AmeriCorps - ServabilityCorps FAQ
For a downloadable version of these FAQ, please click here.
What is AmeriCorps?
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country’s critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to connect Americans of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to give back to their communities and their nation.
What is ServabilityCorps?
ServabilityCorps is a new AmeriCorps program at Hannah and Friends to increase awareness for individuals with special needs and create meaningful job and volunteer opportunities integrated within the community.
ServabilityCorps members will focus on two programs:
- “Be a Friend” Education Program - an education program and presentation that will teach students the importance of treating individuals with developmental disabilities with greater respect.The program aims to overcome the stigma that individuals with different abilities should be feared and ignored.
- “Dream Jobs” Mentor Program – A program to allow individuals with special needs the opportunity to be mentored by a current or retired professional in the community, as well as a chance to gain valuable job skills.
What is Hannah and Friends?
Hannah and Friends is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs.
Is there an age limit for ServabilityCorps participants?
The minimum age requirement is 17. There is no maximum age requirement.
Do ServabilityCorps members have to be U.S. Citizens?
No, but if not a U.S. Citizen, members must be a legal permanent resident or a U.S. national. Applicants will be required to provide proof of citizenship or naturalization.
Are their education requirements for ServabilityCorps members?
Members must possess a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
What if I don’t have experience with individuals with specials needs?
Hannah and Friends will provide training and orientation to learn valuable skills for serving and interacting with individuals with special needs.
Can I serve with ServabilityCorps if I have a disability?
Yes, equal access to program and services is available to all individuals.
Can I go to school or work while serving with ServabilityCorps?
Yes, you may go to school or hold a separate job while serving with ServabilityCorps. Please keep in mind that you must commit to a term of service with ServabilityCorps ranging from 300 to 900 hours of service. Not all hours will need to be completed at Hannah and Friends. Some hours can be completed at your own home or with other members away from the service site.
Where will hours be completed for ServabilityCorps?
Not all hours will need to be completed at Hannah and Friends. Some hours can be completed at your own home or with other members away from the service site. Members will also conduct visits to schools, business and other sites during their hours. There will be some optional AmeriCorps training that may require travel and overnight accommodations (paid for by the program).
When does ServabilityCorps begin?
For the 2011-2012 Program Year, there will be start dates in December 2011, January 2012, March 2012 and June 2012.
When does ServabilityCorps end?
For the 2011-2012 Program Year, there are end dates of May 15, 2012 and August 15, 2012.
What types of positions are available with ServabilityCorps?
ServabilityCorps positions are available for December 2011 through August 2012. All hours must be completed by established end date (latest end date is August 31, 2012).
Half Time – 900 hours of service
Reduced Half Time – 675 hours of service
Quarter Time – 450 hours of service
Minimum Time – 300 hours of service
How many positions are available with ServabilityCorps (for the 2011-2012 Program year)?
Half Time – 9
Reduced Half Time – 5
Quarter Time – 5
Minimum Time – 11
Will I receive training?
Yes. All members will receive training in First Aid and CPR, and will learn valuable skills for interacting with individuals with special needs.
Does being a ServabilityCorps members guarantee a job with Hannah and Friends?
No. Following successful completion of the program, members may apply for paid staff positions with Hannah and Friends depending on job availability.
What benefits do ServabilityCorps members receive?
Members receive a modest living allowance. This is not a wage, salary or pay check, it is a living allowance. Members receive this living allowance on a semi-monthly basis and it is taxable.
Upon successful completion of their term of service, members receive an education award. This award may be used to help finance current education at a qualified school or to pay off qualified student loans.
Term of Service |
Minimum # of Hours |
Education Award |
Living Allowance |
Half Time |
900 |
$2,775 |
$4,500 |
Reduced Half Time |
675 |
$2,114 |
$3,000 |
Quarter Time |
450 |
$1,468 |
$1,800 |
Minimum Time |
300 |
$1,175 |
$1,000 |
How will I be paid?
AmeriCorps members are not paid, they receive a living allowance. Hannah and Friends distributes the living allowance on a semi-monthly basis. The living allowance is taxable.
What is the Education Award?
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a benefit members receive upon successful completion of their term of service. The award can be used to go to specific schools or repay qualifying student loans. The award is subject to taxes. Additional information can be found at: http://edaward.org/
Is medical coverage provided?
Medical coverage is not provided to half time, reduced half time, quarter time or minimum time members.
Is housing provided?
It is up to each member to secure his or her own housing.
Are my transportation costs covered?
Travel to and from the service site each day is not considered service-related travel and is not reimbursable. Cost of transportation for authorized training or service assignments is covered.
How do I apply for ServabilityCorps?
You can find an application at www.hannahandfriends.org/AmeriCorps.html or by emailing Katie@hannahandfriends.org Completed applications and a copy of your resume are to be sent to:
Hannah and Friends
Attn: Katie Teitgen
51250 Hollyhock Road
South Bend, IN 46637
What is the application process?
Once you complete and submit application, you will then receive a confirmation (email, letter or phone call) that your application has been received. Applications will be reviewed and then applicants selected for an interview will be notified. Interviews will be scheduled. Following the interview stage, selected applicants will receive a member contract. Once the member contract is signed, members will be placed for their term of service.
Additional questions?
For additional questions about ServabilityCorps, please contact Katie Teitgen at Katie@hannahandfriends.org or 574-217-7860 x5
ServabilityCorps is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, political affiliation, or, in most instances, religion.
To return to the main ServabilityCorps page, please click here.
