WASHINGTON, D.C. – In recognition of her strong support for AmeriCorps, Voices for National Service announced today that Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) will receive the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award at the 23rd Annual Friends of National Service Awards in Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  

Voices for National Service advocates for public support of AmeriCorps programs that respond to the country’s most immediate and pressing challenges from natural disasters to education, supporting veterans, and more. The John Lewis Bridge to Service Award is given to a member of Congress in recognition of their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities for Americans of every background to serve and volunteer in their community.  

“Representative Houlahan embodies the very spirit of the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award, leading with a deep, personal commitment to service and a clear vision for how it can strengthen our nation,” said AnnMaura Connolly, President, Voices for National Service. “From her experience as an AmeriCorps alum to her leadership in Congress, she has been a powerful and consistent champion for expanding service opportunities and ensuring AmeriCorps remains a force for meeting urgent community needs. At critical moments, her vocal and determined advocacy has helped sustain and elevate AmeriCorps, delivering real impact for communities across Pennsylvania and the country. It is our honor to recognize her as only the fifth recipient of this prestigious award, carrying forward John Lewis’ legacy of service, courage, and bridging divides.” 

Past recipients of the John Lewis Bridge to Service Award include Senator Andy Kim and Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Gwen Moore, and John Larson. 

As an Air Force veteran, an AmeriCorps alum through Teach For America, and a bipartisan leader in Congress, Rep. Houlahan has been a powerful and consistent champion for national service. Her leadership has played a pivotal role in sustaining the federal investment in AmeriCorps and advancing the belief that service brings people together, bridges divides, and strengthens communities. She has introduced three significant bills in support of AmeriCorps: the Protect National Service Act to help ensure that AmeriCorps could continue delivering vital services to communities across the country; and the Building Civic Bridges Act and the Unity through Service Act, legislation designed to expand service opportunities and strengthen connections across communities.  

“It’s a profound honor to receive an award bearing the name of my late friend John Lewis, whose life set the standard for courage and selfless service,” said Rep. Houlahan. “His legacy has shaped my own commitment to serving others. From my time in the Air Force to my experience with AmeriCorps through Teach For America, and now in Congress, I’ve been guided by a belief in service as a force for good. I’ve seen how programs like AmeriCorps strengthen communities and connect people across differences, and I remain committed to advancing that mission in Congress.” 

A short video featuring voices from Pennsylvania – available here by May 13 – highlights how Rep. Houlahan has helped to raise public awareness of AmeriCorps and elevated service as a solution to some of the nation's most pressing problems. Media are welcome to embed the video in any coverage. 

Annually, approximately 8,500 members of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors are serving in Pennsylvania, responding to the state’s most immediate and critical needs. They serve across the state in schools, food banks, homeless shelters, health clinics, veterans’ facilities and with other local nonprofit, faith-based and community organizations.  

Through this public-private partnership, every $1 Congress invests in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors returns more than $17 in benefits to our country.  

Rep. Houlahan joins a bipartisan group of 14 distinguished Congressional and community leaders being honored this year. See the full list of awardees here. 

Event Details 

WHAT:  23rd Annual Friends of National Service Awards 

WHEN:  Wednesday, May 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM 

WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, DC 

RSVP:  Media interested in attending must RSVP to Tess Mason-Elder at tess.mason-elder@cityyear.org or 714-624-7849 

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