The AmeriCorps VISTA Program was founded in 1965, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is a federal anti-poverty national service program designed to provide resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to address poverty and poverty-related problems in the United States. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of national service programs, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now known as AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps VISTA supports efforts to address poverty by providing opportunities for Americans, 18 years of age and older, from a diverse range of backgrounds, to dedicate a year of full-time service with a sponsoring organization (“Sponsor”) on a project that will create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
Each person that enrolls, becomes a VISTA member and commits to one year of full-time service on a specific project at a nonprofit site in a community that is within the Cherokee County. A member’s service should focus on creating or expanding an organization’s specific anti-poverty initiative and building local capacity to ensure sustainability once VISTA resources are withdrawn.
All AmeriCorps Vista members receive a modest monthly living allowance and other benefits during their service. After successfully completing a term of service, VISTA members and summer associates may receive either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, which can be used to pay for college or student loans or an end-of-service cash stipend.
We are still looking for nonprofit organizations to become hosts. If you would like to become a site to host a vista member please let us know.
Or if you would like to sign up to serve for a year in the AmeriCorps Vista program or for 8 weeks in the summer as a Summer Associate, please give Katina Dugger, Program Director a call. (918) 864-4544