SUNY Cortland AmeriCorps is a community based coalition that seeks to strengthen communities and increase civic involvement through service-learning and volunteering. AmeriCorps is one of three initiatives created by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal organization that engages more than five million Americans in service to meet local needs through Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and Learn and Serve America.  This year there are fourteen AmeriCorps volunteers working at eleven partner agencies in Cortland County, including the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Cortland Youth Center, Lime Hollow Nature Center, Seven Valley Health Coalition, Catholic Charities, and the Cortland Area Communities that Care Coalition (CACTC).

SUNY Cortland is the home of AmeriCorps thanks to the efforts of Richard Kendrick who wrote the initial grant three years ago with SUNY Cortland’s Research and Sponsored Programs Office. Locally, it is funded through the Institute for Civic Engagement with Richard Kendrick and John Suarez directing and coordinating the grant at the college. Manny Lann, Director of the Cortland County Youth Bureau, is the AmeriCorps Coordinator for volunteers in the field. 

At Catholic Charities and at the CACTC, David Bitterbaum is the AmeriCorps volunteer. He has been with both organizations since October. Along with completing research projects and helping organize the new office space, David has been learning about the mission of the CACTC, “Our hope is that through strengthening protective factors -- the behaviors that reinforce healthy living -- and reducing risk factors–-the behaviors that lead to alcohol and drug abuse –-we can work to reduce substance abuse among our youth.” His work at CACTC also involves building community support and involvement through the goals of the Communities that Care Coalition.

 What does David like most about his work with AmeriCorps? “It is a way for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. CACTC fits this description as it is a community-based coalition working with many partner agencies, including local schools, and state and community colleges.”             What project is David currently working on at CACTC?  “At the Coalition we are addressing alcohol and substance abuse. At the present time we are sharing information from our 2010 Cortland County Schools survey; it was completed by local junior and senior high students through collaboration with the various school districts in the county. The information we gather helps guide us and our partners in developing prevention plans that meet the needs of people in our local community.”       

Even though AmeriCorps members are considered volunteers, they do receive a living stipend during their term of service to help with housing and food. Upon the completion of service they receive an education award to help pay for college costs, graduate school, or student loans. If you would like more information about SUNY Cortland AmeriCorps go to www2.cortland.edu/programs/civic-engagement/americorps/ and for information about CACTC visit www.cortlandareactc.org.   

 David Bitterbaum is a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health, Media, and Culture. He is currently serving a one year term with Catholic Charities and the Cortland Area Communities That Care. He can be reached via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

To learn more visit www.AmeriCorps.gov  or call (202) 606-5000 or TTY (202) 565-2799. For information about joining SUNY Cortland Americorps contact Manny Lann at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (607) 753-5067. 

Michele Whalen is the Coalition Coordinator for the Cortland Area Communities that Care. She can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .