We found out about the coolest thing last summer. While I was looking for a volunteer spot to fill Ryan's summer schedule we heard about Americorps. http://www.americorps.gov/ For a point of reference, think "Peace Corps in America". If you just now took the web tour, then you also discovered that it is a federal program; scary big, perfectly bureaucratic, but somehow works. I will explain it as I understand it. Americorps is an organizational umbrella that provides funding and support for individual volunteers to intern/work at existing local non-profits.
Each employee (think intern) commits to work at the designated local non-profit organization for either one year or two. Not only do they receive a monthly living stipend, but at the end of each commitment year they get a nice chunk of money earmarked for the college of their choice. And if you also receive a SSI benefit, it is not reduced. Pretty cool, huh? You might as well know that we like this idea.
We also learned that in some locations, Americorps has introduced an inclusive component. Did you hear me?? Inclusive!! As I type this --- well --- I want to celebrate. Not just for the hope that Ryan might have in connecting with this program, but for the hundreds of other young people that get usually get left behind.
We visited one such program in Nashville. Mixed reviews. They were willing to host an intern like Ryan, but their setup/programming/schedule was... was... uhm... loosey-goosey. Not much predictable structure. Not a set daily schedule at all. And it was over an hour away. Would have been a difficult fit for Ryan (and us). So, we are still looking.
We are looking for a local non-profit that would be willing to partner with Americorps (free interns for a year, whoopee!), and also be willing to carve out an intern position for Ryan. Where? We don't know. Doing what? We don't know. But, if this fell into place, it sure would be cool.
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