Spring 2009
First Lady Mari Culver’s Shelter Awareness Day
Service Spotlight- AmeriCorps VISTA Member Melissa Simmermaker
Governor Culver recognizes National Volunteer Week in Iowa
President Obama Signs Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
Legislature Acts to Expand Service and Honor AmeriCorps
President Obama Issues FY10 Budget Request for National Service
CNCS Launches National Listening Tour on Serve America Act
First Lady Mari Culver’s Shelter Awareness Day
Hundreds of Iowans answered First Lady Mari Culver’s call to serve at their local shelters during her second annual Shelter Awareness Day on Saturday, April 25. Volunteers spruced up the shelters, donated thousands of needed goods, demonstrated the importance of volunteering, and raised awareness of the services that our shelters provide. Over thirty domestic violence, homeless, and youth shelters across Iowa participated in the day held in conjunction with National Volunteer Week.
The current economic uncertainty and rising unemployment, coupled with the natural disasters of 2008, have brought increased challenges for those already struggling. In these tough economic times, Iowans continue to offer their hearts and hands to help others in need. Shelters, which often operate on shoestring budgets, were most appreciative of the great work accomplished and the generous donation of goods.
