PRESERVE WV AMERICORPS MEET TO CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR

The 2013-2014 Preserve WV AmeriCorps year is coming to a close.  Members, staff, and supervisors gathered yesterday to celebrate a successful first year and to discuss ways to improve the program.  Old Hemlock Foundation in Bruceton Mills (Preston County) hosted an afternoon of good food, sharing ideas, and enjoying each other’s company.

Preserve WV AmeriCorps members for the 2013-2014 program year.

Danielle LaPresta leading a discussion with the Preserve WV AmeriCorps 2013 – 2014 team.

PAWV Executive Director, Danielle LaPresta, led a discussion on improving the Preserve WV AmeriCorps program and developing ways to collect data more efficiently.  All members gave excellent input, and their responses will be used in applying for more grants and measuring the effects the program is having in communities all over West Virginia.

For the 2013-2014 program year, members are serving at Craik-Patton House (Charleston), Cockayne Farmstead (Glen Dale), Downtown Wheeling, Inc. (Wheeling), PAWV (statewide), Wheeling National Heritage Area (Wheeling), Main Street Morgantown (Morgantown), Main Street Fairmont (Fairmont), Old Hemlock Foundation (Bruceton Mills), Marion County Historical Society (Fairmont), Adaland Mansion (Philippi), and National Coal Heritage Area (Oak Hill).  This year has been so successful that we are expanding to more sites for 2014-2015.  More information on that soon.

The Preserve WV AmeriCorps is made possible through a grant.  However, it requires a lot of PAWV staff commitment that is not paid by the grant.  If you are interested in showing support for this program and PAWV, please consider giving a tax-deductible donation to PAWV HERE.  Your donations are used to expand services and this program.

The PreserveWV AmeriCorps program is Preservation Alliance of West Virginia’s statewide service initiative to promote cultural heritage tourism and enhance historic resource re-use and redevelopment projects in West Virginia.  Particular focus is placed on non-profit capacity building through organizational policy development, volunteer management, and community engagement.  AmeriCorps members’ service will contribute to West Virginia’s economic development and environmental stewardship.

AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency whose mission is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering. To learn more about AmeriCorps see www.americorps.gov. The PreserveWV AmeriCorps program is sponsored by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service: www.volunteerwv.org/