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What is AmeriCorps*VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is a
national service program for individuals interested in developing
lasting solutions to the problems of poverty in America.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve in community and faith-based
nonprofit organizations and with other agencies and local
governments to develop and expand services and programs that help
bring low-income people out of poverty. Cornerstone Assistance
Network serves as an intermediary agency for a group of
community-based agencies that request the assistance of an
AmeriCorps*VISTA member.
Who are VISTA members?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members are men and women of various ages,
ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, education levels, and
physical and mental abilities. Many members are recent college
graduates looking for an opportunity to serve a community and their
country while gaining real world experience and skills they might
not necessarily be exposed to elsewhere. Some members come from the
local community being served. They are involved citizens with
significant work and community experience. They are individuals
with established networks who understand the community's history,
recognize its assets, and know how to get things accomplished.
Still, other members are recently retired professionals looking for
a meaningful way to spend their retirement years. They are
interested in providing their time and skills to benefit the
community.
To enroll in AmeriCorps, VISTA members must be at least 18 years
old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a US citizen or
permanent resident alien. VISTA members are full-time volunteers
and must be able to give up a year of service to their country and
community.
What do VISTA members do?
VISTA members are placed at nonprofit organizations or
churches to expand the ability of those organizations to fight
poverty. AmeriCorps*VISTA members do not provide direct services to
low-income individuals, but rather increase the capacity of
organizations to fight poverty. Members mobilize local resources to
achieve lasting solutions. Members primarily perform organizational
development, outreach and community organizing, fundraising, and
other capacity building activities.
What are VISTA Member Benefits?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members can elect to receive either a
$5,500 education award or a $1,500 cash stipend upon successfully
completing their year of service. The education award can be used
to pay educational costs at qualified institutions of higher
education or to repay qualified student loans. Members also receive
a taxable living allowance ($891/month), a basic health plan,
student loan forbearance or deferment, relocation expenses,
non-competitive eligibility status for federal employment for one
year, life insurance, and child care (if eligible). Beyond
these benefits, members have the opportunity to gain skills, take
on leadership roles, work with dedicated community-based agencies,
and build professional networks.
For more information about the AmeriCorps*VISTA program or to
apply, please visit their website. For additional information about
service opportunities through Cornerstone's VISTA partnership,
please contact Lorenzo
Pablo.
Questions?
If you have questions about our Intermediary Services or
would like to learn how we can help you build the capacity of your
organization, please contact our Chief Operating Officer, Roddy Youree.
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