AmeriCorps Members provide instruction to inmates within 6 months of release throughout the state prison complex system and reentry centers. AmeriCorps Members work in teams to support the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry teachers and Correction Officers in educating inmates preparing to exit the state prison complex and re-enter their communities.
Through educational programs for inmates such as: release and reintegration, instruction in changing offender behavior, money management, basic education, literacy, substance abuse treatment, community resources, money management and parenting for inmates AmeriCorps members aid in expanding the Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry's capacity to provide services to inmates. AmeriCorps Members help better prepare them for obtaining and maintaining legitimate employment upon re-entry and reducing recidivism rates.
Mission
To aid in reducing recidivism by 25% in 10 years by providing inmates with the knowledge and resources needed to be successful upon release.
What is AmeriCorps and where do AmeriCorps Members serve?
The Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry AmeriCorps Program is a program of the Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family and the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. CNCS engages millions of Americans in citizen service through its AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs and leads the nation’s volunteer and service efforts. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.
AmeriCorps Members serve in select state prison complexes and reentry centers throughout Arizona with programs such as:
Locations
Arizona State Prison Complexes
Douglas- Douglas, AZ 85607
Eyman- Florence, AZ 85132
Florence- Florence, AZ
Lewis- Buckeye, AZ 85326
Perryville- Goodyear, AZ 85395
Phoenix- Phoenix, AZ 85008
Safford- Safford, AZ 85546
Tucson- Tucson, AZ85734
Winslow- Winslow, AZ 86047
Yuma- San Luis, AZ 85349
Reentry Centers
Maricopa Reentry Center- Phoenix, AZ 85027
Pima Reentry Center- Tucson, AZ 85713
Service locations are determined based on the need of the location and distance for the AmeriCorps Member
Stories of Service -
AmeriCorps member Jesse R. participated in the Covid vaccination program held at the UA site in Tucson as part of his civic duty fulfillment. He will soon be completing his second term of service at PRC in Tucson.
AmeriCorps members from MRC and PRC recently “left their mark” on their respective facilities that will benefit the lives of hundreds of offenders far into the future.
At MRC in Phoenix, the members refurbished the on-site bookcases and removed the old, tattered books and replaced them with titles that would promote self-help, discovery, learning, adventure, classic fiction, dictionaries and historical value. They also included several Spanish-version books. To help speed the process and make it more convenient, the members set up a program through Amazon where those interested in helping could order from a pre-selected “wish list” and have them shipped directly to MRC. Over 200 books were donated, along with approximately another 200 used titles donated with the help of local friends, family and book club members. The books were sorted into categories and placed on the bookshelves in each unit. Their enthusiastic endeavor allowed them to fill 12 bookcases with similar titles (two bookcases in each housing unit). Their goal and the reason for choosing this particular project was to provide future residents with a variety of interesting reading materials that would open their minds to information, experiences and learning.
The members at PRC Tucson decided to set up a resource space for offenders and parolees to gather information on ways to further their educations. They found that so many of them have a desire to continue their educations but were intimidated by the cost of college classes and didn’t know where to turn for help. In order to make it easy to pass along important resources to future parolees, the members set up an Education Resources Board and matching PowerPoint presentation at PRC. Some of the topics include earning a degree, learning a trade, filling out a FASFA (Federal Student Aid) or completing their GED. It also includes the steps needed to apply for a Pell Grant to qualify for free tuition through University of Arizona. The members hope to fill a gap by turning the offenders and parolee’s strengths into skills and careers, which will in turn allow the parolees to obtain housing and provide a strong foundation for their future.
Both sites appreciate all the hard work and dedication that went into these projects and know that they have made lasting contributions that will enrich the reentry centers.
AmeriCorps members from Tucson's PRC volunteered their time at Las Milpitas Community Farm where they assisted with the gardens. One of the members also spent time at the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona helping pack supplies for those in need..
ADCRR AmeriCorps program at MRC recently lent a helping hand by volunteering at Spaces of Opportunity community garden. They took up shovels and worked in the fields in addition to painting bricks with a numbering system that identifies the rows.They finished off their day of service by removing trash and weeds from the perimeter of the garden.
AmeriCorps members at MRC Phoenix completed their holiday toy drive, sponsored by Harvest Compassion Center. Gifts will be distributed to children just in time for Christmas. Thanks to participants for making a difference this year!
AmeriCorps members from MRC Phoenix are giving back to the community by hosting a holiday toy drive, sponsored by #HarvestCompassionCenter. They are accepting new unwrapped toys until Dec. 18, in the MRC reception area. #Reentry @AmeriCoprs #GetThingsDone @AZGOYFF
Two recent AmeriCorps members at Perryville had a tremendous impact on their students. Data shows both assisted in academic growth, averaging an increase of 4.2 grade levels and student’s pass rates increased by an average of 11.6%!
ADOCRR AmeriCorps Program/AmeriCorps Phoenix and Tucson members participated in the national AmeriCorps Week on Wednesday March 11, 2020 by volunteering for a day at the CASS shelter in Phoenix and at the Emerge! Center Against Domestic Abuse in Tucson. Pictured is S. Elliott at the Tucson location sorting items in their supply room.
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 20, 2020, marked the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. ADCRR AmeriCorps Program/AmeriCorps Phoenix members joined forces with various volunteer groups by helping paint the house of a disabled Veteran. In Tucson, our AmeriCorps members helped expand a farm and community garden.
Recent AmeriCorps members taught offenders money management skills at Maricopa Reentry Center. Their students learned the importance of savings accounts, budgets and paying bills from a checking account, among other things.
Making a difference in how offenders cope with drugs and alcohol, AmeriCorps member Klinkner taught Maricopa Reentry Center offenders several classes on Drug and Alcohol Education. He hopes his students make positive choices as they transition back to their daily lives.
Join
Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry AmeriCorps Program needs you!
Quarter Time AmeriCorps Program Members - 450 hours over a six month term:
Click here to learn how to apply!
AmeriCorps Team Leaders- 900 hours
Eligibility
- 18 years of age or older
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or legal permanent resident alien of the United States
- Ability to commit to described term of service
- Desire to serve in a prison environment and teach inmates
- Ability to pass multiple background checks, drug and alcohol test
Benefits
- Earn a Living Allowance
- Education Award upon completion of service to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational training, certificate programs, or repay student loans
- Student loan deferment
- Skills and training
- Potential career opportunities
- Serving your country and giving back
- Potential to serve and earn internship hours for college programs**
Apply to Serve
Submit your resume at azstatejobs.azdoa.gov
Keyword: AmeriCorps
AND
Apply online at my.americorps.gov
Select Arizona Department of Corrections as the Program
What steps would I take to be considered?
The process can take up to 2-3months
What happens if I make it to Step 5 and I am selected?
Equal Employment Opportunity
It is the State of Arizona’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. All individuals are to be treated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner throughout the employment process.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The State of Arizona follows the ADA, as amended, by ensuring equal employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities and by providing employees, visitors, and contractors with equal access to facilities, programs, and services. For additional assistance, contact your agency’s Human Resources office.