Getting things done in New Mexico. More than 22,000 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to solve problems and strengthen communities through 104 national service projects across New Mexico. Serving through local nonprofits, schools, religious organizations and other groups, these citizens tutor and mentor children, coordinate after-school programs, build homes, organize neighborhood watch groups, clean parks, recruit volunteers, and accomplish other things to improve communities. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service will provide more than $6,700,000 to support New Mexico communities through three national service initiatives:

AmeriCorps: This year AmeriCorps, the domestic Peace Corps, will provide more than 490 individuals the opportunity to spend a year serving in New Mexico communities. In return, AmeriCorps members receive an education award of up to $4,725 to help pay for college or pay back student loans. To date, more than 1,200 New Mexico residents have qualified for education awards totaling more than $4,000,000. Two-thirds of AmeriCorps grants are made by the New Mexico Commission for National and Community Service. National nonprofits make other assignments. Other members serve in AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), and AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps).

Learn and Serve America: Learn and Serve America provides schools, colleges, and community organizations with grants for service-learning that help make it possible for more than 12,000 New Mexico students from kindergarten through college to meet community needs while improving their skills and learning the habits of good citizenship.

National Senior Service Corps: More than 9,100 seniors in New Mexico contribute their time and talents in one of three programs; Foster Grandparents, who serve one-on-one with more than 2,500 young people who have special needs; Senior Companions, who help more than 1,400 other seniors live independently in their homes; and Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers, who work with more than 900 local groups to meet a wide range of community needs.

This information reflects the 2000-2001 program year.

-- excerpt from Corporation for National and Community Service

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