Program History
The Critical Need
Cape Cod’s natural environment is an extremely valuable and fragile resource that must be protected and sustained for future generations. Cape Cod attracts millions of visitors from the U.S. and abroad. According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, tourism creates $1.3 billion in spending by domestic travelers, supports 12,000 jobs, and generates more than $89 million in state and local tax receipts.
Though the economic health of the Cape depends on tourism, escalating numbers of residents and visitors to the region’s most fragile resources has resulted in significant environmental impacts. Additionally, increased development of natural areas can be difficult to manage for the federal, state, county and town departments, and non-profit groups who steward these highly visited areas.
In response to the Cape’s environmental threats, the Barnstable County’s Resource Development Office proposed the creation of an AmeriCorps program in 1999. Through a series of community meetings, Barnstable County cultivated enthusiasm and support for the idea while enlisting partners and local municipalities as key collaborators. Partnerships with the Job Training and Employment Corporation (JTEC) and the Cape Cod National Seashore provided the initial management, housing, and funding for the start of the program.
The Foundation
Barnstable County’s Resource Development Office was awarded a three-year AmeriCorps grant by the Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA). The grant included funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the State of Massachusetts, with matching funds from Barnstable County.
The management of AmeriCorps Cape Cod (ACC) became the responsibility of Barnstable County. Over the first three years of the program, dedicated staff and members established a solid groundwork and proven track record for providing high quality environmental service to the Cape Cod community.
The aftermath of 9/11 in 2001 demonstrated the necessity for sound disaster preparedness and response programs. In 2002, Barnstable County again submitted a grant to fund the ACC program. Responding to the newly identified need and building on the previous three years’ efforts, Barnstable County’s new AmeriCorps grant expanded the areas of member service to include disaster preparedness and response.
The Legacy
Over 600 members have proudly served with ACC in the last 25 years. The program has proven to be adaptable, ready to support the Cape Cod community, and imperative to the Cape’s educational and environmental landscapes. There have been several instances where the program has transformed to address critical needs, including special initiatives with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Cape Cod National Seashore. These initiatives allowed the program to stay at the cutting edge of disaster response while remaining dedicated to its environmental and natural resource management foundation.
Program Funding and Support
ACC is funded by Barnstable County and a grant through AmeriCorps the Agency. Housing for Corps members and live-in program staff is provided by Barnstable County, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Town of Barnstable. ACC is managed and operated by the Barnstable County Commissioners’ Office with support from the Massachusetts Service Alliance.
