Washington, DC – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) extended her congratulations today to AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service as it prepares to celebrate its 20^th anniversary on September 21, 2013.

“In communities across America, committed AmeriCorps members are making an impact and a powerful difference on some of the most critical issues facing our nation: poverty, hunger, education and much more.  Since its inception, more than 820,000 men and women have taken the AmeriCorps pledge, serving more than one billion hours and improving the lives of their neighbors and our communities,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

“In the 11^th Congressional District of Ohio, AmeriCorps members are serving with long standing community organizations including the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, City Year, the Cleveland Foodbank, The Literacy Cooperative and others.  Sequestration has severely impacted the program’s budget in 2013 and curtailed hiring of AmeriCorps associates.  This is a loss for both the community and the AmeriCorps members who leave the program with valuable skills, tested leadership abilities, experience to help jumpstart their careers and a deeper understanding of community problems and how they might work to address them.”

“I support efforts to ensure continuation of this much needed program and urge everyone to join me in celebrating the 20^th anniversary of AmeriCorps. 

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