By Christine Bryant
Staff Writer
A local program is looking for a few good men – and women.
The YMCA of Central Ohio currently is accepting applications for its Community Corps program, an AmeriCorps-based initiative that serves the Hilltop and Linden areas of Columbus.
Similar to other AmeriCorps programs, participants receive an education award and living allowance for their work.
In exchange for a commitment of serving 900 hours of service from now until July 31, 2019, program participants receive a Segal Education Award in the amount of $2,960 and a living allowance of up to $7,278, said Dean Hindenlang, AmeriCorps program director for YMCA of Central Ohio.
“Corps members also receive ongoing professional development opportunities, while engaging communities of need and making invaluable connections that can bolster employment opportunities after successful program completion,” Hindenlang said.
The Linden and Hilltop areas were chosen as the target areas based on the communities’ needs, he said. Participants will help ensure children and families receive support in relation to the program’s objectives.
The YMCA Community Corps program is specifically designed to serve at elementary schools, focusing on three program areas:
• Midday health and wellness centered around obesity reduction efforts;
• Safe Routes to School assistance by encouraging students to walk safely to and from school; and
• Neighborhood beautification efforts
“The program is currently slated to operate at Eakin Elementary and Georgian Heights Elementary School in the Hilltop area of Columbus,” Hindenlang said.
The YMCA Community Corps program is seeking to fill a total of 24, 900-hour service slots. As of Sept. 5, the program had filled just under half of the desired number of positions.
All Corps positions for the 2018-2019 service year must be filled by the end of September, Hindenlang said.
Because the program requires that participants work with student-age children, applicants must complete and pass an FBI and BCI background check. The full position description can be found at ymcacolumbus.org/ycorps.
The YMCA Community Corps program is operated by the YMCA of Central Ohio, and funded by ServeOhio, Ohio’s commission on service and volunteerism, along with community partners such as Battelle and American Electric Power Foundation.
