The Fresno Safe and Proud Neighborhoods (FSPN) AmeriCorps Program, lead by EOC in collaboration with the Fresno Citizen Corps, is an advocate for public safety efforts that improve the quality of life in Fresno County neighborhoods

AmeriCorps members make a difference in our community, serving in public safety or youth services positions at program partner sites throughout Fresno County. Partner sites include city, county and nonprofit organizations.

Program Benefits
AmeriCorps volunteers who complete the 1700-hour full-time (FT) or 900-hour part-time (PT) commitment will receive:

• up to $12,200 (FT) or $6,458 (PT) living allowance
• $4,725 (FT) or $2,362.50 (PT) education award
• health and dental care and, if qualified, child care (FT only)
• deferment or forbearance on student loans

In addition to gaining a rewarding experience, AmeriCorps members will receive the following training and certifications:

• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• first aid and CPR
• disaster preparedness & emergency response
• professional development
• civic engagement

Positions Available
Public Safety Awareness

• Fire Department Ambassador Schedule and give presentations to organizations and schools on fire safety, emergency evacuation plans, disaster preparedness and general public safety awareness.  Plan, develop, and coordinate programs that address community member involvement and volunteerism in all aspects of public safety.

• Citizen Corps / OES Ambassador Create outreach materials to increase awareness of emergency preparedness programs.  Promote the ideals of citizenship, responsibility, and service to community and country.  Support disaster and volunteer management for Fresno Citizen Corps and the Fresno County Office of Emergency Services.

• 2-1-1 Program Ambassador Provide direct and comprehensive community information and referral phone service to residents. 

• Police Department Ambassador Ensure community-wide coordination and consistency of Neighborhood Watch groups; and assist with facilitation of group meetings.  Participate in various crime prevention and nuisance abatement activities.  Unique positions are available with the graffiti abatement unit.

Youth Service Positions

• Police Activities League (PAL) Program Ambassador Lead after school and day camp activities including sports, arts and crafts, computer lab and homework tutoring.  Mentor and build relationships with the youth that participate in the PAL Program.  Recruit volunteers to become mentors to PAL participants.

• Care Fresno Program Ambassador Establish new and support existing Care Fresno after school programs in apartment complexes that have a high number of calls for police services.  Recruit and train church and community volunteers and implement new programs at sites.  Work to establish disaster preparedness plans in local churches and apartment complexes.

• Sanctuary Program Ambassador Provide street outreach services to runaway, homeless, and vulnerable youth.  Services include response referrals and information on housing and education encouraging youth to return to a safe place, shelter, or their homes.  Inform youth how to access community resources for clothes, food, and health care; as well as provide one-on-one and small group counseling.

• United Way Program Ambassador Develop and lead enrichment activities for youth attending out-of-school programs.  Recruit and coordinate community volunteers for youth programs that require additional support.

Eligibility:

• be 18+ years of age
• have a high school diploma or GED
• pass a Department of Justice background check
• possess a valid California Driver's License (preferred)
• have reliable transportation
• be available to serve 34 hours/week (full-time-1700 hrs) or 20 hours/week (part-time-900 hrs)
• make a 1-year commitment