AmeriCorps*VISTA

AmeriCorps*VISTA Grant

United Way of the Midlands partnered with the AmeriCorps*VISTA program to build greater capacity for our nonprofit agencies in the Midlands so they are better equipped to address the needs of the impoverished. AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)  provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. United Way serves as the coordinating body for the project with 7 current agencies in the partnership.

The organizations include: Affordable Housing Resources, Corporation for Economic Opportunity, Eau Claire Cooperative Health Center, EdVenture, The Midlands Reading Consortium, The Youth Council – Richland School District Two and United Way of the Midlands. The projects focus on youth services, homeless issues, adult literacy and entrepreneurial enterprises.

What Is AmeriCorps*VISTA?

AmeriCorps*VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

What Do VISTA Members Do?

VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, they create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

The Benefits of VISTA Service

By serving through VISTA, members gain new skills, friends, and experiences—plus they get the satisfaction that comes from helping others. During their service, they'll also receive a modest living allowance, health care, and other benefits. And, upon completing their service, VISTAs can choose to receive either an education award worth $5,350 or a $1,200 stipend.

A Proud History of Service

Did you know that President John F. Kennedy came up with the idea for VISTA? Or that the 170,000 VISTAs who have served since 1965 have played a key role in establishing many of the best-known anti-poverty programs, including Head Start, Upward Bound, and the credit union system?

Contact Us

If you have questions about the AmeriCorps*VISTA UWM partnership
please contact Bridgett Molony by email or at (803) 758-6987.