Dear Profile Readers,

On April 25, 2025, I arrived at Frostburg State University to support three of our ASTAR (Appalachian Service Through Action and Resources) AmeriCorps sites during the weekend of events in western Maryland, including Children's Literature Centre’s Spring Festival -- a cherished weekend of learning, literacy and service in Western Maryland. Our members were actively leading events, supporting authors and engaging the community in educational enrichment.

That evening, everything changed.

A cryptic message prompted concern, followed by a late-night call confirming what I never imagined: FSU’s AmeriCorps program had been terminated due to sudden federal funding cuts. In a 15-minute phone call at 9:45 p.m. on a Friday evening, 30 years of service leadership came to a halt. Alongside 17 other Maryland AmeriCorps programs, ASTAR was ordered to cease all activity and expenses supported by AmeriCorps by midnight, April 26.

There was no warning -- only heartbreak, panic and urgency.

My boss, Patrick O’Brien '07 (former director of Civic Engagement), and I had to notify sites, members and partners that programming was canceled immediately. In my three decades with AmeriCorps, I have never felt more exhausted, scared or concerned -- not just for myself, but for the hundreds who would no longer be served, and the members who lived paycheck to paycheck and had given their time, talent and hearts to communities across Maryland to service.

But what happened next was extraordinary.

On Saturday morning, despite their termination, our ASTAR members showed up! With no promise of pay, hours or benefits, they continued serving because they believed in their mission and their community. Members were at the Children’s Literature Centre. They were at Evergreen Heritage Center. They were setting up for the Arts Walk. And this was just our programs in Frostburg! This commitment reminded me why this work matters.

In June, a federal judge issued an injunction halting the terminations. ASTAR, along with over 23 states, was able to resume programming. Sadly, due to the uncertainty, many members had already exited. Everyone was given the opportunity to return and those who remained returned the very next day -- committed as ever.

As of July 2025, ASTAR awaits final approval on a new grant through Maryland’s formula funding, with an anticipated restart in September. However, two previously approved grants -- one for expansion and one competitive -- remain frozen due to the Office of Management and Budget withholding the release of FY25 AmeriCorps funds.

We are ready to serve. We just need the ability to do so. Here’s how you can help. If you're a Frostburg alum, community member or national service supporter -- your voice matters. As a community member and AmeriCorps supporter I am here to educate you on how you can help:

• Contact your elected officials. Let them know how AmeriCorps has impacted your life or community.
• Share your story. If you’ve served in FSU’s ECHOSTARS, Allen HallSTARS, ASTAR! In Western Maryland, VISTA, NCCC or ASTAR, you are part of this AmeriCorps legacy.
• Support local nonprofits and national service initiatives. They are often the backbone of community progress.

We are Americans helping Americans. That’s what AmeriCorps is about. Let’s raise our voices together to ensure service continues -- for the students, families and communities who rely on it. You can sign up HERE with Stand with Service to stay in the fight.

Thank you!

Sincerely,  

Lisa Clark

Director of ASTAR