Volunteers from nine states make a difference in Colorado Springs

Nine people who recently finished college are spending a year volunteering in Colorado Springs.

Earlier this week, they received rewards for their service as part of the annual National Service Recognition Day.

The volunteers are from other states and are called AmeriCorps VISTAS (Volunteers in Service to America).

They’re helping in education, poverty and homelessness.
“These volunteers live at poverty levels. So they make about $5 per hour — which is less than half of minimum wage,” said Annie Snead, director of marketing and public relations for Pikes Peak United Way. “So they’re not only serving people in poverty, but they are experiencing what it’s like themselves — which gives them a unique perspective.”

One of the award recipients was Bethany Newton, from New Jersey.

“A few weeks ago, we were actually able to give 75 laptops to high schoolers who were selected by teachers as not having a computer in the home and not having access to that resource,” she said.

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers presented the awards to the volunteers.

The program was founded in 1965.