AmeriCorps Seniors Program in Macon County
The HAP Foundation has received a federal grant from AmeriCorps Seniors to develop a Seniors Workforce Program in Illinois.
Following the success in Peoria and Sangamon Counties, we are now bringing this program to Macon County, with expansion to Knox and Rock Island over the next two years.
AmeriCorps Seniors (Ages 55+) Workforce Program
The Seniors Workforce Program at The HAP Foundation will provide adults 55+ with the opportunity to develop skills to be a Community Health Worker. If you are a trusted member of your community, demonstrate empathy and compassion for others, enjoy connecting community resources with people, and promote a healthy lifestyle, this could be a great career for you!
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism that provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities.
What will the program provide?
The program will train people who are 55+ to re-enter the workforce as Community Health Workers (CHW). A CHW serves as a link between healthcare and social service organizations to remove barriers and improve health outcomes.
What will I do?
For 11 weeks, participants will attend 4-5 hours of in-person classroom training. During this time individuals will learn about volunteer opportunities within their community. By the end of the training all individuals will be placed with a community-based organization where they will volunteer up to 6 hours a week.
Volunteer work will vary, based on the needs of the organization, but the goal is that individuals will have the opportunity to develop the community health worker skills they learned in the classroom.
Projects may include:
- Developing and delivering a presentation to educate community members about a health issue.
- Motivating and encouraging people to obtain general primary health care and other services and support self-management of disease prevention and management of health conditions.
- Providing necessary information at local agencies and community events to help people understand and prevent diseases or manage health conditions, chronic disease, and serious illness.
- Conducting health awareness campaigns and disease prevention education.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for this AmeriCorps Seniors program in Macon, you must be:
- 55 or older at the time you begin the program.
- A U.S. citizen or permanent resident; and live in or close to Macon County.
- Able to provide proof of health insurance.
- Able to provide proof of auto insurance if the on-the-job training. assignment requires driving, however, having a car and driving is not a requirement to participate in the program.
- At this time training is only available in English.
Commitment:
- Individuals must commit to 10 hours a week.
- Attend a 4-hour training, weekly for 11 weeks. We anticipate the training to begin Wednesday, March 12th.
- Held at the Decatur Library – 130 N. Franklin Street, Decatur
- Work up to 6 hours each week at a local organization. Days and times to be determined. This can last for up to 5 months.
What are the benefits of participating in the AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce program?
Participants will:
- Receive at least 40 hours of training in areas that are recognized nationally as core competencies to be a Community Health Worker.
- Receive job training at a healthcare or community-based organization.
- Receive a monthly stipend of up to $200.
- After completion of the project and training, you will receive a certificate confirming completion of basic CHW core competencies.
- Receive support in finding employment upon training and project completion.
How can I learn more?
For more information, contact Rachael Telleen at: (312) 741-1290 Rtelleen@thehapfoundation.org
How do I apply?
Deadline to apply is February 17, 2025.
At this time we are only accepting applications for individuals living in or close to Macon County.
Contact Information
Rachael Telleen
Executive Director of Workforce Development and Education
The HAP Foundation
Rtelleen@TheHAPFoundation.org
312-741-1290
Non-Discrimination Statement
The HAP Foundation, the AmeriCorps Seniors Workforce Demonstration Program, and its host sites do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972).
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