YouthServe AmeriCorps:

Serving at-risk youth in Western Massachusetts.

Nurturing youth work professionals.

Changing our community.

What we do:

YouthServe AmeriCorps members mentor at-risk youth through a variety of youth agencies in Western Massachusetts. YouthServe members are trained in Positive Youth Development Theory and use that theory to create positive opportunities for youth to be meaningfully involved in their communities. We implement programs that empower youth by building their skills and their confidence.  We inspire youth achievement by modeling a professional, enthusiastic, and compassionate attitude toward community involvement.

Why we do it:

Franklin and Hampshire Counties in Western Massachusetts are in an area known as the Pioneer Valley. Two hours west of Boston, the Valley has universities, museums, live music, and a vibrant retail district. It also has gentle hills, a quaint New England atmosphere, great skiing, and as much outdoor recreation as a person could want. In this idyllic setting, however, 40% of families live below the poverty line; there are fewer social programs and there is less state and federal funding to address critical community needs than in the more densely populated areas of Massachusetts. YouthServe AmeriCorps strives to minimize the effects of rural poverty on area youth by providing youth with the support and opportunities they need to become successful, self-sufficient adults. 

The impact we have:

Since 1996, YouthServe has served over 1,000 youth. Local initiatives such as the Annual Franklin County Legislative Forum for Youth, the Night Owl Teen Warming Center, the Community Edge Teen Page, the Youth Voice Youth Center Newsletter, a Communities in Schools initiative, and dozens of after school programs have all been initiated or sustained by YouthServe Members. For over ten years, youth participating in member-led programs have reported feeling more engaged and valued in their communities, and less inclined to engage in risky behaviors, as a result of YouthServe's efforts.

Member Service Sites - Our Partner Agencies:

Members serve 35 hours per week at sites that provide critical youth services in Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Each member undertakes a specific project that is unique to them and that enhances the services offered on site. In return for this service, sites provide members with on-going training and supervision, as well as contributing a small cash match toward the member stipend.

Agencies interested in hosting a member may download the 2007-2008 Site Partner Application. Please note that the deadline for the current term has passed, and that we have not yet issued an application for new partners for 08-09. The linked application is intended for reference purposes only.

Current and Previous Site Partner Agencies include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin and Hampshire Counties, The Brick House Community Resource Center, Community Action! Youth Programs, Community Coalition for Teens, DIAL/SELF Teen Services, Greenfield Community YMCA, Greenfield Community Youth Center, Greenfield Recreation Department, Greenfield Middle and High Schools, Hampshire Educational Collaborative, Montague Catholic Social Ministries, Northampton Mayor's Youth Commission, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, Tapestry Health Systems, Upward Bound, and the Young Entrepreneur's Society. 

New! Site Partners for the 2008-2009 term are: Athol-Royalston Middle School, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, The Brick House Community Resource Center, Community Action! Youth Programs, DIAL/SELF Teen Services, Great Falls Middle School, Greenfield Middle School, Upward Bound, and Valley Human Services.

New! Download the list of member position descriptions for 2008-2009. (Note: this is a 20 page document -- if you would like a double-sided paper copy mailed to you, please contact the Program Director.)

How Members Benefit:

In return for 1700 hours of service (which is normally completed in 10 months), members receive:

• A living stipend of $11,100

• 20 personal days during the course of the term

• Free health insurance

• Free child care

• Student-loan deferment during service 

• $4,725, paid at the term's end, for student loans or educational expenses

• Training on youth development theory and practice

• Civic action skills training

• Excellent networking and professional development opportunities. Many YouthServe members become full-time staff members at not-for-profit agencies after they complete their service.

The Commitment Members Make:

The service term begins in mid-September, and continues through mid-July of the following year. Members commit to serving a total of 1,700 hours during that time, normally at the rate of approximately 40 hours per week.

More Questions?

Feel free to contact the Program Director via email or phone (see below) at any time!

Apply to Join YouthServe:

There are two easy steps: First, there is a national application -- go here to access it. Second, please fill out the 2008 YouthServe Application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the Corps is filled.

Members must be at least 21 years old and U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful Permanent Residents.  Youth work experience is recommended, but not required. Some work history is necessary, and members must have a valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation. YouthServe does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national origin, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, religion, or disability. All materials will be furnished in alternate formats upon request.

New/Current Members and Site Partners:

Here is a resource page for new members (and new Site Partners) that contains information you'll need before the term begins.

Here is a resource page for current members and Site Partners that contains all the forms you'll need once you have begun your term of service.

For more information contact Amanda Doster at (413) 834 2434 or americorps@dialself.org