AmeriCorps Seeking Recruits For 2008-09 Program Year

BRIDGEPORT — The Safe Neighborhoods AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP) is seeking members for the upcoming 2008-09 program year.

Participants in SNAP program will gain valuable on-the-job training and experience a broad range of community service opportunities. Members volunteer their time providing services at local community sites and on the Safe Homes Team. Service may involve conducting safety inspections in homes, installing long-life smoke alarms, helping children or young adults, teaching emergency preparedness, or providing community education, to name a few.

SNAP members earn stipends (full-time $11,200; part-time $5,300; reduced half-time $3,800; quarter-time $2,500; and minimum-time $1,700) and educational awards (full-time $4,725; part time $2,362.50; reduced half-time $1,800; quarter-time $1,250; and minimum-time $1,000). The educational award can be used for tuition payments at any college or university nationwide, or to repay an existing student loan. With full-time service, health care and childcare benefits are available. Recognized as a national model, SNAP is a public safety initiative of RYASAP (Regional Youth Adult Substance Abuse, an urban/suburban youth and community development coalition serving the greater Bridgeport region).

For more information, contact Janice Andersen, SNAP program director, or Thyda Korng, SNAP program manager, at 203-579-2727.