2022-2023 Community Builder Program
In 2019, SBPC partnered with AmeriCorps to launched the Souris Basin Community Builder Program to better meet the needs of rural communities.
Through the Community Builder Program, SBPC works with local nonprofits and state agencies throughout North Dakota. The partnering organizations are known as AmeriCorps host sites. The goal of our AmeriCorps project is to increase the capacity of North Dakota's public and non-profit sectors. With the help of AmeriCorps members, the Community Builder Program empowers North Dakota communities to create economic opportunities, healthier communities, and equitable access to education which in turn builds communities across our region.
A Year in Review
14 unique AmeriCorps service opportunities were offered to new or returning members across North Dakota at 11 different host sites.
2 host sites advertised/recruited for more than one service opportunity.
7 of the 11 host sites were returning partners, while the other 4 were new to the program.
Returning Host Sites: Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Resources Management and Sustainability (FARRMS), Great Plains Food Bank (GPFB), New Town Chamber, North Dakota Local Food Development Alliance (NDFLDA), Minot Area Council of the Arts (MACA), Project BEE, and Western Wellness Foundation (Best Friends Mentoring Program).
New Host Sites: Dream Center Bismarck, Sacred Pipe Resource Center, Minotauros Booster Club, and Vision West.
Of the 14 open service opportunities, 9 members were recruited as STATE and VISTA members with 7 successful service terms.
Project Highlights
We retained two members for second service terms with their host sites within the 22-23 program year.
Two additional members from the 22-23 program year were retained for second service terms in the upcoming 23-24 program year.
We had the greatest diversity of members than ever before— ages 18-70.
We provided more inclusion and accessibility with applications, enrollment, member, and host site support than ever before.
Member rapport and alumni engagement continue to grow.