AmeriCorps | Cherry Health

What are the goals of Cherry Health AmeriCorps?

Increase access to and utilization of primary and preventive health care

Expand the capacity of our community health centers to provide quality health care, by enhancing patient access and comprehension of services

Enhance the quality and availability of preventive and primary care services and programs

Encourage members to pursue further education and careers in community health through mentorship and experiential learning

Create a culture of civic engagement and volunteerism to strengthen preventive and primary health care

Cherry Health AmeriCorps won Service Year Alliance’s 2017 Best Practices Competition for Best Member Experience!

Service Year Alliance is an organization that is “relentlessly pursuing a bold vision – making a year of service a common expectation and opportunity for all young Americans as a way to tackle important challenges while transforming their own lives.” They recently held a best practice competition for national service programs throughout the nation to find best practices to serve as a model for others to follow. Cherry Health AmeriCorps entered the competition in the Member Experience category and we were selected for two best in class awards in that category. Service Year Alliance identified our service learning approach to member training and development, our team newsletter, and member service orientation as best practices to share with other national service programs. We are proud to be recognized on a national level for the member experience we provide Cherry Health AmeriCorps members!

Why serve with AmeriCorps?

AmeriCorps is a real-life education and service experience wrapped into one. This program enables members to serve their communities while developing valuable professional and leadership skills.

By serving with us, you would:

Gain experience serving diverse populations
Learn transferable skills in the community health care field and primary care environment
Gain insight while serving in non-profit, community-based settings
Plan events and service projects
Gain personal satisfaction from taking on challenges and seeing results
Put your idealism into action
Meet lifelong friends with a common interest in health and community service
Gain leadership, problem-solving, communication and other professional skills

- “My service experience has taught me the more open-minded you are when encountering an individual, the more effective you can be at empowering him or her.”
  
  - COOPER W.
- “I feel that becoming an AmeriCorps member was a wonderful decision and opportunity. I have gained experience that I know will be beneficial to my life especially when it involves working with people. Participating in the AmeriCorps program is powerful!”
  
  - DIAMOND C.
- “Sometimes, a simple explanation can make a world of difference to a person who doesn’t have experience with health insurance. When a patient says he didn’t know what he would have done if you weren’t here to help, it really makes you feel like you’re making a difference.”
  
  - ABBY L.
- “I will always look back on my time in AmeriCorps with fondness and a grateful heart. I’m so thankful for the people I’ve met, the friends I’ve made, and the experiences I’ve had that have made me a stronger person.”
  
  - BEKA T.
- “I enjoyed serving at a federally qualified health center. It gave me the opportunity to interact with various demographic populations and learn from them also.”
  
  - JAKYRA K.
- “My attitude towards community service has become stronger. I feel I will always be a part of community service going forward in everything I do.”
  
  - LESIA M.

What do AmeriCorps Members do?

Members perform a variety of roles including:

Help people in need find a “medical home” and improve utilization of health services

Provide enrollment assistance for health insurance coverage, food assistance, and other social services

Community outreach to underserved populations

Help limited English proficient patients communicate effectively with their health care providers

Provide education and programs that promote health and wellness

Help link patients to community resources that impact health outcomes (transportation, food, etc.)

Eligibility Requirements:

United States citizen, national or lawful permanent resident
At least 18 years of age
High school diploma or GED
Strong commitment to service
Desire to serve medically underserved communities
Ability to work with diverse populations
Spanish fluency is preferred but not required for all positions

Benefits:

Living Allowance
$5,815 Education Award (upon successful completion)
Health Insurance
Student Loan Forbearance on qualified student loans
Extensive training and professional development
Child Care Assistance

Term of Service:

All Cherry Health AmeriCorps members must complete a minimum of 1700 service hours over a 12 month period.

How to Apply

To apply for an AmeriCorps position at Cherry Health, please click here to fill out the application, and submit to the contacts listed below.

If you have any questions please contact Kayla Doyle, Director of AmeriCorps, at 616.776.2270 or Randee Broemmel, AmeriCorps Assistant, at 616.776.2294 or send an email to americorps@cherryhealth.com