OWC Celebrates AmeriCorps Week
As the national AmeriCorps program prepares to welcome its 500,000th member, Okaloosa-Walton College will honor its local AmeriCorps members during the first ever AmeriCorps Week, May 13 to 20.
Since AmeriCorps was established by Congress in 1994, 400 members have served the local region through AmeriCorps programs hosted by Okaloosa-Walton College. The local AmeriCorps members have primarily served in partnership with Okaloosa and Walton County schools to provide reading assistance to students.
“AmeriCorps members have made significant contributions to the region and OWC,” said Dr. James R. Richburg, President of Okaloosa-Walton College. “Those contributions include not only the service they themselves accomplish, but also recruiting volunteers to assist us in our efforts. AmeriCorps Week provides an opportunity to thank the members who have served in our organization, and recognize the work that they are accomplishing.”
AmeriCorps OWC is planning several events during AmeriCorps Week, allowing community residents to learn about, and participate in, AmeriCorps programs, including:
May 16, 6 pm - AmeriCorps Homecoming and Partner Recognition welcomes all AmeriCorps alumni and program partners for an evening of recognition and fellowship at College Mall on the OWC Niceville Campus. Dinner tickets are available by calling (850) 729-6037.
May 18, 9 a.m. - Community volunteers are invited to join with AmeriCorps members in a service project at Wright Elementary School to paint playground equipment and provide landscaping. Volunteers are encouraged to bring paint brushes, ladders, and garden tools to help with the project.
May 19 - Join in one of four service projects. Volunteers are needed to help with the Children’s Activities at Florida Park, at “Joust Reads” with the Fort Walton Beach Library, or with the two Habitat for Humanity Projects. Information about the projects is available by calling the AmeriCorps Office (850) 729-6037 or look for volunteer opportunities at www.owc.edu/americorps.
Former AmeriCorps alumni are encouraged to share their “Story of Service” through the AmeriCorps OWC Alumni Chapter email at americorpsowcalums@yahoo.com.