Dear community,
I know we have all been inundated with messages about the impacts of federal cuts on critical services that support our community. Unfortunately, our programs have been severely impacted by the federal government’s decision to cut AmeriCorps. 826 Valencia has been a proud AmeriCorps partner for a decade, and we had 15 AmeriCorps members on staff this year.
Our AmeriCorps members dedicate a year of service to provide tailored and responsive writing tutoring for our youth. They help us reduce the ratio in our programs to 1 adult for every 3 students, which enables the individualized support that is central to 826 Valencia’s model.
We have seen firsthand how the AmeriCorps program engages a pipeline of compassionate, talented, and diverse educators who make a positive impact here in San Francisco. Many of our AmeriCorps members have gone on to become full-time staff at 826 Valencia, teachers, and changemakers in the field of education. In fact, my first job out of college was an AmeriCorps role that catapulted my career in education, providing me with training, a professional network, and an education award.
As Executive Director, I see how these cuts are not only harming the AmeriCorps members but also negatively impacting the students who receive their love and support. We need to raise an extra $150K to cover unexpected costs for replacing this program this year—a number that will only grow as we build a new staffing structure for next year. Please help us save these vital roles so we can write a better future together. Call your representative, donate, and get involved today.
Bita Nazarian, 826 Valencia Executive Director