They come from throughout Southern California and even other parts of the country. Bringing a desire to help improve communities and change lives, these young adults have made a commitment to giving the next year of their lives in service.

AmeriCorps is a federally sponsored program often described as the domestic version of the Peace Corps. With sites throughout the nation, AmeriCorps places members who volunteer to address critical community needs, such as increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, and preparing for disasters.

Here in the Foothills, Inland Empire United Way has built a team of nine AmeriCorps members who are placed within a variety of nonprofit organizations.

“They come in excited and ready to make an immediate impact for those most in need,” said Dr. Felita Jones, IEUW’s President & CEO. “From Kids Pack to ieReads to Launch Point, the AmeriCorps members are consistently breathing new life into our programs, our organization, and the community at large.”

I’ve had the pleasure to work with many outstanding AmeriCorps members over the years. Emily Ku is currently serving with me at the Hope Through Housing Foundation, helping to build a robust volunteer program to strengthen our work with low-income families and seniors.

Emily has a degree in Business Administration and spent several years working in marketing in Alaska and Washington DC before deciding to return home and apply to become an AmeriCorps fellow. She saw the opportunity as a chance to broaden her experience in community service and prepare for the pursuit of a master’s degree in social work.

“I have a new perspective on nonprofits. I now see the importance of partnerships to helping nonprofits meet their mission and create change,” reflected Emily. “I see the need to really get to know and hear from those in need, and you don’t always see that when sitting behind a desk.”

Other local AmeriCorps members are serving at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Shoes That Fit, and Promise Scholars. Each will have a unique experience aimed at equipping them for continued service to the community

As for Emily, she is looking forward to the years to come. “The different skills I’ve learned here will help prepare me for the next step in this journey. I may even want to build my own nonprofit in the future.”