Category: cccs

The Connecticut Commission on Community Service is responsible for managing programs established by the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. Its primary objective is to support service and civic engagement aiming to strengthen communities across Connecticut. In collaboration with the Office of Higher Education the Commission provides funding and assistance to programs that encourage all residents of Connecticut to participate in volunteer work.

Activities and Impact of the Commission;

• For up to date information on;Activities related to National Service in Connecticut
• Technical assistance training sessions and events organized by the Commission
• The impact of National Service in ConnecticutNews and updates from the Commission
• Programs offered by AmeriCorps Connecticut
• Funding opportunities within AmeriCorps
• National Service opportunities for community volunteering through AmeriCorps

Structure and Activities of the Commission;

• Members and Staff of the Commission Board
• Meetings organized by the Commission
• Strategic Planning undertaken by the Commission

Please visit www.ServeCT.org.

If you would like to receive our Serve Connecticut e newsletter, which provides information on funding, training and service opportunities available, in our state please click here.

The Commission consists of a board comprising at 15 and no more than 25 voting members. Their primary role is to carry out the mission and goals outlined in the State Service Plan well as fulfill the statutory responsibilities granted to the state service commission under 42 U.S.C. § 12638 and the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1990 as amended by the Serve America Act.

Commission members act as “service liaisons”, within their sectors and local communities. Their main objective is to promote service opportunities and encourage volunteerism among all individuals. It’s important to note that these members can serve for a maximum of three terms without receiving any salary.

Iona Black
Chemistry Professor, School of Medicine
Yale University

William Dyson, Chairman
Political Science, Professor
Central Connecticut State University

Matthew Farley
Regional Director
Campus Compact for Southern New England

Senator Paul Formica
District #20
East Lyme

Carla Friedman
Youth Leadership Consultant

Trudy Higgins
Retired, Vice President of Community Services
BHcare, Inc.

Timothy D. Larson
Executive Director
CT Office of Higher Education

Margaret McCreedy
Elder Services
New Opportunities for Waterbury

Anne M. Ostberg
Corporation for National and Community Service

Cherlyn Poindexter
Retired
City of New Haven

Sandra S. Santy, New Haven
Retired, Tutor Coordinator
The Mercy Learning Center

Kanwaljit Singh
Software Engineer
GE Digital

Theresa Strong
RSVP Manager
Community Renewal Team, Hartford 

Patricia Tarasovic
Vice President, Community Engagement
Valley United Way

Crystal Whipple
Vice Chairwoman
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation

Commission Staff

Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director
Adrienne Eckman, Program Officer
Melissa Georges, Senior Training Officer
Kate Scheuritzel, Director of Programs

On November 7 over 350 individuals gathered to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The event was headlined by Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation, who delivered a speech and administered the oath to Connecticuts newest AmeriCorps members.

“What a day!! ” exclaimed Sheila Greenstein, Program Director of AmeriCorps at AARP Experience Corps. “The feedback from my members who attended the launch has been overwhelmingly positive. They thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. From the speakers and food to the venue.. Most importantly they cherished spending time with their fellow AC members. They spoke about feeling invigorated by the commitment and excellence displayed by these participants. I wholeheartedly agree.”

Bill Dyson, Chair of the Connecticut Commission on Community Service warmly welcomed everyone to this full day event held at Trumbull Marriott. The attendees were inspired by a captivating talk from speaker Dr. Michael Fowlin before engaging in a range of workshops focused on effective communication, team building and creating inclusive environments. Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission concluded the day by extending her congratulations to all AmeriCorps members as they embark on their service in various programs, across Connecticut.

Responsibilities;

• Participate in decision making regarding policies related to the Commissions objectives
• Familiarize yourself with the expectations set by the federal government for Commissioners as well as Connecticuts enabling statute
• Actively engage in commission meetings
• Bring matters relevant to your sector to the attention of CCCS (Connecticut Commission on Core Services)
• Commit to understanding how information and events align with the Commissions Vision, Mission, Values and Goals
• Support CCCS in its efforts to fulfill its mission
• Act as a liaison for programs
• Provide advice and expertise to commissioners and staff contributing towards CCCS’ performance improvement
• Facilitate connections that provide access to various resources in order to aid CCCS’ successAdditionally outside of core board activities assist CCCS in achieving its goals by fostering connections, with communities of interest.