AmeriCorps Youth Transition Project

Contact Us: 904.573.2805 ext. 614 | [email protected]

“A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead

Members of The Arc Jacksonville’s AmeriCorps Youth Transition Project (The Project) provide a year of service as mentors, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental differences learn and perfect much-needed independent living skills in a creative environment. Members hold one-on-one or small group mentoring sessions, focusing on financial literacy, wellness, and professionalism. Members also come together for service projects to benefit partnering agencies in the Jacksonville community.

AmeriCorps Group of people

History and Need

The Project began in 2010 to address a growing need to assist young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their quest for independence while they attended school at the University of North Florida. The Project has since expanded to all five Arc Jacksonville sites and engages 20+ members in service annually to more than 200 individuals served. The need for this program is great-the disability population continually struggles with poverty, unemployment, poor health, and vulnerability to financial and sexual exploitation. Members serving as mentors help bridge the gap when it comes to accessing services, community inclusion, and working on building critical skills.

Member Benefits

  • Living Stipend: Members receive a biweekly living stipend for serving-with the amount depending on whether or not the member is Full Time ($622), Half time ($311), or Minimum Time ($104).

  • Segal Award: Members receive a Segal Education Award upon successful completion of their service year. The award varies depending on the type of service: Full Time ($6,495), Half Time ($3,247), or Minimum Time ($1,374).

  • Additional Benefits for Full Time: Members serving Full Time may opt to receive supplemental health insurance and childcare assistance if they qualify

  • Additional Benefits for All: All members will receive continual Professional Development training opportunities, boosting their resume and better preparing them for their next step in employment. Members will have opportunities to network and partner with local non-profits, as well as gain valuable experience with the disability population that proves valuable for many future careers. Members will join the AmeriCorps Alumni Network, where they will have access to partner Employers who prefer AmeriCorps Alumni to other applicants.

  • The Feel Goods: National Service is unlike any experience one can have in positively impacting their community. Members report working with people who have differences is the most rewarding and fulfilling experience!

Where and how could I serve?

 

Locations and Positions:

  • Westside: Independent Living Mentors (ILMs) work at the Westside to improve the health and wellness of the people they serve. Members put on engaging health-related individual and group sessions, as well as assist with accessing community resources. Members serve full-time.

  • Downtown: Independent Living Mentors (ILMs) work Downtown to improve the health and wellness of the people they serve. Members put on engaging health-related individual and group sessions, as well as assist with accessing community resources. Members serve full-time.

  • On Campus Transition Program (OCT): Members here are UNF students that serve in a variety of roles: Financial Literacy Mentor, Academic Advisors, Wellness Mentors, Work Readiness Mentors, and Mentor Recruiters.

  • The Arc Jacksonville Village: Independent Living Mentors (ILMs) work at The Village to improve the health and wellness of the people they serve. Members put on engaging health-related individual and group sessions, as well as assist with accessing community resources. Members serve full-time.

  • Xplore Program: Independent Living Mentors (ILMs) work with the Xplore program to improve the health and wellness of the people they serve. Members put on engaging health-related individual and group sessions, as well as assist with accessing community resources. Members serve full-time.

Interested in becoming an AmeriCorps member?

Complete the form below!