On April 3, Chatham County Commissioners and City of Savannah council members will join more than 4,300 city and county leaders across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in our region. This is the sixth-annual National Service Recognition Day.

Members of the City of Savannah and Chatham County will read a proclamation honoring the service of local AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers. Following the program, attendees will participate in a service project to improve Wesley Community Center’s playground, garden and Women’s Center.

The nation’s counties and cities are increasingly turning to national service and volunteerism as a cost-effective strategy to address county challenges at a time of fiscal constraint. More than 250 AmeriCorps VISTA and Senior Corps members serve in Chatham County, providing vital support to local residents at Step Up Savannah, Senior Citizens, Inc., Economic Opportunity Authority more than 50 other nonprofit agency locations.

These national service programs bring immense value and pride to our community. From responding to natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma, to bringing healthy food directly to food deserts, and to advocating for underrepresented communities such as low-income families and refugees. AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers add value to each organization they serve, helping to build capacity in a variety of ways. Since 2012, AmeriCorps VISTAs have assisted to secure over $990,000 in cash resources and $225,000 in in-kind resources.  They have recruited over 700 volunteers for their agencies with over 13,000 hours of service.  In the past several years, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps volunteers have served thousands of individuals and families in Savannah and the surrounding counties.

The activities in Chatham County are part of a national bipartisan effort to recognize the positive impact of national service, thank those who serve, and to encourage citizens to give back.