Overcoming the Odds to Serve

Johann Shockency had dreams of serving in the U.S. armed forces, but a degenerative eye disease left him legally blind and derailed those plans. Still, Johann found a way to serve his country through the Minnesota Reading Corps and AmeriCorps.

CNCS CEO Wendy Spencer highlighted his story in her blog marking the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, so we’d like to share a video of his speech from the Franklin Project Summit at Gettysburg from earlier this year.

OneStar Foundation: In Texas, Everyone Can Serve

The OneStar Foundation, the Texas nonprofit commission leading volunteering and community service in the state, has shared a video of AmeriCorps alumni sharing their stories of inclusion for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Kemi Yemi-Ese served with the Travis County CAPITAL AmeriCorps Project and 4-H CAPITAL, which works to reduce school failures and dropouts by increasing science and literacy skills. AmeriCorps members support this mission by providing high-quality after-school enrichment programs that focus on science, math, technology, and literacy.

Chase Bearden served three terms as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities. He is now a full-time staff member with the Coalition, currently serving as its Director of Advocacy.

Watch the video to learn more about their stories of service and inclusion.

Double Amputee Builds and Leads as Habitat AmeriCorps Member

Working from his wheelchair, Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps member George Davis leads volunteers at Florida Habitat for Humanity projects while sharing his construction skills to teach and inspire others to serve. Watch the video to see his story of inclusion and service.

Learn more about AmeriCorps

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps