GREENFIELD — Last month California’s Chief Service Officer Josh Fryday paid a visit to the Monterey County Preschool Service Corps, an early learning program hosted by United Way Monterey County.
Fryday, who leads the California Volunteers state office, took a tour at Vista Verde Preschool in Greenfield on Jan. 26 to observe the program and engage with the children. He served side by side with AmeriCorps member Marini Castillo during the site visit.
Other attendees included Greenfield Union School District’s Superintendent Zandra Galvan and Board President Denise Jaime, as well as Monterey County Office of Education’s Deputy Superintendent Tim Ryan and Board Member Ron Panziera.
“We are excited to showcase the Monterey County Preschool Service Corps,” said Katy Castagna, president and CEO of United Way Monterey County, who was also in attendance. “This early learning initiative has had a very positive impact on our young learners’ development, thanks to the AmeriCorps members who offer quality language and literacy education to preschool students throughout the county.”
In partnership with local preschools, school districts and the Monterey County Office of Education, Monterey County Preschool Service Corps offers tutoring activities to preschool children to support kindergarten readiness.
The program, hosted by United Way, is administered by California Volunteers and sponsored by the AmeriCorps. It recruits, selects, trains and places AmeriCorps members who serve as supports for language and literacy development in partnering preschools.
“Incredible work is being done by our AmeriCorps members throughout the state to serve our students and build the next generation of educators,” Fryday said. “I am honored to be able to spend time and learn from members about the critical work they are doing in their communities.”
Led by Fryday, California Volunteers empowers Californians to take action to improve their communities. The state office is tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering and civic action to tackle the State’s most pressing challenges.
California Volunteers also administers the AmeriCorps programs in California with over 80 programs providing critical services to more than 160,000 Californians annually.
