Maine, NH nonprofits can get extra help; Goodwill expands AmeriCorps programs in 2023

Volunteerism levels are still below pre-pandemic levels and local nonprofits need help. This month Goodwill Northern New England opened applications for up to 100 new AmeriCorps “host sites” in Maine and New Hampshire. Nonprofits and municipalities can apply to get volunteer help from AmeriCorps members. These members can apply for grants, mentor young people, organize events, and otherwise add capacity to a nonprofit.

“Almost any local nonprofit could benefit from an AmeriCorps member serving at their organization for 11-12 months,” said Steve Niles, Goodwill’s AmeriCorps Programs Manager. “As Maine and New Hampshire’s population ages and as we rebound from the pandemic, volunteerism rates are lower than we’re all used to. Many nonprofits need this extra human capacity now more than ever.”  

Goodwill Northern New England has over 100 AmeriCorps member slots to offer partner agencies across Maine and New Hampshire. The nonprofit’s work must focus on one of three priorities: youth development, public health, or an effort to reduce poverty. 

Local AmeriCorps members make a huge impact. At the Intercultural Community Center in Westbrook, Maine member Lian Joseph recently raised over $156,000 in grant funding and in-kind donations. This funding has allowed the center to provide more programming to New American youth. That helped the young and gave their parents additional language, computer and parenting classes to improve their own job readiness skills. 

At Maine Seacoast Mission AmeriCorps member Meghan Daly mentors at-risk children in rural Maine. As a mentor, Daly provides targeted interventions to increase social and emotional skills, improve academic engagement, promote health and wellness, raise student aspirations, and nurture family relationships.

These are only two examples. In 2023, some local AmeriCorps members will support efforts to reduce youth substance use, strengthen efforts to offer housing, support programs to help people in recovery from substance misuse, and more.

The deadline for priority consideration for a nonprofit or municipality to receive an AmeriCorps member is Jan. 20.  Nonprofits can express interest here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GoodwillNNEAmeriCorps .  

To learn more about the AmeriCorps programs at Goodwill NNE visit GoodwillNNE.org /Americorps

Goodwill Northern New England is a nonprofit social enterprise in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Our revenues fund our mission to invest in people who need support to achieve their work and life goals. Goodwill NNE’s programs include workforce training programs, 22 group homes that support adults with disabilities, active community supports for adults with disabilities, AmeriCorps programs, business-cleaning services, and Goodwill NNE operates two brain injury clinics to help people get back to their lives after a brain injury. Of course, our stores also embody our mission to support the Earth through re-use, while offering good jobs and free supports to all sorts of people. For more information visit GoodwillNNE.org.