AmeriCorps

Applications for the 2023-2024 Zufall Health AmeriCorps service year are now open!

Zufall Health AmeriCorps is a volunteer service program supporting our mission to provide access to care for vulnerable populations in New Jersey.

The program is part of the AmeriCorps federal agency that engages over 80,000 members annually in intensive service projects at civic, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations across the U.S. Since 2013, Zufall Health AmeriCorps has graduated more than 75 volunteers who have made significant impacts in our community in preparation for careers in medicine, dentistry, social work, public health, and community health.

MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Health AmeriCorps is an AmeriCorps program that promotes expansion of the public health workforce, health equity, and access to services for underserved populations. Members will:

Commit to an 11-month service term
Perform outreach and health education for a range of initiatives, including chronic disease management, healthy eating, exercise, vaccinations, retinopathy eye screenings, dental services for veterans, and insurance enrollment
Gain hands-on experience serving with providers, staff, patients, and community members

BENEFITS OF SERVICE

Beyond invaluable career and life experience, members receive:

Living allowance ($17,600 for 2023-2024 full-time members)
Segal Educational Award upon completion of service
Health insurance for qualifying members
Student loan forbearance
Mileage reimbursement
Childcare for qualifying members
Professional development and training/certification opportunities

2023-2024 SERVICE YEAR TIMELINE

Applications Open

January 9, 2023

Applications Close

September 30, 2023

Service Year Begins

August 7, 2023

Service Year Ends

July 7, 2024

WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY

“I learned how patient-centered care promotes better health outcomes. Patient-centered care prioritizes an individual’s preferences and values and can reduce barriers to care. I had the opportunity to practice patient-centered care leading weekly health education sessions with senior residents of public housing. In turn, I learned a lot about the physical and mental barriers affecting senior populations.”

Katelyn Kostakis, Class of 2022

“During my term, I looked forward to interacting with people in the community. Their appreciation for Zufall Health’s motivated me to serve each day. I hope to attend medical school and work for a community health center, now that I have furthered my understanding of the challenges impacting underserved communities like Zufall’s.”

Arjun Sharma, Class of 2022

“During my senior year of college, I learned more about the barriers to health care that plague specific communities and wanted to help combat them. My AmeriCorps project, focused on providing culturally competent prenatal care to patients in Essex County, New Jersey, regardless of insurance status, felt like a perfect fit for my motivation to expand access for underserved patients.”

Ciarosalie Pierre-Kernizan, Class of 2022

“One of the most valuable skills I learned was building the emotional grit necessary to not only remain compassionate with my patients, but still work effectively. Maintaining this emotional balance will be key in my own journey to be a physician and I think it is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing the medical field.”

Natasha Soesanto, Class of 2022

“My service changed how I think about the medical field. My prior experience was limited to large hospital systems, so it was eye-opening to help health care function on a local, intimate level. I made a personal impact, and I hope to carry these meaningful experiences forward on my journey to become a physician.”