AmeriCorps members are a vital part of the CNNC’s Thriving at Three program. Thriving at Three’s purpose is to assure that Latino immigrant children in Greensboro have a positive and strong foundation from birth to age three. Thriving at Three program director, Krycya Flores says, “Without AmeriCorps members TAT would not be able to reach as many families, do as many home visits, or be as productive during the summer.”
Thriving at Three partners with the AmeriCorps Program the Partnership to End Homelessness, a program of the Servant Center here in Greensboro, NC. AmeriCorps members commit to a year of service from September-end of August, earn a living stipend of $500 per month while completing the service, and upon completion of the program earn $2,960 as an education award.
With Thriving at Three, AmeriCorps members build relationships with families, conduct home visits, assist with transportation, help with kindergarten readiness, and provide case management. Through these tasks AmeriCorps members greatly impact the families they work with. Krycya recalls parents telling her that on the days the AmeriCorps members are scheduled to come to their house, their kids wait excitedly at the window all day in anticipation of the visit.
AmeriCorps members are also impacted by their work at Thriving at Three. Samantha, a current AmeriCorps member, says that “AmeriCorps has been a very unique experience for me. I have learned so much about ways I can help the community and programs that will help empower people in the community.”
The impact of AmeriCorps remains with members for life and Krycya says that past AmeriCorps members are still connected with the program, care deeply about it, and even make donations when they see toys they think the kids would enjoy.
Applications to become an AmeriCorps member are now open.
Krycya as well as Samantha encourage anyone to apply. If you are considering applying their advice is to understand the year-long commitment, be very open, and willing to help the community because you will learn and grow so much!
Written by Nicole Plante, Elon University, International and Global Studies, Intern, spring 2019
Find out more information about Thriving at Three.
Find out more information about the AmeriCorps Program: Partnership to End Homelessness and apply.