Two area organizations receive Americorps grants | News

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KFVS)- The United Way of Southeast Missouri and the Butler County Community Resource Council have been selected to receive state grants.

The Missouri Community Service Commission announced 18 organizations across Missouri have been awarded Americorps grants from the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The grants will support Americorps members across the state as they perform a variety of services, including helping students learn to read, mentoring at-risk youth, responding to disasters, providing food for those in need, and helping non-profits recruit volunteers and achieve their mission.

United Way of Southeast Missouri will receive $107,991.00.

Butler County Community Resource Council will receive $252,700.00.

The Missouri Community Service Commission is a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The grants focus Americorps resources on six key areas:  strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.

"Citizen service is an essential part of the solution to many of the social challenges facing our communities," said Linda Thompson, Executive Director of the MCSC.  "Those Americorps members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen our communities as they develop civic and leadership stills that can last a lifetime."