COLUMBUS, OHIO – 80 AmeriCorps members were sworn into service today by Congressman Steve Stivers who officially administered the AmeriCorps pledge. This class, all of whom are serving with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, will join the more than 75,000 AmeriCorps members who serve throughout the country.

“AmeriCorps VISTA members do incredible work to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable in Ohio. Some of their projects include helping veterans who are looking for housing and employment, working with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks to fight hunger, and partnering with the Ohio Association of County Behavior Health Authorities to combat the opioid epidemic,” Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH) said. “It was an honor to lead the new VISTA members in their Oath of Service, and I look forward to seeing the contributions they make in our communities.”

After four days of training, the AmeriCorps VISTA members will disperse to communities throughout Ohio to serve with the following organizations: Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services, Family & Community Services, Inc., Franklinton Gardens, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, Ohio Association of County and Behavioral Health Authorities, Ohio Association of Foodbanks, and US Together. During their year of service, they’ll work to address some of Ohio’s most pressing challenges.

The AmeriCorps VISTA members will strengthen local efforts to combat the opioid epidemic through community outreach, expand the work of organizations that fight hunger, connect veterans to jobs and affordable housing, and implement financial literacy, affordable housing and workforce development programming.

Congressman Stivers also recognized the more than 9,000 AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members who serve throughout Ohio. Supported by a federal investment of $26.2 million, at more than 1,300 locations, they are helping young students read, supporting aging adults to live independently, and addressing the opioid crisis, and more.