FOR IMMEADIATE RELEASE
Date: June 5, 2024
Augusta, ME — Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, welcomes today’s ruling by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland granting a preliminary injunction which orders AmeriCorps federal agency to cease enforcement of the April 25, 2025 grant terminations and to reinstate previously awarded grants.
In the Memorandum Opinion, U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman wrote: "Through AmeriCorps-funded programs, volunteers help some of the most vulnerable populations in the country, such as veterans transitioning from combat, homebound seniors, children with learning disabilities, and people struggling with substance abuse. When hurricanes, floods, and wildfires strike the states, AmeriCorps deploys volunteers to support relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. These volunteers represent the best of us." The judge further stated, “Before AmeriCorps could make any significant changes to service delivery, it first had to engage in notice-and-comment rulemaking. It did not. As a result, the States have been irreparably harmed. The balance of the equities and the public interest weigh in favor of preliminary injunctive relief.”
This ruling orders the restoration of eight commission-supported AmeriCorps programs in Maine, which represent more than 120 service members across the state and approximately $2.5 million in annual funding. While this is a significant legal step, the potential for appeal by the federal government remains, and the ruling is not the final resolution of the broader legal proceedings.
“We are grateful for the court’s affirmation of the importance of AmeriCorps programming and the finding that irreparable harm was done,” said Brittany Gleixner-Hayat, Executive Director of Volunteer Maine. “We also recognize the impact the April termination has already had on our partners and communities across Maine. We are working closely with our partners to determine the best way forward in light of the court’s decision.”
“This is not only about restoring program funding. It’s about restoring trust and stability to the public service sector. The services offered by program administrators and carried out by AmeriCorps service members deliver essential support to Maine residents. Today’s ruling upholds the principle that service to our communities and neighbors cannot be discarded without consequence,” said Luke Shorty, Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Volunteer Maine.
About Volunteer Maine
Volunteer Maine, the Maine Commission for Community Service, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine’s volunteer and service communities. The agency administers AmeriCorps State programs and leads initiatives that strengthen civic engagement across all 16 counties. More information can be found online at volunteermaine.gov.
Media Contact: Tilan Copson, Public Information Officer Mobile: (207) 530-1586 | Email: tilan.copson@maine.gov