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Trent, Blevins participate in National Service Recognition Day

Morehead Mayor Jim Tom Trent and Rowan County Judge-Executive Walter Blevins joined more than 5,200 elected officials from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico stood together in support of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and VISTA Programs.

Trent and Blevins participated in a national day of recognition Tuesday, April 3, to highlight the impact of national service in their cities and thank individuals who serve. Together, the elected officials represent more than 216 million citizens.

National Service Day of Recognition is designed to spotlight the impact of national service and thank those who serve. Trent and Blevins signed proclamations declaring April 3 National Service Day of Recognition in Morehead and Rowan County.

The two heard from Kentucky AmeriCorps program directors and members, VISTA members and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) director about the services they provide to the Morehead community.

These services include tutoring and mentoring in the schools, financial counseling for low income families, assistance with transitioning families of violence or homelessness to safe and affordable housing, case management to homeless families, volunteer assistance at local nonprofit agencies such as St. Claire and Christian Social Services and organizing the Build-A-Bed program which provides beds to school-age children that do not have a proper place to sleep in their homes.

 “Our 75 active retired and senior volunteers provided 10,576 hours of service to Rowan County which is equal to $198,537 dollars in saving at minimum wage,” said Teresa Judd, RSVP director.

“The AmeriCorps, VISTA and Senior Corps members serve our community every day to make it stronger, safer, and provide services to the most vulnerable citizens in our community. These services would not be possible through existing staff due to funding and budget cuts in schools and the non-profit sector. We want our community to know how hard these members work to make a difference. They are truly appreciated,” said Mary Claire Williams, MSUCorps project director.   

On April 9, 2013, the first-ever Day of Recognition for National Service united mayors across the country to spotlight the impact of national service and honor those who serve. Altogether, 832 mayors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico officially recognized the work that AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers are doing to make cities better and stronger.

Additional information is available by contacting Williams at 606-783-2719.



Pictured above, front row, from left: Rosita L. Napoleoni-Milan, member coordinator; Mary Claire Williams, MSUCorps project director; Judge Executive Walter Blevins, Morehead Mayor Jim Tom Trent, Teresa Judd, RSVP director; and Dr. Dan Connell, assistant vice president for regional education and outreach.

Back row from left: Marilyn Smith, executive director Gateway House; Ashley Tackett, Homes for All Member serving at Frontier Housing; Vicky Cooper, administrative assistant to the Adult Education and College Access Programs; Justin Slone, RSVP associate director; Alex Blankenship, Kentucky College Coach member; Nate Merritt, Kentucky College Coach member; Zack Smith, Nate Merritt, Kentucky College Coach member; Helisha Tyerk, RSVP; Christa Webb, Gateway House AmeriCorps Vista; Jacey Mann, Gateway House AmeriCorps Vista; and Jennifer Nickell, Gateway House AmeriCorps Vista.