West Chester, PA – Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan invites the community to her upcoming 84th town hall, set to take place on March 16 at St. Paul’s Baptist Church.
The focus of this engaging event is the transformative impact of public service—a topic close to Houlahan’s heart, shaping her roles as a U.S. Air Force officer, former science teacher with Teach for America, and elected official representing PA-06.
This particular town hall holds special significance as it aligns with the culmination of AmeriCorps Week, celebrating AmeriCorps’ 30th anniversary. Houlahan has prioritized supporting public service organizations like AmeriCorps, which annually provides over five million individuals with service opportunities through stipends and volunteer work.
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects over 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, and homeland security.
AmeriCorps’ members serve with more than 2,000 non-profits, public agencies, and community organizations. AmeriCorps is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens.
Members serve in full or part-time positions over a 10-12 month period. Upon completion of their service, members receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans.
Those members who serve part time will receive a partial education award. Those members who participate in the VISTA program also have the option to select either the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or an end-of-service stipend of $1,200.
Members also have access to other benefits such as: health insurance, child care, training, and student loan forbearance during their service. Some members also receive a modest annual living allowance depending on the terms of their program. AmeriCorps’ consists of three programs in which applicants may enroll: (1) VISTA; (2) NCCC; and (3) AmeriCorps State and National.
The event, scheduled to commence at 1 p.m., will feature a dynamic conversation with special guests Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, and Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr., Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, who will serve as the moderator. Following the town hall, a Resource Fair at 2 p.m. will showcase service organizations within the community.
Readers are encouraged to participate by RSVPing through a one-question survey provided by Congresswoman Houlahan, ensuring they receive helpful reminders about seating, parking, and other event details.
In a recent demonstration of her commitment to public service, Congresswoman Houlahan penned a letter to House leadership urging the preservation of funding for AmeriCorps, which is at risk in this year’s budget. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Houlahan on this work and other public service initiatives during the town hall.