Norcross Announces More Than $725,000 for AmeriCorps Efforts in South Jersey

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross (NJ-01) today announced that the Center for Family Services (CFS) will receive $725,264 from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help support AmeriCorps’ community service efforts in Camden.

The grants will help fund two of CFS’ programs: PowerCorps Camden, a youth-led AmeriCorps public service program dedicated to improving the environment through revitalizing public land, improving infrastructure and cleaning the city, and Recovery Corps, a direct-support program offering substance abuse recovery with a focus on community engagement.

“South Jersey is a great place to live, plant roots and raise a family because of the dedicated efforts of committed individuals who lift up our communities,” said Congressman Norcross. “The Center for Family Services and its AmeriCorps programs provide opportunities for individuals to give back to the world around them and help their neighbors. Thanks to these grants, our streets will be cleaner, our roads will be safer and our economy will continue to grow.”

Norcross, the Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic, added: “Additionally, with more than $100,000 going directly to the local RecoveryCorps program, we are dedicating more resources to help those struggling with the disease of addiction. Over 3,000 people died from overdoses in New Jersey in 2018 – and that’s a new record. Investments like these allow our community partners to continue offering support for those who need it most.”

“Center for Family Services is extremely pleased to continue our CNCS Americorps volunteer service programs. These programs enable individuals to give back to their community and expand workforce development opportunities. CFS is committed to building strong workforce pathways for Camden City and Camden County residents,” said Merilee Rutolo, Chief Operating Officer for the Center for Family Services.

Every year, 75,000 AmeriCorps members serve communities through work in more than 21,000 schools, nonprofits, and community and faith-based organizations across the country. AmeriCorps has played a critical role in the recovery of communities affected by disasters and helped thousands of first-generation college students access higher education. AmeriCorps also has tutoring and mentorship opportunities, works to connect veterans to jobs, offers care for seniors, aims to reduce crime and revive cities and offers help to combat the opioid epidemic.

The CNCS is a federal agency that leads the nation’s volunteering and service efforts by engaging millions of Americans in service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs.

###