Sitka AmeriCorps is taking over the volunteer program long run by a Juneau non-profit.
Southeast Alaska Guidance Association, or SAGA, has been bringing AmeriCorps volunteers to Alaska for 20 years to work on service projects on public lands and volunteer with schools and nonprofits.
The organization told 19 volunteers serving around the state last week it was ceasing operation of its program due to financial troubles. The volunteers in Anchorage, Juneau, Homer, Seward and Cordova had contracts through the end of July.
Sitka AmeriCorps Coordinator Faith Lee says she’s thrilled the organization can help out.
“These kiddos are going to get to finish and complete their term of service and feel valued,” Lee says.
The Sitka School District runs the community’s AmeriCorps program. Lee says taking on SAGA’s volunteers will require hiring an additional part-time staff member to help out with reporting, filing, payroll and health insurance.
She says the arrangement will last through August, when the grant cycle ends.
SAGA received a $250,000 federal grant to help run the AmeriCorps program.
