Shaheen, Hassan Announce $377K Grant for Granite State Service Corps

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) announced today that the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) awarded Goodwill Industries of Northern New England a $377,000 Targeted Priority Grant to support 45 members of Granite State Service Corps during their service with foster and at-risk youth in schools, after-school programs and family resource centers across New Hampshire.

“I’m thrilled to announce this federal grant which will foster community service and help 150 at-risk children in New Hampshire reach their full potential,” said Shaheen. “These funds are an investment in the next generation and will make a real difference in communities across New Hampshire. Encouraging community service is so important and often inspires a lifetime of contribution. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Goodwill Industries of Northern New England will make with these resources and applaud their ongoing work to improve the lives of those less fortunate.”

“I am pleased to announce this grant to support AmeriCorps members at Goodwill Industries of Northern New England who will provide critical support to some of our most vulnerable young people in New Hampshire,” said Hassan. “To help build leaders of tomorrow, we must ensure that at-risk youth have the support and resources they need to succeed, and this funding will enhance those efforts. I will continue working to support federal funding for the AmeriCorps program that plays a vital role in building a stronger, healthier New Hampshire and country.”

“With approximately 4 million dollars in federal AmeriCorps funds coming to the state of NH this year, more national service members are working at the forefront, addressing New Hampshire’s most pressing needs,” said Gretchen Berger, Executive Director of Volunteer NH. “AmeriCorps members are engaged across the state, helping to respond to the NH opioid crisis, stewarding our lakes and lands, providing programming to keep youth in school and assisting victims of sexual and domestic violence. The Granite State Service Corps program will serve youth who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences and youth in foster care.  This new program will have statewide impact, helping to support those who are most vulnerable, while strengthening the next generation moving forward”.   

AmeriCorps members serving with the Granite State Service Corps will serve as Youth Development Specialists, mentoring at-risk youth and delivering evidence-informed interventions to increase human capital, and ultimately self-sufficiency. After completing their service terms, these members are expected to receive $149,723 in education awards to pay for post-secondary education or pay down student loans. 

Members will support children exposed to child abuse and youth in foster care in schools, after-school programs and family resource centers in Manchester, Nashua, Rochester, Derry, Keene, Plymouth, Peterborough, and Concord. By the end of the first program year, the AmeriCorps members will mentor 150 at-risk youth and provide parenting education to their families, while leveraging 50 volunteers to engage in after-school activities, community engagement, and family support interventions.

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