Ellen F. Robertson/Councilmember
Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter
District, Richmond, Virginia
News Release/April 28, 2023
A statement from
Councilmember Ellen F. Robertson
Richmond City Council, Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District
Regarding Richmond to receive
more than $500,000 grant for AmeriCorps Public Health Work
“This
is a huge accomplishment for all our residents! When I found the AmeriCorps Public
Health Work grant opportunity I immediately set to work sheepherding the grant through
the process, working with partners, having Richmond apply, and securing it on
behalf of Richmond families, children, and community.
I am proud of this continuation of
my longstanding work, partnership, and collaboration with AmeriCorps over the past
25 years and my focus on public health and housing.
I am honored to have secured one of the first
competitive state AmeriCorps grants in Virginia in 1997 and to have provided vision
and leadership on behalf of the Highland Park Restoration and Preservation Program
(HP–RAPP), established to help ensure quality housing for all community residents.
HP–RAPP
AmeriCorps members conducted valuable restoration and preservation services
while learning to build homes and engage in community beautification efforts
while earning stipends and educational awards. Every participating AmeriCorps
program member was recruited locally from the Highland Park Community.
AmeriCorps
was and is an opportunity to change the trajectory of a person’s life. AmeriCorps
members who participated in the HP–RAPP Program gained tremendous experiences and
opportunities that marginalized Richmonders rarely get.
I
thank the City Chief Administrative Officer and the Mayor for joining me in
partnership on behalf of securing this grant for Richmond residents. And, for
the support of the city’s AmeriCorps Director, Council Staff, City Staff, and
grants and public health experts with WinderKim Consultants.
Throughout
the years, AmeriCorps has played a vital role in addressing some of the city’s
most critical issues including poverty mitigation through workforce
development. In the current AmeriCorps Public Health Work grant program, 16
individuals will be developed into community leaders and given an opportunity
to advance personally and professionally, while providing health related community
education and outreach.”
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