AmeriCorps Programs in CT

Here is a list of  active AmeriCorps Programs throughout the state of Connecticut

1. NESS SEA ( New England Science and Sailing STEM Education Ambassadors)
2.Greater Oaks Tutor Corps
3.Experience Corps
4. Jumpstart
5. Public Allies
6. FoodCorps
7. Green Grew
8. MYO AmeriCorps ( MYO- Mine. Yours. Ours)
9. Teach For America
10. Community HealthCorps
11. PAVE New Haven
12.  AHEC ( Area Health Education Center)
13. VISTA

Inside Look!

Have you ever wondered how your fellow Connecticut AmeriCorps members spend their days?  Are you interested in AmeriCorps and want an inside look?  You've come to the right place! We are showcasing different AmeriCorps programs around the state.

Norwalk Grows (Food Corps)
“I brought our first batch of garden grown produce to the cafeteria and the face of the manager when he tried the fresh radishes was something I'll never forget. He was really excited to work with something that tasted so fresh and delicious,” said Jennifer Kruzansky when describing one of the most memorable moments during her time in service.  Jennifer  is finishing up her second term for Food Corps Norwalk Grows in Norwalk, CT.   According to their website, Food Corps works within schools to “connect kids with real food and help them grow healthy”.   Members accomplish this through education, engagement and access; specifically Jennifer describes this as, “building and tending school gardens, teaching hands on nutrition to students, and working with Food Service managers/ companies to improve school food”.


Jennifer Kruzansky installing a garden with students at West Rocks Middle School.

Last year Jennifer’s site was brand new, and she primarily spent her term establishing herself within the community and  schools she served.    This year Jennifer has been able to continue to expand her programming and has gardens in both middle and high schools in Norwalk, as well as programming in the elementary schools. The vegetables grown in the garden are served on the Brien McMahon High School Brien salad bar, which caused so much delight in the aforementioned cafeteria manager. Jennifer has also been surprised by how her years of service have impacted her world view, “I grew up in a mostly white mostly well off community and was not really clued into a lot of the social and political issues facing low income communities. I find I am much more aware of local, state, and federal policies that target these communities. I didn't expect to feel as much solidarity with my community members as I do. Now when I read the news, I look at it with a different perspective than I did before joining AmeriCorps”.

When asked to give advice to future AmeriCorps members Jennifer suggests living at home, and finding free or inexpensive activities to do in the area.  She also enjoys socializing with other AmeriCorps members who have similar financial constraints, which she says can lead to some creative “fun things to do that are pretty cheap”.  



Hartford Thrive! (VISTA)

Esther Jean-Marie

Living on an AmeriCorps stipend can sometimes be stressful.  Esther Jean-Marie has some basic advice. Create a budget, and stick to it.  One item she includes in her budget, and suggests other AmeriCorps members should do as well, is set aside money once a month to do something fun.  But Esther doesn’t just practice budgeting in her own life she has created a workshop series for students at her AmeriCorps position at the Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS).

CAHS is a placement site for the larger Hartford Thrive! organization which also includes Hands On Hartford, Journey Home, Center Church, the Village for Families & Children, and   Opportunities Hartford.  The overall mission Hartford Thrive is to strengthen communities and increase food, housing and economic security for the people of Hartford.

CAHS specifically addresses economic disparities and provides aid for filing taxes as well as many different educational financial programs.  The Youth Money School is run by Esther.  When she first started in the fall of 2015 she put together interactive workshops for students to increase their awareness of building and monitoring credit; preparing for college and becoming financially independent; navigating employment benefits; transitions after college.  She sets up workshops with various community organizations and schools and trains volunteers to run them.  AmeriCorps has taught her that she can handle anything, and given her space to decide what to study during graduate school.  

Inside one of Esther’s workshops,  Community HealthCorps Member,  Nicole Walton talks about “Preparing for College” at the Branford Public Library. During this workshop, Nicole shared how she personally ensured she was financially stable for college. She also shared with students and parents how completing an AmeriCorps term of service can get you on track for college by providing an education award and professional training. This collaboration among various AmeriCorps programs allows for a richer experience for the community, as she was also able to talk about her experiences at her health center.

 Do you know of any organization in CT and or individuals that would be interested in hosting or presenting a workshop? If so, please contact Esther Jean-Marie at ejeanmarie@cahs.org.

Nicole Walton giving a"Preparing for College" CAHS Youth Money School presentation.