[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8620-S8621]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WV AMERICORPS PROJECTS

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
the West Virginia Americorps Program for their outstanding service and 
accomplishments. Currently, 500 Americorps members work at nearly 100 
sites throughout West Virginia. Americorps programs strive to extend 
and promote education for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds and 
to fulfill basic needs, such as, food, shelter, and health care, for 
West Virginians. By working together with the community, the members of 
Americorps search for solutions to improve the quality of life and 
expand opportunities for individuals who are less fortunate.
  Helping individuals become more independent and self-sufficient are 
goals of Americorps. To help people with multiple sclerosis, the West 
Virginia chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and 
Americorps members provide friendly home visits, organize peer support 
groups, and help them with their daily chores.
  The Energy Express Americorps opens new doors and expands the 
possibilities for children of West Virginia. This 6-week summer 
learning program provides nutritious meals, a safe learning 
environment, and positive role models. While developing a strong 
relationship between students and mentors, the children improve their 
reading skills. With the support of the community and the involvement 
and attention of parents and volunteers, children's self esteem is 
increasing and their reading skills are improving.
  Throughout the mountains of West Virginia, homes need constant care 
and attention. My colleagues know that floods, violent storms, and 
other uncontrollable factors can cause homes to deteriorate more 
rapidly. My State is

[[Page S8621]]

fortunate enough to have organizations like the Southern Appalachian 
Labor School, Fayette Environmentally Safe Housing, and Americorps 
volunteers to repair and remodel homes for low income families. With 
project partners and community support, West Virginia families may live 
in a safe, clean environment.
  Another Americorps program, Project HEALTH [Health Education 
Associates Learning to Teach Health], encourages healthy diets and 
lifestyles while increasing public awareness on health issues. Through 
a learn and serve america higher education grant, Project HEALTH and 
Americorps volunteers have a profound impact on rural communities. As a 
result of their hard work, communities have reduced illnesses and 
injuries, increased immunizations for children, improved the diets for 
high risk individuals, and reduced the number of low birth weight 
babies.
  While working class families struggle to find adequate child care and 
affordable health insurance, the cost of living rises. Parents must 
provide more than the basic needs for their families. However, with the 
aid of the Regional Family Resource Network and Americorps, these 
services become a reality. Immunizations, developmental screening, and 
after school services are available to families in Kanawha, Clay, and 
Boone counties in West Virginia. Preventive medicine, medical 
attention, and a safe environment for children after school are vital 
to raising healthy children.
  To help victims of domestic violence, the West Virginia Coalition 
Against Domestic Violence provides food and shelter, legal assistance, 
support, and counseling. With the assistance of Americorps volunteers, 
there are programs in Beckley, Charleston, Elkins, Huntington, Keyser, 
Lewisburg, Morgantown, Sutton, Welch, Wheeling, and Williamson. 
Emergency hot lines, resources, and counseling services are offered by 
the coalition also. Educating women about the warning signals and 
teaching them ways to avoid violent situations can prevent abusive 
behavior and possibly death. In West Virginia, there are twelve 
shelters providing services to victims.
  Finally, I'd like to thank all the volunteers and employees who 
dedicate their lives to public service, and I'd like to thank the 
community for their support and involvement in Americorps projects. 
Your time and effort are greatly appreciated by all. With your help, 
our state has been able to improve the quality of life for West 
Virginians and to increase the opportunities for them in the 
future.

                          ____________________