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Saginaw, Michigan - On Monday, June 22, Michigan's First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern is helping launch United We Serve, a national effort launched by President Obama to engage more Americans in serving their communities this summer.  Concurrently, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will kick off United We Serve at the YMCA in Battle Creek, Michigan.

He will officially kick off the initiative in conjunction with Saginaw Habitat for Humanity's three-week Blitz Build, which includes the 150th home and first fully handicapped accessible home constructed in the organization's history.  Newly constructed homes are rated as Energy-Star plus and include many energy-saving appliances.  Saginaw's Habitat for Humanity is one of 12 organizations that recently received Recovery Act grants totaling more than $2.5 million to place additional AmeriCorps members in underserved communities to address critical social needs resulting from the economic crisis.  Eight new Michigan's AmeriCorps members were recently placed in Habitat for Humanity locations throughout the state for the next year.

"In these tough economic times, we need more volunteers than ever," said First Gentleman Daniel G. Mulhern.  " Michigan's nonprofit organizations are facing increased demands for services, and volunteers can help fill this growing need.  Jennifer and I are both pleased to participate in United We Serve and thank the President for making this call to service this summer and beyond. "

United We Serve kicks off on June 22 and runs through September 11, which will be marked for the first time as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The initiative focuses on four key areas:  education, health, energy and the environment; and community renewal.  It is being led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that improves lives and strengthens communities through volunteering and service.  In Michigan, the Michigan Community Service Commission - which is chaired by First Gentleman Mulhern - will lead the effort. 

"This summer, I'm calling on all of you to make volunteerism and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation," said President Obama. "Economic recovery is as much about what you're doing as what we're doing in Washington - and it's going to take all of us, working together."

Additionally, Robert DuCharme, a long-time volunteer with Habitat for Humanity will receive the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his service efforts with Saginaw's Habitat for Humanity for over 10 years.  DuCharme played a major role in Saginaw's Habitat for Humanity committing to its deconstruction project.  He also led the construction of Saginaw Habitat's first out-county build.  DuCharme facilitates several fundraisers throughout the year on behalf of Saginaw Habitat for Humanity. 

"Extraordinary individuals like Bob DuCharme deserve our heartfelt gratitude for giving of themselves to help make our state a better place to live, work, and grow, "said First Gentleman Mulhern. "It is an honor to recognize him for his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others."

For individuals or organizations interested in joining the United We Serve effort, the Corporation created serve.gov, a website that allows visitors to recruit volunteers by posting their organization's projects or get ideas for creating their own projects with friends, families, and neighbors.  For local and state volunteering opportunities and additional information on the Presidential Service Award program, individuals are also encouraged to visit www.serve.gov/volunteer .  Individuals who contribute at least 100 hours of service during the summer will be eligible to receive a President's Volunteer Service Award.  Additional information on this opportunity is available through www.michigan.gov/volunteer .

BACKGROUND

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard - measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.  To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 Leadership Organizations and more than 28,000 Certifying Organizations to bestow more than 1.5 million awards to the Nation's deserving volunteers.

The Michigan Community Service Commission builds a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism.  In 2008-2009, the MCSC is granting more than $5.3 million in federal and state funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities.  The MCSC is funding 18 AmeriCorps programs, 23 Learn and Serve programs, and 13 Volunteer Investment Grant recipients.  The Governor's Service Awards and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC.  The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Human Services, whose mission is to assist children, families, and vulnerable adults to be safe, stable, and self-supporting.  The Corporation for National and Community Service grants federal funding that the MCSC administers to its programs.

Saginaw County Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian organization. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and building materials, we build and rehabilitate simple, decent houses with the help of homeowner (partner) families. These houses are sold to partner families at no profit, and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. 

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.  Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars - all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills.