EXPLORE THE BENEFITS OF SERVING WITH TRUE NORTH AMERICORPS
stipend every two weeks
Members are paid a stipend every two weeks. Full time members receive up to $2,000 pre-tax monthly. This stipend is taxed as income and members must complete a W-4. See our Applicant Guide for the full breakdown of stipends and position sizes.
Education Award
Members who successfully complete their term of service will receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $6,985. Awarded at the end of your service term, it can be used to pay educational costs at eligible post secondary institutions, repay qualified student loans, or be transferred to a child or grandchild if you are over 55.
Free Family Membership to the Y
A free family membership is supplied to all serving members. This includes two adults and any children in a household under the membership. Visit this link to learn more about what membership includes.
federal student loan forbearance
If a member is making payments to a federally-backed education loan, payments can be put into forbearance during their service term. Upon successful completion of the program, the accrued interest will be paid by the National Service Trust. Learn more about loan forbearance on the AmeriCorps website.
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Full time members are eligible to enroll in health, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of the premium paid. The plan is managed through Cigna and includes medical coverage for individual members. It does not cover dependants.
Child Care Assistance
Members may qualify to receive child-care assistance through a program administered by GAP Solutions, Inc. in order to be eligible for the assistance program, members must meet income requirements and serve in a full time capacity. Visit the GAP AmeriCorps website for additional details, frequently asked questions, and the rules and regulations of the program.
Professional Development
True North AmeriCorps members participate in ongoing professional development facilitated by program staff and local youth development leaders. Topics include social emotional learning, group facilitation, leadership skills, volunteer management, data collection, cultural competency, and much more. Many TNAC members make connections in their service term that boost them into a career!
Triston and Jon: Serving Youth at the Boys and Girls Club - Lincoln Park Branch
The Boys and Girls Club in Lincoln Park is a bustling, happy place. From the moment youth arrive at the front desk, staff make sure kids are safe and feeling welcomed. On the day we visited, kids were in the gym playing games with True North AmeriCorps member Triston Wells- Gibby. Rotating through floor hockey, tag, and dodgeball, the kids got to move their bodies and play with supportive encouragement from the staff.
“It’s funny because all the staff who are here now, started after me,” Triston chuckled. “In many ways I trained them! They still come to me to check in and ask questions.”
Triston is serving his second year-long term with TNAC and the Boys and Girls Club. His experience and wisdom are a clear asset to the staff he serves with. One of those coworkers shared that Triston is “so good with the kids. He showed me the ropes and I especially appreciate how he has helped me learn how to build relationships with the kids here at BGC. I really like working with him.”
Lincoln Park Branch Director Jon Phipps and Triston both grew up attending youth programming; Triston at BGC and Jon at Valley Youth Center. “This is a very familiar place. It feels like home,” said Triston. Jon added, “It’s like a family here. I realize how important it is for kids to have a safe place to come and to be able to spend time with adults who care and get them.”
That’s exactly the purpose of True North AmeriCorps members; to be there for youth and support them. Triston adds extra capacity to the center to support those kids who need it. Jon added, “Triston is able to be there more often for relationship building. If a kiddo is needing extra time, he can fill that gap. That is so important! I see him going the extra mile, with all of the give and take with the kids. He sees them. And he lets them see him, too!”
True North AmeriCorps is facilitated by the Duluth Area Family YMCA and funded by AmeriCorps, ServeMinnesota, and our local partners.
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