RUMFORD — Rumford Group Homes Inc. has been approved as a host site for an AmeriCorps member. AmeriCorps is a national program funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The purpose of AmeriCorps is to promote volunteerism by engaging AmeriCorps members in direct service and capacity-building to address demonstrated or unmet community needs throughout the country.

AmeriCorps members make a full-time commitment to serve for a year at local nonprofit agencies to implement and improve the utilization of best practices in volunteer management while helping agencies operate or expand community programs through the involvement of volunteers.

Executive Director Alan J. Monier said, “We are pleased to announce that Samantha Lueloff is our new AmeriCorps member for the Rumford area.”

Lueloff is a recent psychology graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. While completing her four-year course of study, she worked in a variety of positions.

Lueloff said, “I’m excited that my one-year commitment will help Rumford Group Homes Inc. increase their capacity to strengthen and enhance the services they deliver while involving the community.”

She will identify opportunities for people to volunteer and use their strengths and talents to advance the agency mission. Lueloff will be responsible for creating a new volunteer program, including recruitment, orientation and training of people in the community who wish to make a difference.

She encourages community members to contact her for more information. She can be reached at her office at 369-9439.

For the past 37 years, Rumford Group Homes has served abused, neglected and homeless children, youth and families. For more information or to make a referral, call 364-3551.