Sarbanes Celebrates 20th Anniversary of AmeriCorps

A photo of Congressman Sarbanes giving remarks at the anniversary celebration is available here
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (D-Md) today joined the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to celebrate the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, the country's network of local, state, and national service programs that has engaged nearly one million volunteers since its inception.

"Working together to serve our communities is embedded in the character of the American people," said Congressman Sarbanes. "For twenty years, AmeriCorps has given individuals with a passion for service the opportunity to make their contribution and the impact has been tremendous."

Congressman Sarbanes is an unwavering advocate for our country's national and community service programs. In 2009, he authored a piece of legislation to create the Vet Corps program within AmeriCorps. The bill was signed into law by President Obama as part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which reauthorized and expanded the country's national service programs administered by CNCS.

Vet Corps awards grants to organizations that serve veterans, members of the Armed Forces who are on active duty, and family members of deployed military personnel, or to organizations that engage veterans in service opportunities. Vet Corps projects range from building housing for veterans to assisting with rehabilitative classes such as physical therapy or life skills development.

In July 2014, Congressman Sarbanes will join CNCS in recognizing Vet Corps as part of the 20th anniversary AmeriCorps celebration.