Two organizations and two Government of Guam agencies are receiving about $1.8 million in federal grant funding for various AmeriCorps programs on island.
According to Serve Guam Commission Executive Director Doris Aguon, they received the $1.8 million in grant funds from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The grants will go to Sanctuary Inc., Victim Advocates Reaching Out or VARO, Guam Homeland Security and the University of Guam.
The money will also help to recruit 200 members to address critical issues and provide a living allowance and scholarships to those who serve.
In addition, Aguon says Americorps grants help provide services to different focus areas through volunteer recruitment and management of volunteers.
“The whole point about writing this grant is to ensure that the people of Guam benefits from it. This is all coming from Magahåga. Magahåga says this is for the people of Guam. So, let’s keep writing the federal grants and let’s keep that money coming in and out,” Aguon said.
Americorps VARO Outreach Program Coordinator Jonathan Mendiola says as a subsidiary of their parent organization, the $360,000 in grant money they received will greatly benefit their program to assist those in need and suffering devastation.
“The monies do help with our whole program in providing for the community. The outreach and just helping the community raise their spirits and bring purpose to their lives … that’s what our members are doing out there right now,” Mendiola said.
The Serve Guam Commission is under the Office of the Governor and oversees all AmeriCorps programs on Guam.
Aguon also confirms that they received another $2 million grant that will go to the Guam Memorial Hospital, University of Guam, Sanctuary Inc. and Americorps VARO Outreach. Those grant-funded programs under those agencies and organizations will not begin until January 1, 2020.
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