Corporation for National and Community Service CEO Wendy Spencer, wearing blanket, with members of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma. A grant to the tribe will support 76 AmeriCorps members. Photo from AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the nation's community service program, has awarded more than $2 million in grants to tribal communities in New Mexico and Arizona. The Shiprock Chapter on the Navajo Nation received $88,922 to help veterans and improve land and waterways on the New Mexico portion of the reservation. The Nenahnezad Chapter received $62,463 to promote physical activity and organize activities for youth and tribal members. Kewa Pueblo, also in New Mexico, received $29,002. The tribe will use the money to develop an AmeriCorps program on the reservation that will focus on disaster recovery. "I'm excited to welcome new AmeriCorps members to Shiprock, Nenahnezad and soon to Santo Domingo Pueblo. Their work will make a lasting difference to our veterans, youth and tribal communities," Sen. Tom Udall (D-New Mexico) said in a press release. Over in Oklahoma, the Osage Nation received the first Operation AmeriCorps grant in Indian Country. The $1.1 million federal investment will support the creation of the Wah Zha Zhi Eco Park and the Bird Creek Farms, a community garden. “I salute the Osage Nation for its visionary program that will have a significant impact on the community and its residents,” Wendy Spencer, the CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to partner with the Osage Nation in the very first tribal Operation AmeriCorps project. Through Operation AmeriCorps, Osage Nation will lay the groundwork to ensure residents lead healthier, happier lives.” Also in Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation is receiving the first grant under the new Senior Corps Foster Grandparent Program. Up to $1 million over the next three years will be used to connect elders and youth for mentoring and educational opportunities. "Without a doubt, one of the greatest investments we can make is in our young people, and ensuring they receive a quality education is a foundational part of that investment,” Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) said in a press release. “Through the Foster Grandparent Program, I am very pleased that my own tribe is leading an effort to further involve older generations in preparing children to succeed and achieve in school." In 2014, AmeriCorps awarded $3 million in grants in Indian Country, the largest amount ever in the past decade. The funds supported 255 AmeriCorps members, the largest number.
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