member of our organization. Examples of member activities supported through the Public Health AmeriCorps grant include:
Serving as a health coach for individuals participating in a Prevent Type II Diabetes program
Connecting individuals to community resources so they can meet their basic needs (like food, housing, transportation, financial assistance, etc.)
Creating and leading health programming for individuals with disabilities
Providing education and technical assistance for individuals signing up for FoodShare
Helping refugees learn and navigate the western medical systems
Supporting and maintaining hydroponic growing machines to increase access to local produce
The Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps program is recruiting both host site organizations and members at this time; opportunities to get involved are outlined below. To learn more about Be Well Fox Valley and their AmeriCorps program, visit BeWellFoxValley.org.
Recruiting AmeriCorps Organizations: The Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps Program is recruiting organizations to host Public Health AmeriCorps Members. If your organization has a health and well-being program that needs extra support, please visit bewellfoxvalley.org to learn more and review the application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with the first round due by June 30th, 2022. Interested organizations can review a recorded webinar session "Introduction to BWFV AmeriCorps" which can be found on our website.
Recruiting AmeriCorps Members: Individuals interested in serving as a Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps member can visit the bewellfoxvalley.org website to learn more about the current service opportunity openings and review the application. Individuals who are over the age of 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent are eligible to serve as AmeriCorps members (additional federal regulations apply). AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance, an education award to use on federally qualified student loans or future tuition expenses (those over the age of 55 are eligible to transfer the education award to a child, stepchild, grandchild, etc.), health and human services workforce development training, and an opportunity to give back to the greater Fox Valley community
Be Well Fox Valley creates community conditions necessary to improve health and well-being in Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties. Be Well recognizes that wellness happens everywhere and envisions a Fox Valley where all people have the opportunity to live, longer, healthier, and happier through the power of collective impact. Learn more about who we are and what we do at BeWellFoxValley.org.
Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the recruitment, training, and development of a new generation of public health leaders. Supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Health AmeriCorps will help meet the public health needs of local communities by providing surge capacity and support while also creating pathways to public health-related careers.
Original source can be found here.
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