Operation AmeriCorps, Good Works Abound
If you see the AmeriCorps logo say "Hello" and watch the work begin
By ON Communications
PAWHUSKA, Okla. (Oct. 22, 2015) — Terri Merrell, 19, is a lot like other young Osage women from the Osage Nation Reservation in Oklahoma. She lives in a small town with only a few employment and educational opportunities. But Merrell is among several local people who have signed up for an exciting opportunity that is still relatively new to the area. Operation AmeriCorps and Ta-Wa AmeriCorps, both managed by the Osage Nation Communities of Excellence Program, offer hands-on experience with unique community service driven projects that translates into specialized job training and educational opportunities for their members.
The Osage Nation and the Corporation for National and Community Service announced in August, the Nation is, “one of 10 communities nationwide to become a partner of the agency’s new Operation AmeriCorps initiative.” The total for the two-year project to build Wahzhazhe Eco Park along with continued work on Bird Creek Farms will be an investment of nearly $1.4 million.
Program Coordinator Nataska Rouse said the members will work on developing Bird Creek Farms, a new food sustainability project spearheaded by Communities of Excellence and the Osage Nation Executive Office. The Nation is utilizing previously unused land to develop Eco Park for gardens, crops, hiking trails, outdoor classrooms and other outdoor recreational services.
Rouse said, “AmeriCorps members will obtain organizational skills and other specialized skills associated with creating, developing, planning and designing Eco Park.”
Spotlight AmeriCorps Member-Merrell is this week’s Spotlight AmeriCorps Member. She can be seen around town working on various projects wearing the AmeriCorps logo just like all the other members do when working. Their service efforts extend to several areas including elder services and youth services to promote healthy living choices.
She had this to say about being a part of AmeriCorps and the community service projects at Eco Park and Bird Creek Farms in Pawhuska.
ON: Why did you apply to be an Operation AmeriCorps member?
M: I needed a job and it was a great opportunity to make a better future for myself.
ON: What is the greatest benefit of being an AmeriCorps member for you?
M: The Segal Scholarship Award, I will receive at the end of my term.
ON: What do you hope to give back or learn as an AmeriCorps member?
M: I’ve learned many new trades. For instance, I learned how to chainsaw properly. Also, I am now learning what an irrigation system is used for. I hope the new skills I learn will help me achieve my future goals.
ON: What are your educational and career goals?
M: I plan to further my education by attending college.
AmeriCorps Member Benefits
Monthly stipend:
$1044.17
Education Award; applies to any vocational, 4 year, or 2 year school and it may also may be applied to student loans.
$5,730.00 (per one year of service)
Childcare
Stipend toward medical if needed
Uniform
AmeriCorps T-shirt
Safety gear
Steel-toe work boots
Cargo pants khaki or black
Contact Nataska Rouse, Program Coordinator, at 918-287-5457 or visit https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov/what-we-do/communities-excellence to find out more about the Osage Nation Operation AmeriCorps.
Corporation for National and Community Service http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/operation-americorps
For Media Inquiries: Osage Nation Communications 918-287-5599