For immediate release

Contact: media@esd.wa.gov

Washington Service Corps celebrates 40-year anniversary with service project in Federal Way

OLYMPIA - The public is invited to help the Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps program celebrate its 40th anniversary with a ceremony and service project at Federal Way’s Celebration Park.

Mulch gardens and maintain trails in the park with Federal Way School District AmeriCorps members from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19. Celebration Park is located at 1095 S. 324th Place.

Register here to volunteer! Wear comfortable clothes for working outside. Snacks, tools and instructions will be provided.

A brief ceremony at the park will include three guest speakers:

• Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.
• Employment Security Department Commissioner Cami Feek.
• Bill Basl, Washington Service Corps founder and past executive director of the Washington Commission for National and Community Service, which is now Serve Washington.

“It’s an honor to lead such an amazing program and team,” said Washington Service Corps Director Ashley Palmer. “WSC continues to have a meaningful impact on Washington communities daily. Our partners and members are passionate about the service they provide, which continues to fuel our team. Giving back to our communities is the core value of our staff members, host site partners and WSC members. Here’s to 40 years down and many, many more to come!”

The Federal Way Public Schools AmeriCorps program is one of the oldest WSC programs. Established in 1995, the program focuses on academic achievement by serving students in AVID college- and career-readiness classrooms, core-subject classrooms, and after-school programming.

“I serve in AmeriCorps because I believe in education, I believe in the AVID process, and I believe in our students,” said member Tanner Weber. “There is no better feeling than watching these students grow and flourish. I find much hope for the future because I have watched them grow into amazing leaders in this school and in this community.”

Event details for reporters

WHO: Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps program.
WHAT: Community service project and celebration marking the 40-year anniversary of the Washington Service Corps.
WHERE: Celebration Park, 1095 S. 324th Place, Federal Way.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHY: Celebrate 40 years of service of the Washington State Service Corps AmeriCorps program.

Interview/photo opportunities:

• Washington Service Corps AmeriCorps members and community members mulching gardens and maintaining trails.
• Bill Basl, Washington Service Corps founder and past executive director for the Washington State Commission for National and Community service, which is now Serve Washington.
• Jim Ferrell, mayor of Federal Way.
• Ashley Palmer, Washington Service Corps program director.
• Cami Feek, commissioner, Washington State Employment Security Department.

Speakers will be available for interviews after the presentation, which will be from 9 to 9:30 a.m.

Contacts:
Ashley Palmer, program director, Washington Service Corps, 360-628-2510
Ariel Kay-Barto, outreach manager, Washington Service Corps, 360-742-6540

About the Washington Service Corps
In 1983, Washington's Legislature created the Washington Service Corps to promote community service and support youth employment. The WSC was the first program of its kind in the nation. A decade later, the federal government created the AmeriCorps national service program, and WSC was one of the models for its design.

WSC AmeriCorps members are placed individually, in small groups and large teams with organizations across the state to address the nation’s most pressing challenges and improve lives in local communities.

WSC AmeriCorps programs have several focus areas, including disaster preparedness; economic opportunity; health and nutrition; education and food security; environmental education; and school readiness and engagement.

About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps, the federal agency for service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country; address the nation’s most pressing challenges; improve lives and communities; and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps seniors in intensive service roles and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

About Serve Washington
Serve Washington is a division of the Washington State Office of Financial Management. Serve Washington advances national service, volunteerism and civic engagement to improve lives; expands opportunity to meet the local critical needs of residents of Washington; and strengthens community capacity while creating healthy and resilient communities. For more information, visit servewashington.wa.gov.