United Way partners with AmeriCorps to help member agencies
By T&D Staff Monday, July 30, 2007United Way of the Midlands is partnering with the AmeriCorps*VISTA program to help meet the needs of the impoverished.
United Way will serve as the coordinating body for the project and is searching for 11 VISTA members to place in seven agencies that have committed to the partnership. Each organization has submitted a project outline addressing a specific poverty-related issue in the community.
The group is seeking a VISTA member for Orangeburg and Calhoun counties to help improve the United Way partner agencies' operations so that citizens in need receive quality, effective services that support their escape from poverty.
The VISTA member for this project will research community needs and resources, work with boards and staff to identify areas for organizational improvement, recruit and develop potential new agency partners, promote agency services in the community and identify, promote and coordinate collaborative projects.
AmeriCorps*VISTA participants develop new skills or further challenge abilities they have already developed and enjoy the satisfaction of making a real difference.
To be eligible for AmeriCorps*VISTA, you must be at least 18 years old, but there is no upper age limit. Most programs seek members with college degrees or at least three years of work experience. Initiative, flexibility and organizational skills are a must. Fluency in Spanish or other languages also can be helpful in certain programs. Applicants must be available to serve full-time for one year.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members who successfully complete a term of service are eligible to receive either an AmeriCorps Education Award of up to $4,725 or an end-of-service stipend. Additional benefits include training, a living allowance, limited health care benefits, relocation expenses and student loan forbearance or deferment. Members may also be eligible for child care assistance.
For more information on the VISTA opportunities and to apply online, contact Kathy Olson at kolson@uway.org or visit www.uway.org.
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