On April 25, the federal administration made the decision to significantly cut AmeriCorps funding by nearly $400 million. This decision impacted more than 1,000 programs nationally, abruptly halting critical community development work. This reduction in funding meant the termination of Michigan’s AmeriCorps funding and resulted in the Michigan Community Service Coalition issuing a Stop Work Order on April 28. This shut down all AmeriCorps programs in Michigan, including CEDAM’s. In response, several states, including Michigan, joined a lawsuit challenging the legality and impact of these sweeping funding cuts.

To remain in compliance, CEDAM followed state guidance to exit our AmeriCorps members from the program on May 24. At that time, there was no news as to whether the Stop Work Order would be lifted or if there would be progress on the lawsuit. However, earlier this month, on June 5, a preliminary injunction was granted in the lawsuit, which effectively stopped the federal administration from terminating AmeriCorps grants and dismantling the agency while the case is ongoing. While this can be seen as a win, the future of AmeriCorps is still uncertain.

As a result, CEDAM has made the tough decision not to bring AmeriCorps members back for the remainder of the program year, which would end in August, due to instability, uncertainty, and funding constraints. This was not a decision that was made lightly. For more than two decades, CEDAM AmeriCorps members dedicated their time and talent to serving their communities and devoting themselves to public service. Two CEDAM staff members, Maria Paton and Patrick Seick, were laid off as a result of the loss of funding, and 26 AmeriCorps members will not have the opportunity to finish their service term.

“Patrick and Maria led the AmeriCorps program with so much heart”, said Sarah Teater, director of capacity building. “Their authenticity and empathy resulted in strong relationships with both host site staff and program participants. The impact they’ve made on emerging community development leaders will have a ripple effect across the field and our state.”

Though this is somber news, our team and the 2024-25 AmeriCorps members accomplished so much, and they deserve celebration. Patrick and Maria’s leadership resulted in record program retention and the addition of several new Northern Michigan host sites. Of the 30 members who were a part of the cohort, 26 stayed active until the Stop Work Order on April 25. They served more than 31,500 hours during their incomplete term at their various host sites across Michigan. More than 400 clients were helped with financial empowerment services, and 280+ clients reported having increased financial knowledge after working with our members. Across all host sites, more than 400 volunteers were recruited.

“Through outreach, organizing, and day-to-day support as part of my service, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) has been more accessible, more responsive, and more connected, said Shannon Thompson, member at United Way of South Central Michigan (Lansing). “But the true impact of the program is seen in the ripple effects: families staying in their homes, students affording tuition, seniors avoiding costly filing errors and communities growing stronger as a result. The real power of VITA lies in its ability to make a complex system more equitable. It ensures that hardworking people can keep more of what they’ve earned and that they don’t have to go it alone. Being part of that mission, through AmeriCorps, has been an honor. The impact isn’t just financial, it’s human.”

Even after the Stop Work Order, the AmeriCorps members still came together to take part in various service projects for Russ Mawby Day, showing their dedication to serving goes above and beyond.

“Before joining AmeriCorps, I had no idea what to expect, but my experience has been transformative,” said Chanavia Clayton, member at MiSide (Detroit). “I’ve learned so much about the community I now serve. AmeriCorps, along with MiSide, has opened my eyes to a whole new world. It’s truly an honor to be active in the city I love and to contribute in such a meaningful way.”

After the Stop Work Order, most of the members were hired on in part-time positions by their host sites until the end of their service term. Some members were hired into full-time positions at their host sites. For example, Grace Clark was hired as the Operations Specialist at STEM Greenhouse. Others found employment outside of their host sites; Ally McCurdy was one of those members who joined Triterra as a staff scientist. Others have returned to school to further their education, such as Micah Machiela; he is pursuing a master’s of public administration from Grand Valley State University.

Regardless of what comes next for the 2024-25 cohort, their collective service left an impact on communities across the state. We’re sure they will continue to be community champions, ensuring Michiganders continue to thrive. Thank you to our 2024-25 AmeriCorps members for your service!