The 2022-23 AmeriCorps term of service came to an end on August 31, 2023, with a total of 58 Community Corps and 17 Recovery Corps members successfully completing their term. Each individual dedicated their time to serving communities all across the state of Wisconsin, making a positive impact in all areas of public and community health – substance use prevention and recovery, mental health, environmental health, youth development, food security, nutrition, access to resources, health equity, and so much more.
While the endless individual stories of service are what truly speaks to the impact that was made, there are a few astonishing statistics that help to paint the picture of the service that took place. Throughout nearly 12 months, members across both programs completed a total of over 100,000 hours of service! This time included providing support to 45 Community Corps and 12 Recovery Corps non-profit, host site organizations and leveraging over 4,250 volunteers.
Furthermore, members from each program celebrated a few unique accomplishments. Recovery Coaches maintained relationships with 102 individuals in the community, guiding them through their own recovery journeys. 7 of our Community Corps members completed the Community Health Worker training through Milwaukee Area Health Education Center with 5 additional members beginning the training as well.
Several individuals even chose to extend their commitment of service for another term. 22 Community Corps and 11 Recovery Corps members will be returning to serve with us for the 2023-24 service term. The returning members will join a lively new cohort of individuals starting on September 11, 2023.
A special thanks to all who made this past year a success. We could not support such a successful program without Federal AmeriCorps, Serve Wisconsin, Marshfield Clinic Health System and their staff, non-profit organizations from across Wisconsin, site supervisors and, last but certainly not least, our dedicated AmeriCorps members.
Senator Tammy Baldwin Visits with Recovery Corps Member
August 14, 2023
While participating in a roundtable discussion with public health officials, law enforcement, and other community members in Ladysmith, a Recovery Corps member had the chance to share her story surrounding substance use. Jamie Thibedeau is now 2 and half years sober after battling addiction for 11 years. Within the past year, Jamie decided to not shy away from her recovery and instead 'recover out loud' by becoming a recovery coach. She uses her experience with addiction and recovery to help support individuals battling addition themselves, helping them to find their recovery too.
"It was just terrific to be here in Ladysmith, and hear from so many who are in the front lines of fighting our opioid epidemic, and other substance abuse epidemics that we see in our communities across the state," said Baldwin.
Jamie will continue her service as a recovery coach in the Ladysmith community during the 2023-24 AmeriCorps service term. To read more about what Jamie has to say, and the roundtable event, visit News 18 - WQOW.
Recovery Corps Member Presents at 2023 Wisconsin Harm Reduction Conference
July 2023
Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) AmeriCorps - Recovery Corps presented to over 400 attendees in June at the Wisconsin 2023 Harm Reduction Conference organized by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Their session entitled Nothing for Us Without Us: Navigating Recovery Pathways Together highlighted how their program addresses rural substance use through an integrated approach that leverages the voices of AmeriCorps members who have lived experience with substance abuse disorders, serving as recovery coaches. The presentation was led by MCHS Recovery Corps AmeriCorps member Jamie Thibedeau, who is serving at Marshfield Clinic Chippewa Falls Center, and MCHS program staff Meagan Barnett and Christina Garcia.
As part of their session, Jamie shared her personal story, including describing what service looks like for MCHS Recovery Corps members and how her AmeriCorps service has impacted her life. Reflecting on being able to share about the impact of the program, Jamie explained that "my experience speaking at the Harm Reduction Conference was inspirational and fulfilling. I believe that being seen and heard is vital in the recovery process, and being able to share my success with everyone was amazing. My goal is to put hope in the lives of everyone who attended the presentation that there is a beautiful life after addiction and I am living it! Also that professionals can see that there is a place for Recovery Coaches and AmeriCorps with MCHS Recovery Corps is the place to be!”
Pictured from left to right: Christina Garcia, Recovery Corps Program Staff, Meagan Barnett, Recovery Corps Program Staff, and Jamie Thibedeau, Recovery Corps Member
Governor's Service Awards Honors Community Corps Member
June 31, 2023
Each year individuals from across Wisconsin are recognized for their dedicated service to the community through the Governor's Service Awards - either for AmeriCorps service or volunteerism. This year, we were ecstatic to hear that Community Corps member, Jake Martin, was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for Southeast Wisconsin!
Jake started with Community Corps in January of 2023, serving at the United Way of Jefferson and Northern Walworth Counties. However, this recognition was specifically for his efforts that took place before becoming an AmeriCorps member. Jake was previously committed to volunteering for a community holiday toy drive when the event became in jeopardy of getting cancelled. He stepped up to save Christmas in big ways - scouring the internet for just the right toys and translating letters from Santa for refugee children.
On June 7, 2023, Jake was recognized for his efforts at the Governor's Service Awards Ceremony in Madison, WI. Jake is planning on returning for another term of service beginning in September 2023 with the United Way of Jefferson and Northern Walworth Counties.
Community Corps Member Shares Insights at Public Health Conference
May 26, 2023
On May 23, 2023, Community Corps member Melody Moe co-presented at the annual Wisconsin Public Health Association and Wisconsin Association for Local Health Departments and Boards Conference in Middleton, WI. The conference centered on Strengthening Foundations for Thriving Communities: Innovative Solutions for Health Equity. During one of the opening sessions, a number of representatives from local health departments joined Melody to share a new toolkit for injecting health equity into Community Health Assessments (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP).
Melody is currently serving at Watertown Health Department and has been highly involved in the county’s work on their CHA/CHIP. During the presentation, she spoke about the importance of using focus groups and key informant interviews to help determine the most important health issues occurring in the community. Specifically, she stated, “Focus Groups are important in our work because they give us a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. We are able to receive data and information from a diverse group of individuals within our community, which helps us to better prioritize their overall needs.”
When reflecting about her experience at the conference, Melody shared, “AmeriCorps has opened the door for me to serve at our local health department and learn all about the inner workings of public health. … Prior to my experience with AmeriCorps, I was not aware of the expansive work that public health does to keep our communities healthy. I am very thankful for all of the opportunities and learning experiences that I have been offered through this year of service, and I look forward to what is yet to come.”
The formal toolkit presented at the conference will be available to Wisconsin local health departments sometime later this year.
Melody is currently serving at Watertown Health Department and has been highly involved in the county’s work on their CHA/CHIP. During the presentation, she spoke about the importance of using focus groups and key informant interviews to help determine the most important health issues occurring in the community. Specifically, she stated, “Focus Groups are important in our work because they give us a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. We are able to receive data and information from a diverse group of individuals within our community, which helps us to better prioritize their overall needs.”