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Improving Access to Mental Health Care: The Youth Mental Health Corps in Rural Arkansas
The Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC) initiative in Arkansas aims to address mental health professional shortages in rural areas, particularly for young people facing behavioral health issues. By training AmeriCorps members as peer mentors, YMHC enhances access to services while fostering pathways into behavioral health careers, ultimately strengthening community support systems.
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97 Years and Counting: Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp on Building Service, Growth, and Community
Pfeifer Kiwanis Camp, established in 1929, offers a transformative outdoor experience for Arkansas youth, ages 9–14. With a commitment to accessibility, the camp provides free programs that foster personal growth and community. AmeriCorps members enhance this mission, developing leadership skills while mentoring campers, thereby creating lasting impacts on both groups.
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New Youth Mental Health Initiative Launches Across Arkansas
Arkansas is launching the Youth Mental Health Corps to expand support for young people, strengthen communities, and build a dedicated mental health workforce.
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More Than Awareness: Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Action
Launching in August 2026, the Youth Mental Health Corps is expanding support for Arkansas youth while creating career pathways for young adults to serve, train, and lead.
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Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: How AmeriCorps Develops the Skills That Last a Lifetime
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: How AmeriCorps Develops the Skills That Last a Lifetime One of the most defining elements of AmeriCorps service is the development of lifelong, durable skills, which are long-term, transferable skills that are not job-specific but are valuable across all workplaces and roles. These are the kind of skills that stay with members…
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AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Three
AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Three Part 3: Watonna Hughes Volunteer Interview 1) What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer? When my mother got sick, she had Alzheimer’s. I learned how to deal with Alzheimer’s because I was the one who took care of her. She begged me not to ever…
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AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Two
AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Volunteer Interviews: Part Two Part 2: Kathryn Wooten and Maxine Brewer Volunteer Interviews 1) What inspired you to become a Senior Companion Volunteer? Kathryn: Ms. Reda McConnell had a lot to do with that. She had been asking me frequently, and we were friends. She said Kathryn, this is for YOU!…
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AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Interviews: Part One
AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program Interviews: Part One Back in October 2025, Engage Arkansas connected with the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas to gather volunteer testimonials from their AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program. In honor of Older Americans Month, we’re excited to share these stories in a three-part series that highlights the impact of…
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Turning Service into Opportunity: AmeriCorps Education Awards, Schools of National Service, and the Future of Public Leadership
Turning Service into Opportunity: AmeriCorps Education Awards, Schools of National Service, and the Future of Public Leadership Often, public service is framed as a sacrifice; however, AmeriCorps and similar programs are redefining it as an investment in America’s future. At the center of this shift in focus is the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which not…
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From Service to Sustainability: The Impact of the Ozark Conservation Corps
From Service to Sustainability: The Impact of the Ozark Conservation Corps Each April, Earth Day and National Volunteer Week remind us of two incredibly powerful ideas: protecting our planet and environment and showing up for our communities. However, beyond awareness campaigns or one-day events, there are organizations across Arkansas that are helping to turn these…