"Green Iowa AmeriCorps Wraps Up Second Term; New Group Starts in September"

Last October began the second term of Green Iowa AmeriCorps service in Decorah. Over the course of the past ten months, 103 blower door tests, 57 home weatherizations, and 55 Basic Direct Installs were completed for residents throughout Winneshiek County. To date, the team hosted by the Winneshiek Energy District has directly reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 289 metric tons and helped local residents save $35,663 in energy costs annually. Through collaborative efforts with many community organizations they have hosted 61 education and outreach events, reaching a total audience of 1,701 people! Throughout the term the Green Iowa AmeriCorps team also leveraged 945 volunteers to contribute a total of 997 hours toward service projects centered around energy efficiency.

"The people we served and worked alongside have been invaluable to our learning and growth as an organization and as individuals" says Green Iowa AmeriCorps member Andrea Becker. "Before we disperse, we wish to give thanks to you--the people of Winneshiek County--for welcoming us into your community and for participating in our services and projects. We also wish to thank our host organization, the Winneshiek Energy District, for providing our office space, and for the support and encouragement they have given us throughout the term."

The current Green Iowa AmeriCorps members also wished to thank previous volunteers and community partners for their collaboration, and they hope to see this work continue into the future. For those who missed out on the services and partnerships provided by Green Iowa AmeriCorps throughout this closing term, "there will certainly be opportunities to connect with us in the future," says Becker. "Thanks to the participation of Winneshiek County residents, you will be awarded another ten months of service from Green Iowa AmeriCorps!"
You can learn more about the Direct Install services provided by Green Iowa AmeriCorps through the Winneshiek Energy District website at:

http://energydistrict.org/programs/green-iowa-americorps-direct-install/.