Beginning Stages

My 2012-2013 journey started when I was in my last AmeriCorps program. I was finishing my year of service with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, and was frantically trying to find something to to in my LAA ( Life After AmeriCorps). Applying to jobs, I found one that I was passionate about and in June I was accepted into C.B.P.Y.T. AmeriCorps.

Now... what is C.B.P.Y.T.?  And, why did I want to join another service program in AmeriCorps and why did I want another one with an acronym everyone questions?


C.B.P.Y.T. stands for Community Building Partnership with Youth in Transition. And I have found through my years in Connecticut and Massachusetts that I love service. It is very empowering and allows me to feel connected to community and gain perspective and skills. This year, I decided to move to Denver. By myself- across the country. Daunting to say the least, but this organization seemed to line perfectly with my ideal career path in social services and working with teenagers, a population I really enjoy working with.

Here is a background on what C.B.P.Y.T. is from their website;

"The mission of Community Building Partnership for Youth in Transition (CBPYT) is to:

• Support the essential bridges to adulthood through culturally appropriate resources
• Enhance services for youth to help those transitioning out of systems of care
• Help youth obtain good jobs
• Strengthen and augment family and social network support for youth
• Promote educational success
• Promote mental health and wellness
• Foster personal growth and self-identity
• Empower youth and promote personal responsibility"

"Community Building Partnership for Youth in Transition is a solution.  Our approach mixes youth empowerment, agency expertise, and services in a way that helps local communities impact youth in a successful, positive, and appropriate way.

CBPYT operates as an AmeriCorps program housed at Denver Human Services.  Through this program, AmeriCorps members mentor other youth who are currently transitioning out of foster care, homelessness, and other systems of care.  Our mentors work out of community agencies across the Front Range, where they serve for about 38 hours weekly.  After they complete 1,725 hours of service, they are rewarded with $5,550 to further their education.

The CBPYT AmeriCorps program works with various host sites in the Denver/Boulder area, including city and county agencies and non-profits, to support local community partnerships in meeting the needs of youth between the ages of 15 and 22 who are transitioning into self-sufficiency.

Members assist youth in the development of life skills in areas such as education, employment, housing, personal finance, cooking, personal care, healthcare, etc. One-on-one mentoring, group facilitation, program development, and service learning projects are a few ways that AmeriCorps members reach out to and work with youth."

The stipend of about 400$ per check and 800$ per month seems scary, especially when I have to afford rent and food, but I have found a conveniently located apartment which I have moved into and am applying for Food Stamps to help out my budget.

Lots of new things this year- I'm excited to take risks and adventures to see where I end up in 2013!

 http://cbpytamericorps.org/

www.americorps.gov