Each year, national service programs across the country participate in service experiences on 9/11 to commemorate the tragedy and serve in honor of first responders and emergency service workers. As part of their service for the week, University of Central Arkansas AmeriCorps and VISTA members participated in a virtual summit with nonprofit leaders and community-engaged faculty, received training in the neurobiology of trauma and hosted a virtual volunteer fair.
“We were honored to be able to include UCA’s AmeriCorps and VISTA members in a variety of community engagement activities throughout the week,” said Lesley Graybeal, director of Service-Learning at UCA. “Even though service looks different right now, our service members are learning that our local nonprofits are creative, resilient and committed to our community.”
A virtual neurobiology of trauma training was offered in partnership with the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which provides training to victim advocates and social service providers across the state to enhance their skills in supporting community members who have experienced trauma.
Additionally, AmeriCorps and VISTA members visited the Rise House Community Outreach Center on 9/11 to volunteer with beautification projects. Rise House offers shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence in Conway and surrounding areas.
For more information about UCA’s national service programs, visit uca.edu/americorps
About the UCA AmeriCorps and VISTA programs
UCA’s AmeriCorps and VISTA programs are administered by UCA Outreach and Community Engagement through grants from EngageAR and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
About the EngageAR – Arkansas Service Commission
EngageAR is a collaborative programmatic initiative to create a culture of service in Arkansas that permeates activities of family, education, business, government and the nonprofit.
EngageAR believes local communities know best how to solve local problems. The staff work to develop partnerships within government agencies, municipalities, institutions of education, and the nonprofit and faith-based sector, developing and promoting civic engagement to undergird the services offered through public agencies. For more information, visit www.volunteerar.org/National-Service.
As part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Transformation Plan, effective July 1, 2019, EngageAR is housed in the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
