AmeriCorps Citrus Reads has funding renewed for 3 years
Grant money, awarded in three-year cycles, pays for members' living expenses, benefits and operational expenses.
By PAULETTE LASH RITCHIE, Times Staff Writer
Published August 24, 2006
INVERNESS - AmeriCorps has administered the Citrus Reads program for the past nine years, helping students who could benefit from extra help in reading. This past school year was the last year in a three-year cycle of grant funding.
AmeriCorps Citrus Reads program director Helena Delgado, program specialist grant writer Karen Stofcheck, executive director of educational services Mark Brunner, coordinator of Title I/No Child Left Behind Kathy Pomposelli and program specialist for elementary education Karen Lisa have been working on renewing funding since November.
They received word in June that Volunteer Florida would award the district $126,000 a year for another three-year cycle. The organization funds programs in many areas, including public safety, elder care and environmental programs.
The school district will supply additional funding to bring the total to $194,553, an amount that could vary slightly.
The money pays for Delgado's salary and benefits, supplies, operational costs and AmeriCorps members' living expenses, benefits and educational awards. AmeriCorps members must be at least 17, U.S. citizens, high school graduates or GED recipients willing to make a one-year commitment to the program and complete 1,700 hours of service.
The recruits receive training and development and are assigned to the schools to help students with reading. Last year, AmeriCorps Citrus Reads served all elementary and middle schools.
This year, AmeriCorps will serve Crystal River Primary School, Crystal River Middle School, Lecanto Primary School, Lecanto Middle School and Citrus Springs Elementary School. The members being trained now will help about 15 to 20 students each.
Delgado served with AmeriCorps from 2000 to 2002. Now, besides coordinating the program, she attends college at night to study elementary education.
The grant was more difficult to procure than Delgado and Stofcheck expected.
"We actually went through a competitive process," Delgado said. The district had to pass first and second rounds of elimination before hearing the decision.
"It's such a great program," Stofcheck said. "The schools really use it as a resource."
AmeriCorps also welcomes volunteers, people who are willing to give at least one hour a week to help children read. To learn more about AmeriCorps Citrus Reads or how to become a member or volunteer, call Delgado at 726-1931 or e-mail her at delgado@citrus.k12.fl.us.
