The Economic Empowerment Corps: A Guide for Potential Members

 The Economic Empowerment Corps: A Guide for Potential Members KDVA is currently recruiting AmeriCorps*State Members for the 2013 - 2014 service year.
The Economic Empowerment Corps (EEC) was awarded 11 AmeriCorps*State slots. This is
KDVA’s fourth year of AmeriCorps funding, and the largest EEC class since the Corps began
in 2010. Members commit to a year of direct service and provide financial education for
survivors of domestic violence and their children.
What is the Economic Empowerment Corps?
The EEC is a statewide AmeriCorps program operated through KDVA. The EEC is the only
Corps in the state focused on financial independence for survivors of domestic violence. It is
also the only Corps offering financial education and free tax preparation to working families.
INTERESTED IN APPLYING?
See page 2 for more details and instructions. For additional information, please contact
AmeriCorps Program Director Michelle Fiore at mfiore@kdva.org or 502-209-5382.
EEC Partner Sites include:
The Hager Foundation in Owensboro and Gateway Community Action in West Liberty
For more information please contact Michelle Fiore, AmeriCorps Program Director mfiore@kdva.org ~ 502.209.5382 ~ www.kdva.org The Economic Empowerment Corps: A Guide for Potential Members Eligibility Requirements:
• Sex offender registry check
• Be a U.S. citizen or national or lawful permanent resident
• Be at least 17 years or older
• Serve full-time for 10 ½ months and a minimum of 1700 hours
Things to Consider before Applying:
• Can you commit to 1700 hours, or at least 10 ½ months of service?
• The Economic Empowerment Specialist position description (Page 3 of this doc)
•
The benefits (see Benefits section above)
• EEC members are expected to complete 1700 hours of service from September 1,
2013 to August 31, 2013. This is a full time service position (35-40 hours a week).
• Training is the first week of September 2013. You may need to make arrangements
beforehand for children, outside employment, pets, etc.
Benefits:
• KDVA will provide health insurance coverage through Summit America. You can
choose to keep your current health coverage at your own cost.
• Childcare assistance through GAP Solutions Inc.
• $12,100 stipend. This is paid biweekly, in regular installments, throughout your
service.
• A $5,550 Segal Education Award for successful completion of service. You can also
put some student loans in forbearance.
• Eligibility for KDVA’s Individual Development Account program. If you save $1,000,
KDVA will match your savings 4:1 toward the purchase of a home, small business or
education costs.
• Experience, trainings and networking opportunities in your site’s community and
across the state.
• Members can have outside employment to supplement their income (as long as this
employment does not affect your availability to your projects).
• Some sites offer living allowances to their members. Sites are not required to do so,
but are encouraged to if their budget allows.
How to Apply:
• Register and create an application at www.nationalservice.org/programs. The guide
included in this document will walk you through the application process and how to
use the My AmeriCorps portal. (Guide begins on page 4).
•
•
Apply to the listing at www.nationalservice.gov. The listing isn’t up yet! If you are
interested in a site before this listing goes up, please contact Michelle Fiore
(mfiore@kdva.org). She will forward your application to the site you are interested in.
You will interview for the position with the site. KDVA will conduct a second interview
to the sites top choice(s). KDVA will work with the site to make a final selection
decision.
For more information please contact Michelle Fiore, AmeriCorps Program Director mfiore@kdva.org ~ 502.209.5382 ~ www.kdva.org The Economic Empowerment Corps: A Guide for Potential Members Kentucky Domestic Violence Association AmeriCorps*State Positions Description *Note that some duties may adapt according to your host site’s needs and the skills you may have to offer to clients. Position: Economic Empowerment Specialist • Economic empowerment specialist will provide a comprehensive array of services aimed at helping survivors become economically self-­‐sufficient. They will help survivors find housing, employment, pursue an education, and even purchase homes. The empowerment specialists will offer financial education classes and credit counseling, enroll survivors in Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), help them get credit reports and sign up for micro loans. The specialist will also provide free tax-­‐preparation assistance. o Help survivors apply for emergency assistance, public benefits and other social services o Conduct housing assessments and help survivors apply for housing assistance o Help survivors find transitional or permanent housing o Establish partnerships with landlords and educate them about domestic violence o Teach job-­‐readiness classes o Provide financial education classes, credit reports and one-­‐on-­‐one credit counseling o Teach home-­‐ownership classes o Help survivors open Individual Development Accounts (car and classic) o Help survivors obtain micro loans o Provide free tax-­‐preparation services and ensure survivors are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) o Recruit volunteers to assist with tax preparation, financial education classes and other shelter-­‐related services For more information please contact Michelle Fiore, AmeriCorps Program Director mfiore@kdva.org ~ 502.209.5382 ~ www.kdva.org The Economic Empowerment Corps: A Guide for Potential Members At#this#website,#you#can:#
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