March 8-16 is AmeriCorps Week, a time to thank members for their service and highlight the great work they do nationwide. As part of our 10 year anniversary celebration, CEDAM is running a “Where are they now?” blog post series, featuring four AmeriCorps alumni who served with the Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps during the 2012 program year.

CEDAM’s AmeriCorps program began during the foreclosure crisis. In 2009, we brought on our first cohort of Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Corps, which was the only AmeriCorps program in the country focused on keeping people in their homes. Our members served day in and day out as the boots on the ground. They spent countless hours with Michiganders at risk of losing their homes, helping people understand complicated paperwork, and confusing laws. The foreclosure prevention landscape was ever changing, which added even more challenges to the AmeriCorps service year. Spending a year preventing foreclosures required AmeriCorps members to be constantly learning and evolving. 

The four members featured spent the year serving as the first point of contact for Michigan residents at risk of losing their homes. Each member featured certainly dealt with challenges during their terms, but they all agree that their AmeriCorps experience helped make them who they are today.

Over the next week, read about how AmeriCorps impacted their trajectory — both personally and professionally — and hear what suggestions they have for members currently serving. From running their own AmeriCorps program, to producing television shows and films in Hollywood, our AmeriCorps alumni sure know how to continue “getting things done for America!”

Where Are They Now?

Amanda Elliott: From AmeriCorps Member to Award-Winning Program Director

Amy Evans: AmeriCorps Service as a Local Foot-in-the-Door

Madeline Jaks: Perseverance Pays Off for AmeriCorps Site Supervisor of the Month

Angie Pollema: How Juggling Multiple Priorities During Service Prepared Angie for Hollywood

CEDAM is celebrating ten years of AmeriCorps with the 2019-20 cohort! We’re marking the occasion with a blog series and alumni events, spending some time reflecting on the past, and looking into the future.