FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Peace Corps Announces Creation of Peace Corps Emergency Relief Fund

Fund helps Peace Corps volunteers and employees worldwide

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 25, 2011The Peace Corps and Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA) announced the establishment of the Peace Corps Emergency Relief Fund, a program to distribute grants and short-term loans to Peace Corps volunteers, staff and their families during a natural disaster or uninsured emergency. The fund is administered through FEEA, a non-profit organization that supports federal employees and their families, and is available to Peace Corps volunteers and staff worldwide.

Peace Corps volunteers and staff represent the best America has to offer, and Im proud that for the first time they are eligible for financial support, such as short term loans and small grants, during a time of need, said Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams. This new fund is one more way we can further support volunteers and staff worldwide during an emergency, natural disaster or personal crisis.

The Peace Corps Emergency Relief Fund was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Peace Corps and FEEA, and is available to all Peace Corps employees and volunteers during instances of a natural disaster, financial crisis or support for a family after the death of a federal employee. The Peace Corps Emergency Relief Fund is supported through donations, and is managed by FEEA in consultation with a Peace Corps Advisory Board comprised of staff at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C.

FEEA is delighted to work with the Peace Corps to provide a safety net for both U.S. employees and volunteers abroad, said FEEA Executive Director Steve Bauer. We look forward to supporting the men and women of the Peace Corps through its next 50 years and beyond.

To learn more about the fund please visit: http://www.feea.org/peacecorps.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

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