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              AmeriCorps Presents President’s Volunteer Service Award to Miriam’s Kitchen Volunteer
      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Sep 12, 2022
  

                    *National service agency recognizes “Jack” Nelson for more than 1,500 volunteer hours throughout the COVID-19 pandemic*

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, AmeriCorps presented the gold**President’s Volunteer Service Award******to Jacqueline “Jack” Nelson for her service at Miriam’s Kitchen, a DC-based nonprofit organization. The award was presented as part of a volunteer project to honor the September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance, a National Day of Service spearheaded by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism.

Since April 2021, Nelson has served more than 1,500 hours, including 542 hours over the last year. She regularly volunteers as a sous chef at Miriam’s Kitchen and stepped up her support during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes those who go above and beyond to serve their community,”**said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith.**“I’m thrilled to recognize Jack for her service to Miriam’s Kitchen and their mission to eliminate the housing crisis in Washington, DC. She embodies the spirit of unity that we at AmeriCorps hope to foster each 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and all year long.”

Executive chef Cheryl Bell says Nelson is an essential extension to the kitchen team at Miriam’s Kitchen. “She is dedicated and is here every day, bright and early at 5 a.m.,”**said Bell.**“We value her commitment and dedication to support the meals program, and as such, we have given her the nickname of “fruit salad specialist”. We are honored to have her be a part of our team,” Bell concluded.

Led by**AmeriCorps**and managed in partnership with**Points of Light**, the President’s Volunteer Service Award allows**organizations**to recognize their most exceptional volunteers based on service over a 12-month period or a lifetime. The awards program began in 2003 and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires others to act. To learn more about the President's Volunteer Service Award, including the award packages based on hours of service, visit:**presidentialserviceawards.gov/about.**

September 11th was designated a National Day of Service by Congress in 2009 and is led by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps partners with 911Day.org, the nonprofit that, along with 9/11 families, began the 9/11 Day observance more than a decade ago, and engages hundreds of nonprofit groups, faith-based organizations, schools, and businesses in volunteer roles nationwide.

To learn about these volunteer opportunities and the National Day of Service, visit**Americorps.gov/911-day.**
                  National service agency recognizes “Jack” Nelson for more than 1,500 volunteer hours throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
              AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at **AmeriCorps.gov/serve**.

Founded in 1983 as a soup kitchen, **Miriam’s Kitchen** has evolved over the years to provide more than meals. Today, Miriam’s Kitchen is a critical player in the fight to end chronic homelessness in DC. On the direct services level, we serve more than 3,000 individuals experiencing homelessness—helping them to improve their health, increase their income, and obtain housing through a range of programs and partnerships. And at the systems level, we work with leaders across the city to make instances of homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Back to main content Sign up to hear about our latest news, events, and opportunities.
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