Chelsea Evans and Matthew Snider are making a difference in Stokes County. The two young adults have been accepted into AmeriCorps, a nationally based community civics program that provides services to meet pressing needs across NC communities. They are two of 25 people selected within the state.

The nine counties participating are: Alexander, Stanly, Rowan, Davidson, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Guilford and Alamance. Stokes Partnership for Children received a Federal AmeriCorps grant of $327,576 which funds the program through the NC Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service.

Evans and Snider work five days a week at local childcare facilities to relieve teachers who are enrolled in courses geared towards an early childhood degree. This relief provides three to six hours of time enabling teachers to attend classes, complete homework or study. In return, AmeriCorps members earn an education award of up to $4,725 that can be used to pay for college or reimburse qualified school loans for up to seven years.

Evans, one of five children, isn’t new to volunteerism. She has been involved in 4-H, along with her other siblings, since the age of five when her mother led the group. Through 4-H, she has worked with Adopt-A-Highway, as a library receptionist, and has contributed to NC state and local fairs.

“AmeriCorps is a great program, especially if you love working with kids. It really allows you to give back to your community,” Evans stated.

Evans is relieving Sandra Thompson, a teacher at New Life

Center in Walnut Cove.

“Having Chelsea in the classroom has been helpful. I learn new things by watching her. It’s beneficial for me to see different styles and techniques of teaching,” Thompson said.

Thompson, who utilizes her time to study while Evans is there, is enrolled at UNCG and is preparing to graduate in December of this year.

Snider, 22 years old, is interested in Early Childhood Education. He works in a Pre-Kindergarten class at King Childhood Development Center, assisting the lead teacher, Tanisha Adams.

Snider admits to being a little nervous going into AmeriCorps but says he’s thankful to have been given the opportunity.

“I enjoy watching the kids interact. The way they socialize with each other are interesting,” Snider said.

“Matthew does a lot of one-on-one work with at risk children. He’s very good at planning and facilitating small group activities,” Adams said.

Snider’s assistance in the classroom has given Adams the opportunity to attend classes at Winston-Salem State College where she is enrolled in their teaching program.

AmeriCorps has proven to be successful according to Katie Snow, Stokes County Partnership Program Coordinator.

“Our members are involved in the community. They’re making contacts now with people and organizations that will be a great asset to them in years to come,” she said.

Along with the hours Snider and Evans put in a classroom, they are also actively involved in volunteerism within their community and throughout the state.

Snow chooses service projects for the group that she believes “her members will be interested in.”

For example, some have family or friends battling cancer so Snow chose for AmeriCorps to participate in a Breast Cancer Awareness walk in Charlotte. The group also traveled to Rockingham County to work on “connection packages” that helped children write and mail letters to family members serving in Iraq. They have served in soup kitchens, toy runs and assisted Habitat for Humanity.

“Chelsea and Matthew have brought in great ideas and significant contributions since becoming members. Even though they spend the majority of their time in a classroom, it’s important to offer them life experiences. I hope AmeriCorps will broaden their horizons,” Snow said.

By June 2010, Evans and Snider will have been with AmeriCorps for 10 months and will have put in 1,700 hours of service. The two young adults recommend this program for anyone interested in working with children or for those who have a desire to make a difference in their community.

Evans is interested in pursuing a career path which focuses on nutrition for children and adults alike. Snider, who is enrolled at Forsyth Tech, plans to continue concentrating on Early Childhood Education.

Snow believes that Stokes County is a better place because of people like Evans and Snider.

“Chelsea is definitely going somewhere, whatever career path she chooses to take. Matthew is a smart boy, very knowledgeable,” Snow said, “These two have bright futures ahead.”