Spotlight on Service: Meet Rebekah Luff with AmeriCorps

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of welcoming Rebekah Luff, a dedicated AmeriCorps member, to work with us last Monday and Tuesday. Her contributions during her brief time home for the 4th of July holiday were greatly appreciated. She helped work on marketing and informational material for Pike County's participation in the Southern Indiana Regional Marketing Co-Op (SIRMC) and more.
Rebekah, a Pike County native and 2019 graduate of Pike Central High School (PCHS), and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Indiana University Southeast in December 2022. We were thrilled to learn more about AmeriCorps and their work
Understanding AmeriCorps and Its Mission
AmeriCorps is a national service program dedicated to addressing critical community needs across the United States. Established in 1994, AmeriCorps brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in service projects that enhance education, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, disaster response, healthy futures, support veterans and military families.
Accepted applicants commit to serving for a set period, typically 10 months, in various roles that directly benefit communities. These roles can range from mentoring students to disaster response and recovery, environmental conservation, and community health initiatives.
One of the unique aspects of AmeriCorps is its focus on fostering civic engagement and leadership. Members receive valuable training and professional development opportunities, equipping them with skills that extend beyond their service term. They often work in collaboration with local nonprofits, schools, and government agencies to create sustainable, positive change.
AmeriCorps embodies the spirit of service and community. By mobilizing individuals to tackle pressing issues and empowering them to become active citizens, AmeriCorps helps build stronger, more resilient communities. The dedication and impact of service leaders like Luff are a testament to the power of collective action and the difference it can make.
Rebekah Luff's AmeriCorps Journey
Luff's journey with AmeriCorps has taken her to various locations across the country, each offering unique experiences and opportunities to serve. Here are the highlights of her assignments:

• Vinton, IA: This location serves as the campus/homebase for AmeriCorps members. Luff underwent a month-long training there before heading out on projects and returned between assignments to report on her experiences and prepare for the next steps.
• Buffalo, NY:  Luff worked with Habitat for Humanity Buffalo on seven different houses, engaging in tasks such as insulation, drywall, framing, trim, flooring, and painting.
• Fulton, OH: At Homewood Pines, she maintained and created trails in the summer camp. She also participated in trash cleanup at a nearby park and spent a day working with a local food bank to learn more about the community.
• Ozaukee County, WI: Working with the Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department, She planted trees to diversify the parks and restore forests devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer. She also removed invasive species such as dame's rocket and garlic mustard.
• Chicago, IL: As part of the Westside Long Term Recovery Group, They conducted outreach to families impacted by a flood in July 2023. They found that many families, predominantly African American and with a median household income of less than $50,000 a year, were dealing with mold and had not been able to repair damage to personal belongings or household utilities.

Upcoming Project
Luff's next assignment will take her to Delaware, OH, where she will work at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Her tasks may include clearing a stream bed and surrounding areas of felled trees from a March tornado, removing invasive species, mulching, and maintaining trails. Additionally, they will collaborate with the Stratford Ecological Center on hay bale management and farm animal care.
Why AmeriCorps?
Luff chose to join AmeriCorps after completing college, seeking to gain experience in environmental conservation while having the opportunity to travel. The program offered both opportunities, along with a small living stipend and coverage of many necessities. Other members join AmeriCorps to become better leaders, meet people from across the country, develop a variety of skills, or earn the scholarship awarded at the end of service. Open to individuals aged 18-26, the program attracts people from diverse backgrounds, including recent high school graduates, those who found college wasn't for them, students taking a gap year, and graduates seeking direction for their next steps. To find more information go to www.americorps.gov AmeriCorps website.