Project POWER is seeking dedicated individuals to fill 13 full-time positions to provide increased enrichment and mentoring services to vulnerable youth in western North Carolina. Each member will serve 1700 hours during a 12 month term. A program of Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County, Project POWER/AmeriCorps has contributed to the success of thousands of young people across the area.
PPAC members will strive to enhance the great work that PPAC community partners are already doing. PPAC will continue to provide sites with meaningful academic enrichment activities while extending our services to area nonprofits that are combatting food insecurity.
Service Activities
Academic enrichment activities, youth mentoring, volunteer coordination, and capacity building.
Community Need Addressed
According to NC Child, 41.7% of children live in poor or low-income homes. The Buncombe County School System reports working with over 400 students facing homelessness in the 2021/22 academic year. In Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools, over 50% of the student body receives free and reduced lunch. Poverty creates barriers that can inhibit a child's ability to succeed in school. Many families struggle to meet basic needs, resulting in lowered school attendance or the inability to focus on learning. PPAC provides academic enrichment programs through safe after-school programs, homework assistance, opportunities for physical activity, role modeling of nonviolent conflict resolution, and STEM instruction in formal academic settings.
Project POWER also focuses on Healthy Futures and food insecurity. Before the global pandemic, food insecurity in the US was the lowest it had been in more than 20 years. Unfortunately, the 2020 pandemic catapulted food insecurity across the United States and now 42 million people, including 13 million children, are experiencing food insecurity. PPAC Community Resource Specialists assist and support local nonprofits by enhancing and expanding services to provide more food to meet the nutritional and social needs of disadvantaged youth, families and older adults. They will be dedicated to teaching sustainable agricultural skills and resources in urban environments to promote social justice and economic viability to local students.
Position Outcomes
PPAC members will increase academic success rates for K-12 students, increase school readiness skills for Pre-K children and offer capacity building with partner organizations to increase their efficiency, effectiveness and program reach.
PPAC members will support non-profits in reducing food insecurity across the community by providing education, outreach, and nutrition/food support.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Professional Development and Training Opportunities:
Conflict Resolution
Budgeting
Interview Bootcamp
Resume Building
Clifton Strengths
CPR/First Aid/AED
Diversity Workshop
Poverty Simulation
Education Benefits
College Degree, GED/High School Diploma
CPR/First Aid
Budgeting
Interview Bootcamp
Resume Building
Mediation Training Certification
Conflict Resolution
Clifton Strengths
DEI
Skills you will gain
Timekeeping, CPR/First Aid, public speaking, project management, event planning, conflict resolution, reading and math tutoring, grant writing, financial literacy, data collection
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment