Perry Point, MD — Chelsea Rachel, of Richardson, Texas, is in Missouri today as part of a 15-person team from the Eastern Region National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) that has been deployed to assist those recovering from the floods that hit the area last month. At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Rachel, along with her teammates, will help staff and maintain a Volunteer Reception Center and a Multi Agency Resource Center in both Lincoln County and Pike County Missouri.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a residential, leadership program for young people ages 18 to 24. In exchange for completing 1,700 hours of service during a 10-month term, these young people receive an education award of nearly $5,000, plus a living stipend, housing and more. AmeriCorps programs are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency.

"I joined the NCCC because I wanted to help my nation and community," Rachel said. Since joining the public service program, she has worked on public service projects in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Biloxi, Mississippi. "I'm glad I now can help the people of Missouri." In addition to her work in the FEMA centers, Rachel will perform debris removal and cleanup operations in the areas hardest hit by the flooding.

Missouri is the second state NCCC members from the Eastern Region have helped with flood-relief efforts. More than 50 Corps Members from the Perry Point, Maryland campus have served in Iowa over the last month, assisting both FEMA and the American Red Cross. The Corps Members serving in Missouri are expected to continue their work in that state for at least a month.