AmeriCorps grants headed to local organizations

Two area organizations are among 21 in Missouri picked for a combined $4.2 million in AmeriCorps grant funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The grants are earmarked for projects that include tutoring and mentoring, veteran and military family assistance, health care education, preserving natural resources and helping communities respond to disasters, according to news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Locally, the American Red Cross in Springfield will receive $119,529, and the Purdy R-2 School District is being awarded $71,577.

AmeriCorps members will assist the organizations with programs statewide. The group counts over 75,000 members nationwide, according to the release.

“Giving back to one’s community is a proud Missouri tradition and a great way to build character,” Gov. Jay Nixon said in the release. “These AmeriCorps members will meet local needs and strengthen communities as they develop civic and leadership skills that last a lifetime."

AmeriCorps celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2014. Since 1994, more than 830,000 members have contributed over 1 billion service hours to address poverty, hunger and disaster issues, according to the release.