AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential program for
men and women ages 18-24. NCCC members are assigned to one of
five campuses and organized into teams of 10-12 members.
Campuses are located in Perry Point, MD; Vinton, IA; Denver, CO;
Vicksburg, MS; and Sacramento, CA. NCCC teams serve
approximately 4-6 projects throughout their ten months of service.
NCCC serves every state, responding to pressing local needs that are
identified by organizations in the community. Projects are focused
on the following five categories – Natural and Other Disasters,
Infrastructure Improvement, Environmental Stewardship and
Conservation, Energy Conservation, and Urban and Rural
Development. 100 percent of members are certified in CPR, first
aid, and disaster response; approximately 9% are firefighter trained
by the National Park and U.S. Forest Services. NCCC teams also
support local disaster relief organizations to help communities
prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural or man-made
disasters. Since September 2005, NCCC members from all
campuses have served more than 9.6 million hours on 5,035
projects.
Volume 3, Issue 3
All About Us
June 2012 A M E R I C O R P S N C C C
Escape the Ordinary
Special points of interest:
Find out what Earth 5, from the Southwest Region, has been up to
The benefits of serving with AmeriCorps NCCC
A look at where our teams are currently serving
An Inside Look at the North Central Region campus.
Getting Things Done: Catching
up with Earth Five
2
Benefits of Service 4
NCCC Unit Names 4
Where Are We Now? 5
An Inside Look: North Central
Region
6
The Application Process 7
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Oak 7, an AmeriCorps NCCC North Central Region team, taking service to new heights in Custer State Park.
PAGE 2 ESC APE THE O R D IN AR Y
Getting Things Done: Catching up with Earth Five. By: Kevin Jones
how much we’ve all been able to get out
of this project already and how much
there is to learn about gardening
techniques.
AI: The most surprising moment has
been realizing how many people in the
Little Rock area are active in community
gardening. I think I see or hear of at least
one new garden every single week.
There is a lot of enthusiasm here for
locally grown, natural food.
AA: Learning all the things it takes to
begin an organic garden. I had no idea it
would take so much planning, organizing,
materials and manpower.
What was the most trying moment?
RL: I think each afternoon that we work
when it’s incredibly hot in the Arkansas
humidity is a really trying moment. It
really forces you to find ways to fight
through it and it helps that the work we
are doing is really meaningful and
enjoyable. Many of us have never worked
outside in this extreme of heat and
humidity, so it’s certainly something that
challenges us.
AI: The most trying moments have been
the times when we have worked thru the
incredible Arkansas heat. We have to
constantly remind ourselves to stay
hydrated and take adequate breaks, but
it is manageable.
AA: Having to push through the Arkansas
heat and humidity!
Looking back on your ten months of
service, what has been your favorite
project thus far? And why?
RL: I don’t know if I could choose just one
project; I would definitely say that it’s a tie
between the Delta Garden Study project
that we’re working at right now and
working with the Crown King Fire District
in Crown King, Arizona, where we worked
on a fuels reduction crew in a tiny mountain
town. I love this project because we’re in a
city so there’s so much to do and it’s been a
really inspiring project where I’ve learned
so many useful skills that I know I will use
in the future. Crown King was the most
unique experience I’ve ever had and it was
great to get the opportunity to live in a tiny
mountain town of 100 people, two hours
from a paved road. The service we were
doing for the fire department was
absolutely essential for the safety of the
town and townspeople. The fire
department invested so much into
educating the team on all things firefighter
related and it was another project where I
gained such a wealth of knowledge. I know
that I never would have had the
opportunities to learn those types of skills if
it wasn’t for being in NCCC.
AI: My favorite project over the past ten
months was during the shuffle 3rd round
when I had a split project in Texas. The first
part was in San Antonio, Texas, working
with a self-described “living land museum”
called the Land Heritage Institute. Our
team lived in a bunkhouse on site and was
tasked with building both hiking and
mountain biking trails all over the 1200
acre property. We also assisted in catching
feral hogs that are an invasive species. The
second part was in Austin, Texas, working
with a non-profit that specializes in green
building a sustainable design called the
What were your team’s thoughts as
you arrived at your spike location for
your 4th round project?
Rebeccah Lanni: Our team was really
looking forward to the project because it
involves working outside in gardens. We
were also really excited to be living in a
city during the summer and were eager
to explore Little Rock. Our housing is
wonderful and spacious, too, as we are
sharing three apartments between the
ten of us. So overall, our team was really
excited to arrive in Little Rock this round
and it’s been amazing!
Arun Inbavazhvu: We were excited to
find out what our sponsors would be like
and our housing, and we were not
disappointed. Emily English was very
welcoming and understanding and the
housing is amazing, some of the best in
AmeriCorps NCCC.
Ariana Arancibia: I was super excited
for the project, although I was not too
sure what to expect. The hospital is
welcoming and the accommodations are
amazing, three apartments!
What has been the most surprising
moment of your project thus far?
RL: One thing that I was really surprised
about was how much my team and I have
learned about gardening and how we’ve
all seemed to really find a passion in
what we’re doing now. Most of us had no
previous experience with gardening, but
all of us have found that we really enjoy
learning the skills involved in
maintaining a garden and are looking
forward to starting our own garden
someday. I guess I was surprised about Continued on Page 3
This round, Earth 5 is working in Little Rock, Arkansas with the Arkansas
Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Specifically, they are working with
the Delta Garden Study, which is a study that is focused on preventing
childhood obesity, decreasing social risk behaviors in youth, and
providing fresh organic produce to students through building and
maintaining middle school gardens throughout the state of Arkansas. The
team has spent this round getting an intensive training on gardening
techniques and has helped many community gardens in the Little Rock
area with weeding, planting, mulching, harvesting, and building. Also,
the team just began building a new garden site at Cloverdale Magnet
Middle School, which will have thirty-two sixty foot beds, a greenhouse, a
chicken coop, vermiculture bins, a three-bin compost, and a goat pen. I
spoke with Team Leader Rebeccah Lanni and Corps Members Arun
Inbavazhvu and Ariana Arancibia about their experience and lots more.
VO L UME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3
AI: I think our team has really learned
how to focus to get tasks done on the
work site in the most efficient way, no
matter the project. We have had our ups
and downs together but we have always
delivered consistent job performance.
Why did you choose to join
AmeriCorps NCCC?
RL: I joined AmeriCorps NCCC because
I wanted to challenge myself. I knew it
wasn’t going to be an easy eleven
months, but I wanted to push myself
completely. I really wanted to continue
serving others – my team as well as the
communities that we’re working in – and
I wanted to travel and learn great skills
while doing it. It was the perfect
opportunity to grow, learn, serve, and
travel.
AI: Four years ago, during the 2008
campaign season, I worked for a
nonprofit called ServeNext, which is a
nonpartisan political advocacy group
that specializes in generating grassroots
support for all types of AmeriCorps
programs, plus for the Peace Corps and
Teach for America. This was my first
exposure to all of the different kinds of
AmeriCorps programs that exist and I
remember AmeriCorps NCCC sticking
out to me because of the chance to travel
all over the country. After I graduated
college, I was looking for a unique
opportunity and AmeriCorps NCCC fit
perfectly.
AA: After graduating from college in
2010, I looked for a job for an entire year
and had no luck. I found out about
AmeriCorps NCCC through internet
research and decided to apply, what did
I have to lose? I didn’t hear about my
acceptance until a week before I had to
be in Denver, so I hopped on the
opportunity and haven’t looked back
since. I guess to answer the question; I
didn’t really have a reason for joining.
But I have learned so much about myself
since and have discovered a strong love
for non-profit work and serving my
country. I have found my career path
through this program and probably
wouldn’t have if I hadn’t joined.
Would you promote this opportunity to
other young people? Why?
RL: I would absolutely encourage others
to join NCCC. No matter where you are
in your life, you can and will learn so
much from this program, about yourself,
about others, about service, and about
life. It offers you the opportunity to see
different parts of the country as well as learn
a variety of skills that you can use in the
future. I also met people in this program that
have been such an inspiration to me and I
will carry those inspirations with me for the
rest of my life.
AI: I would absolutely promote NCCC to
other young people, and I do. I think it’s a
program that does not get enough
recognition or exposure considering the
amount of time its been around and amount
of work it has completed.
AA: Of course! It’s a great opportunity to
learn a lot about yourself and about
communities that you may never have a
chance to explore. It will allow you to open
your eyes to new experiences and great
lasting relationships with people from all
over the country.
And finally, what is one piece of advice
you would give to prospective Corps
Members?
RL: Go into it without expectations. Just
keep an open-mind and go with the flow
and you’ll seldom be disappointed!
AI: Come in with an open mind, do not take
things personally, look on the bright side of
everything, and keep a positive attitude!
AA: Even though on your toughest day, it
may seem that you are going to want to
leave and not come back… DON’T! You will
regret your decision. Press on and fight
through the emotions, tomorrow will be
another day, a fresh start.
Center for Maximum Potential Building
Systems. We lived on site again and our
team was tasked with building a
portable housing module that could be
sent to Haiti to be used as emergency
housing in the aftermath of the
earthquake they had 2 years ago. These
projects were my favorite because I had
never been to Texas before and the
diversity of tasks were really
challenging. I learned so much that
round and both San Antonio and Austin
were a lot of fun.
AA: The one I am currently on. The
project has everything to do with my
passion to be outdoors and serve a
community/s in need. It is also the
project that I have learned the most in
and I am engaging myself and new skills
everyday. Our sponsor and site
supervisor are amazing and make every
day count.
In what ways has your team grown
over the past ten months?
RL: I think that our team has become
much more aware and mindful over the
past ten months. We’ve become so
much more conscientious of the people
and communities around us and it began
during our first project in Joplin,
Missouri working with disaster relief
and has held true since. We have
become much more cognizant of the
struggles and strengths in people and
communities and the effect that
community service has on a community
as well as an organization. It is evident
that NCCC teams truly do make a
difference and it’s more than just the
work hours that we put in – it’s
becoming a part of the community in
which we are serving and I think that
our team has grown to see things
differently and much more empathically
and from a new perspective through
what this program has taught us.
Earth Five will finish out their project
in Arkansas before returning to Denver
next month for their final transition
before GRADUATION! The Southwest
Region’s Class XVIII graduation
ceremony will be held on Friday, July
27, 2012.
PAGE 4 ESC APE THE O R D IN AR Y
AmeriCorps NCCC: Benefits of Service
Uniform—includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, BDU pants,
shorts, steel-toed boots, fleece vest, coveralls and more
Housing—campus residences are co-ed floors with same
gender roommates; spike housing is provided by the
project sponsor
Health Care—limited coverage includes payment for
most medical and surgical costs, hospitalization,
prescription drugs, and certain emergency dental, vision,
and maternity care. However, these benefits may be
affected by restrictions on payment for pre-existing
conditions as well as other exclusions.
Child Care—up to $400 per month may be available for
a custodial parent of a minor child
Personal Days—Corps Members are entitled to 3 paid
personal days off from service, as well as 2 paid Life
After AmeriCorps days (subject to approval).
Transportation—NCCC will cover the cost of a Corps
Member’s travel to a campus at the start of a
service year and back home at the end of a service year.
Living Allowance—approximately $4,000 per year (or
$200 every two weeks) before taxes
Training/Skills—CPR/First Aid and Disaster Relief
certification training from the Red Cross, leadership
skills, conflict management, team-building and lots
more
Education Award—Once a Corps Member has
completed 1700 hours of service and successfully
completed the program, they are eligible for the
Education Award. Currently, the award is $5,550.
Loan Forbearance—If Corps Members have Federal
Education loans (Perkins, Stafford, or Direct Loans) they
may be placed in forbearance. Once a Member earns an
Ed. Award, NCCC will pay the interest accrued on
these loans while the Member was in service.
College Credit—We currently offer, through the
American Council of Education, undergraduate credit for
the following three-credit-hour courses: Introduction to
Service Learning and Diversity in Service (available to
both Team Leaders and Corps Members); and
Supervisory Skills (available only to Team Leaders).
Certification from American Humanics in Non -
Profit Employment and Management—NCCC
alumni may enroll in this online program offered by the
University of Montana and LSU-Shreveport.
For more detailed information about benefits, please click here.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at (800) 942-2677 or [email protected]
NCCC Unit Names
Listed below are the unit names for each
campus! Which one will you be in?
Atlantic Region
Buffalo
Moose
Raven
North Central Region
Cedar
Maple
Oak
Southwest Region
Earth
Fire
Sun
Water
Pacific Region
Blue
Gold
Green
Silver
Southern Region
Delta
River
Note: With FEMA Corps starting soon, all campuses will have additional unit names. Stay Tuned!
VO L UME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 5
Where Are We Now?
Atlantic Region
Perry Point, MD
North Central Region
Vinton, IA
Pacific Region
Sacramento, CA
Southern Region
Vicksburg, MS
Southwest Region
Denver, CO
Minneapolis, MN—Cedar 4, from the North Central region is currently working with One Heartland. They are assisting with
summer camp programming for youth with HIV/AIDS. They are also working on facility upgrade projects.
Helena, MT—The Pacific Region’s Gold 1 is currently working with the City of Helena Parks & Recreation Department. The team
is performing fuel reduction and mitigation on pine beetle infested open spaces, including thinning, bucking, limbing, and chipping
removed fuels; trail construction and rehabilitation; fence construction.
Baton Rouge, LA—Delta 8, representing the Southern Region, is working with Habitat for Humanity - Greater Baton Rouge.
They are leading volunteers in new home construction in the Hurricane Katrina affected community.
Poteau, OK—Fire 5, from the Southwest Region is currently working with the Boys and Girls Club of Leflore County. The team
will provide supervision of the club members and implementation of activities offered by the summer program. The team will also
conduct maintenance and repair service activities at the Heavener Runestone State Park.
Fawnskin, CA—Green 7, from the Pacific Region is working with the YMCA - Metropolitan Los Angeles. The team is assisting
with fuel reduction and camp improvement projects.
Fairfield, AL—The Southern Region’s River 11 is currently working with Habitat for Humanity - Birmingham. The team is leading
volunteers in constructing all aspects of houses including roofing, drywall, installation and flooring.
**Note** No projects are listed for the Atlantic Region as teams have completed their 2nd round projects and are on transition
before their summer break.
Want to Serve for a Day? Serve with a current team of NCCC members at a project in your area!
Contact [email protected] for more information.
**Please note, we may be unable to accommodate all “Serve for a Day” requests due to sponsor restrictions.**
Click these links to visit each
campuses’ Facebook page.
Note: You will have to be logged in
to access each page.
PAGE 6 ESC APE THE O R D IN AR Y
An Inside Look: North Central Region
Continuing with our “Inside Look” series, this issue of Escape
the Ordinary will highlight the North Central Region, located
in Vinton, Iowa.
About the Vinton Campus
The North Central Region campus is located in Vinton,
Iowa, about 30 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids. The
NCCC campus is housed on the Iowa Braille and Sight
Saving School (IBSSS) facility and AmeriCorps NCCC shares
space with IBSSS.
Though you most likely only spend about 10-25% of your
time as a Corps Member on campus (the balance of your
time is spent on projects at other locations throughout our
10-state region), you will certainly never mind "coming
home" to Vinton. It is a charming small town with specialty
shops, theater, activity centers and outdoor recreation
opportunities.
The North Central Region campus consists of four buildings:
the Supply Building and three residence halls: Rice Hall,
Palmer Hall and the Cottage. The administrative offices are
open from 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and
housed in the basement and first floor of Palmer Hall. To
meet with staff outside of these hours you need to make an
appointment with them.
Computer Lab—Palmer Hall
Inside a dormitory room
A kitchen located in one of the halls
Front view of Palmer Hall
Lounge Area
Laundry Room
Palmer Hall, Rice Hall and the Cottage each have three floors. The basement in Palmer is reserved for
the Administrative offices of staff. In Rice Hall the basement consists of training rooms, kitchens,
laundry room and dining areas. The first and second floors in the residence halls consist of
– a total of 10 computers in the lab with Internet access
– washers/dryers (free)
Two to ten Corps Members are assigned to a room. The number of Corps Members is based on
room size. Room amenities include single beds, wardrobes, chairs, a desk and trash can. Roommates
are same-sex.
Lounge amenities include couches, TV, DVD player, tables, books, games and trash/recycling
containers.
Kitchen amenities include ovens/convection ovens, sinks, microwaves and refrigerators. Each team is
assigned a kitchen where they store food and prepare meals. Each team is also assigned their own
refrigerator to store food.
VO L UME 3, ISSUE 3 PAGE 7
AMERICORPS NCCC
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20525
Phone: 800-942-2677
Fax: 202-606-3459
Email: [email protected]
http://www.americorps.gov/nccc
http://my.americorps.gov
Follow NCCC Online:
What does my NCCC status mean?
After talking with your family and friends, you’ve decided that you want
to become an AmeriCorps NCCC member. What do those pesky
application statuses mean? Well, we’re going to break it down for you
right here.
How does placement work in NCCC?
NCCC employs a “rolling admissions”
process, similar to many colleges. We have
a few rounds of placements during the
application period and additional rounds of
placements once our application period
closes. We continue to fill slots as they
become available, including up to the day
before a campus opens.
All selections and placements are
RANDOM. We have far more qualified
applicants than positions available, and
unfortunately cannot guarantee a position to
all qualified applicants.
Notes From the Author
Congratulations to those of you who have
been selected to serve in Class 19 of
AmeriCorps NCCC this fall and our
inaugural FEMA Corps class this summer!
You’re going to have one amazing journey
and I wish you all the best during your year
of service. Additional invitations for
Class 19 are coming soon!
Special thanks to Heather Dirck and the
amazing Earth 5 for taking time out of their
busy schedule to let me spotlight them for
this edition of “Escape the Ordinary”.
If you have any suggestions on other topics
that you would like to see covered in this
newsletter, let us know by emailing us at
NCCC.
Yours in Service,
Kevin