3. Submit your application to Cherry Health AmeriCorps
Goals of Cherry Health AmeriCorps
Increase access to care by providing Medicaid and Marketplace application assistance
Improve health knowledge by providing community-based health education
Reduce language barriers by providing Spanish-English interpretation at health care visits
Strengthen safety net services in the Greater Grand Rapids area by partnering with other health and wellness focused non-profit organizations serving the underserved
Engage members in professional and personal development to identify and grow their skills and strengths through building self-awareness and providing experiential opportunities
Provide a high-quality, team-based service experience for members that fosters learning through experiences, trainings, and relationships in a supportive environment
AmeriCorps Pledge
I will get things done for America – to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier.
I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities.
Faced with apathy, I will take action.
Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground.
Faced with adversity, I will persevere.
I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond.
I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.
Serve with Cherry Health AmeriCorps
Give back to the community
Put idealism into action
Gain the experience needed to obtain employment and educational opportunities
Learn transferrable skills in the health care and non-profit environment
Build self-awareness to better understand your passion, purpose, and gifts
Experience growth by taking supported steps from the comfort zone to the courage zone
Access opportunities to develop leadership abilities
Make lifelong friends by meeting people committed to service and being the change
At Cherry Health AmeriCorps, we value:
Cultivating hearts of service that will last a lifetime in those who serve
Emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion by hiring a team that represents a wide range of identities and lifting barriers to service for those who desire to serve with Cherry Health AmeriCorps
Commit to being All In to realize the full potential of the service experience and optimize the impact on yourself and the community
“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.
AmeriCorps Eligibility Requirements and Benefits
Minimum Qualifications:
To participate in Cherry Health AmeriCorps applicants must meet the following criteria:
18 years of age or older
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident
Agree to undergo a criminal history background check and clear the check according to AmeriCorps regulations
Cherry Health AmeriCorps prohibits discrimination based upon race, ethnicity, color, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sex, age, religion, disability, political affiliation, marital status, parental status, or military status.
Reasonable accommodations available for interview and service assignment upon request.
Benefits:
Living Allowance: Members serving 35 hours per week earn $630 per pay period
Education Award: Members serving 1700 hours over 52 weeks earn $6,345 to use towards past, present, or future federally qualified educational expenses
Student Loan Forbearance: Members can put qualified student loans into forbearance while in service
Interest Payment: Members can request an interest accrual payment for the amount of interest that accrued on qualified student loans while in service
Health Insurance: Members are eligible for medical health coverage. The $363 monthly premium is covered by the program.
Childcare Assistance: Members who need childcare in order to serve are eligible for childcare assistance
Career Readiness: Team meetings and service projects provide valuable professional and personal development as well as networking opportunities
