Welcome Red 1!

AmeriCorps and HCRN are a winning combination. Since HCRN arrived in Middletown after the Valley Fire of 2015, we have been partnering with AmeriCorps NCCC to bring in teams of young people to serve for several months at a time. NCCC stands for National Civilian Community Corps, and is one of several programs under the AmeriCorps banner. This week, we want to introduce you to our newest team: Red 1. Their first day here, the team jumped right into the nuts and bolts of home construction, by assisting on the concrete pour of a home foundation. They hit the ground running and we’re looking forward to the work they’re going to do while staying with us! We spoke with corps member Nemo Jackson about what brought him to the program and how his team hopes to impact communities.

Through high school, Nemo had done quite a bit of community service, with a goal of 10 hours each week. He especially loved working outdoors on projects like maintaining trails or planting trees, and the sort of experience you only get out in nature. It was during this time that he heard about AmeriCorps for the first time. He entered university, but after some difficulties involving finances, he was unable to return. Nemo remembered that AmeriCorps would allow him to serve and travel, two opportunities he was very passionate about, and made the decision to join the program.

This year has been unlike any other for the NCCC program, and much of the training corps members received was socially distanced, even between corps members of the same team. Red 1 has overcome the challenge of becoming a team through unconventional methods, by working and living very well together. Nemo said, “Everyone on the team [are very] cool people. They’re all very driven by the work that we’re doing.” Their first round was spent in Montana helping to do renovations and some conservation efforts around the town. Coming to Hope City in Middletown, these young adults are getting construction experience for the first time in their lives.

There are many reasons people join NCCC, but at the heart of it, is wanting to help others. Nemo and the rest of his team mates are very clear on their goals while serving. “We aren’t necessarily experienced workers but we are here to help. Anything we can do, we absolutely will. We just want to help,” said Nemo. It’s this heart and drive that makes AmeriCorps NCCC such an amazing partner for HCRN. We’re busy getting them involved here in Middletown and throughout Lake County, California.

HCRN has partnered with AmeriCorps NCCC for many years, and still every team who comes to work with us on our projects is such a gift. We’re proud to be a part of the growth and leadership development of so many young people from all across the country. If you’d like to volunteer with HCRN contact [email protected], and if you’d like to find out more about AmeriCorps, you can visit the NCCC site here.

You can be a part of Rebuilding Homes and Restoring Lives!