AmeriCorps Five To Ninety-Five Now Recruiting

NEW POSITION — APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2021

THE AMERICORPS FIVE TO NINETY-FIVE PROJECT

“Be the Adult You Needed When You Were A Kid!”

If you want to be on the ground floor of design and implement a year-round program that gives elementary and middle school students their voice; provides a safe and comfortable place for them to develop their interests and talents, participate in enrichment and recreational activities on-site and on tour, and discover and bolster their strengths – all the while promoting intergenerational relationships and fun activities for youth and elders together . . . then Van Buren at the top of Maine is the place for you!

Primary Contact: David Cote, LCSW

Address: 174 Main St., Van Buren, ME 04785

Phone: (207) 868-9895

Email: vanburenresiliencyproject@gmail.com

Counties served: Aroostook

Project Mission

Our mission is to build a trauma-informed community that exemplifies our program motto, “Be the adult you needed when you were a kid.” We strive to empower children and older adults to be their healthiest and happiest selves through positive relationships, support, and mentorships that benefit everyone involved.

Goals

Develop and provide an outside-school-time (OST) program that provides a safe and supportive place for children outside of school hours
Assist elders in obtaining the support and services they need to live happily and productively in their own community.
Bring elders and youth together in recreational, social, and service activities
Emphasize intentional relationships built on trust, friendship, and fun.
Ensure positive relationships through effective staff screening, training, and matching processes.
Encourage mental health and resilience through education, support, and positive experiences.
Increase the social wellbeing, self-esteem, and sense of belonging of youth and elders.
Increase self-regulation and positive social-emotional development in youth.
Recruit and support a pool of volunteers to assist in activities that encourage resiliency to elders and youth.

Position(s) Overview

Youth and Elder Development Specialists help to facilitate a mentorship program between elders and middle school students in an out-of-school time (OST) program. They will also assist in organizing a self-governing elder program that will easily and personably connect members to much-needed resources. Both programs will take place in Van Buren, Maine starting in October 2021.

Service Activities

Serve directly with elementary and middle school children within OST programs that promote social and emotional learning, enrichment experiences, and youth leadership.
Provide support and encouragement to elders by initiating and providing services that promote mental and physical health, nutrition, safe and secure shelter in their own homes, and recreational and enrichment opportunities.
Initiate and participate in activities to bring elders and youth together.
Assist in educational events to inform community members about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and engage them in activities that promote positive childhood experiences and resilience in our community.
Participate in year-long training to better provide trauma-informed care to those participating in the AmeriCorps Five to Ninety-Five activities.

Requirements

Candidates for AmeriCorps membership and selection as Youth and Elder Development Specialists must

Be at least 18 years old
Possess a GED or high school diploma. An associate or bachelor’s degree is a plus.
Successfully complete a criminal background check and fingerprinting
Be willing to serve youth and elders on a flexible schedule
Have an active driver’s license with a clean record
Actively engage in relevant training and certification courses

Apply

If you would like to discuss how you can contribute to youth and elder wellness in the Van Buren and Limestone, Maine areas, please contact David Cote at (207) 868-9895 or vanburenresiliencyproject@gmail.com.

Applications Open Until DECEMBER 31, 2021