PRESS ROOM > Press Releases >Alternatives Americorp Program receives national recognition

NEWS: July 25, 2010                                             For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Bud Longo 757-838-2330 or blongo@altinc.org
Local Youth Agency Receives National Recognition
Youth Program Featured as one of “52 Most Innovative AmeriCorps State Programs in the U.S.” 

 Hampton – A local volunteer program has been recognized as among the most innovative in the country. In the newest edition of "Transforming Communities through Service: A Collection of 52 of the Most Innovative AmeriCorps Programs in the United States,” Alternatives, Inc.’s  Peninsula AmeriCorps Serve and Support (PASS) is featured.
Innovations in Civic Participation (ICP) and America's Service Commissions (ASC) collaborated on the publication to highlight innovative AmeriCorps*State programs. ICP and ASC received nominations from state service commissions throughout the United States and chose 52 programs from 39 states to be featured. Virginia Commonwealth University’s AmeriCorps program is also featured in the publication.
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Commissioner Martin Brown said the programs are an excellent example of “how collaboration and innovation are improving the lives of our children and strengthening Virginia’s social safety net. We’re honored that these best practice programs have been selected and will be shared throughout the United States.”

Alternatives, Inc./PASS enhances life skills, health and wellness, workplace readiness skills, career preparation and civic engagement for youth ages 13-18 in the Virginia Peninsula. PASS AmeriCorps members provide instruction in visual art, music, videography, dance and theater. PASS’ 12 AmeriCorps members – all students at Christopher Newport University – serve the Hampton Teen Center. In its first year of operation, the program already is successful, serving more than 500 teens in the City of Hampton and recruiting more than 270 volunteers. Developing the civic engagements skills of Hampton-area teens requires a sense of unity between the city’s youth and adult leadership. The partnerships established between Alternatives and organizations such as the Hampton Health Department, Virginia Foodbank, and Hampton City Schools actively prepare teens to become leaders and problem solvers in their communities.
“We have always known some of the best AmeriCorps programs are right here in Virginia. The VCU and PASS programs have earned this recognition and will hopefully serve as inspiration to others,” said Nikki Nicholau, OVCS director.

The 2010 publication was unveiled on June 27 in New York. It is available online at www.icicp.org and www.statecommissions.org. For more information on AmeriCorps programs and their impact on the Commonwealth, visit www.vaservice.org.

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