This update was prepared by Sarah Insalaco, Flood Recovery Archivist.
National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC), an initiative under AmeriCorps, has been a cornerstone in the United States’ community service landscape since its establishment in 1994. This program is designed to engage young adults aged 18 to 24 in full-time, team-based residential service, focusing on addressing critical needs within communities across the nation. NCCC is deeply committed to its dual mission: strengthening communities through direct service and, importantly, fostering the development of leadership skills among its participants, thereby shaping the future of community service.
Corps Members embark on a 10-month journey that takes them to various locations across the country. During this period, they are organized into teams of 8 to 12 members, each led by a dedicated Team Leader. These teams undertake various projects spanning several essential areas, including disaster response and recovery, infrastructure improvement, environmental conservation, education, and public health. Each project typically lasts 6 to 8 weeks, after which teams move to new locations, bringing their skills and energy to different communities in need. This rotational system ensures that Corps Members gain a wide range of experiences, enhancing their ability to adapt, lead, and make meaningful contributions.
Hindman Settlement School is thrilled to be hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC team on our campus this fall. Corps Members arrived at in Knott County in early September and have been working alongside Sarah Insalaco, the Settlement’s Flood Recovery Archivist, on the ongoing preservation of our institutional archive and Desi Jarrell and Ben Braman from Perry County Fiscal Court on the continued restoration of trails destroyed by the July 2022 flooding.
Flooding has caused extensive damage to the area’s extensive trail system, which plays a vital role in recreation and local tourism. These trails, cherished by residents and visitors alike, have suffered severe erosion, fallen trees, and washed-out sections, making some unsafe and inaccessible. The NCCC team, under the guidance of Jarrell and Braman, is undertaking the formidable task of restoring these trails to their original condition. This involves clearing debris, rebuilding washed-out sections, and implementing erosion control measures to prevent future damage. The team’s work is about restoring physical pathways and reestablishing connections between the community and its natural surroundings. By reopening these trails, the team is helping to restore a sense of normalcy and providing a much-needed outlet for outdoor recreation and tourism.In parallel with the trail restoration efforts, the NCCC team is also addressing the significant impact of the flooding on the Settlement’s vast archive. This archive houses a wealth of historical documents, photographs, and other materials invaluable to the region’s heritage. Damaging flood waters have placed these materials at risk. With Insalaco’s support, Corps Members are engaged in a meticulous process of drying, cleaning, and preserving these materials. This involves salvaging water-damaged items and reorganizing the archive to ensure it remains a well-maintained and accessible resource for future generations.
Upon completing their service year, Corps Members receive a Segal Education Award, which can be applied to college tuition or used to repay student loans. This benefit makes the NCCC an attractive option for young people interested in public service, nonprofit work, or community organizing, as it provides both practical experience and financial support for further education. The program is widely recognized as a valuable stepping stone for those seeking to build careers in these fields, equipping participants with the skills, experience, and network necessary to pursue their goals.
