|
|
|
AmeriCorps VISTA
Dec. 30, 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear AmeriCorps VISTA members,
It’s (almost) a wrap on 2024. Many of you are only a few months into your service year with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, while just as many of you are preparing to end your service and begin a new journey. Whichever path you're on, I hope that you can mark this year as a good one. I hope you accomplished the things that you set out to achieve. More importantly, my hope is that you moved closer to becoming the person you’ve been inspired to become.
Looking back over this year brings me immense pride. Through teamwork, passion, and hard work, we were able to do work that made a difference in the lives of our members and the people we serve. We hope that you have felt that our work has made your time of service easier, better, or more productive.
Here are just a few of the highlights from this year that bring me joy.
- In December, AmeriCorps VISTA members in the inaugural Energy Communities AmeriCorps class were sworn into service (more details are below).
- We introduced a new member assistance program that will provide AmeriCorps VISTA members access to counseling, life coaching, legal assistance, financial consultation, and more.
-
The living allowance was increased to ensure AmeriCorps VISTA members live with the dignity and security of a life sustaining allowance.
- The AmeriCorps VISTA program’s four-year Food Security Initiative came to a successful end. View the report.
-
The University of Alabama at Birmingham VISTA Project was awarded $1.5 million to place members in positions to support sustainability and food security.
- The AmeriCorps VISTA Training Unit began holding in-person sponsor convenings and member in-service trainings – the first time since the pandemic. I have so many wonderful memories from attending these events and getting to share laughs and learn from you, our members!
I can confidently say that we met the mark. We got things done!
The best part is that these highlights are just the beginning. In the next few months, we will share the comprehensive results from the VISTA Progress Report Supplement - a report that all sponsors are required to submit. It shows the impact of your service in numbers. Each year, we share these numbers across social media, with elected officials, and with other internal and external audiences. The goal is to make sure the public understands how AmeriCorps VISTA members are making a difference. I have no doubt that the wins will continue to come because you are changing lives in communities across the country, and your supervisors can’t wait to share your impact in numbers!
In the meantime, tell us how your year has been. We want to share your service stories with sponsors, members, and our audiences across social media. Send us an email at VISTANews@americorps.gov.
Thank you for an inspiring 2024. We’ll see you in the new year. Until then, take a bow. Celebrate. Rest. And get ready to keep up the good work in 2025!
In service,
Maggie Garvey, Acting Director
AmeriCorps VISTA
|
|
|
Help us share how you are making a difference as an AmeriCorps member serving in the VISTA program! Send your accomplishments and pictures to VISTANews@americorps.gov. Include a link to additional information when possible. Submissions should be sent by the 15th of each month for inclusion in the following month's member message. We may also share submissions on AmeriCorps VISTA's social media pages and through other messages.
 Kai, an AmeriCorps VISTA member, trains early childcare providers and assists low-income families with resources in Austin, Texas. Watch Kai in action.
 As an AmeriCorps VISTA member, Collin is helping to ensure better access to outdoor recreation for those who face barriers in Powell, Texas. Read how he is using his passion to make a difference.
 "I do this work because I see myself in a lot of these kids. I see a lot of my experiences in their lives." Read about Brittany's experience during her year of service in the AmeriCorps VISTA program.
 “Spending time with my grandparents was really an important part of my childhood, and it helped me develop a lot of compassion and respect for older adults in our community.” Read how Katarina is helping to improve how older adults in Syracuse, New York, get connected to services that can help them thrive.
|
 On Thursday, Dec. 5, 18 members of the inaugural Energy Communities AmeriCorps class were sworn into service by AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. This innovative public-private partnership, led by Conservation Legacy, will engage a total of 150 AmeriCorps VISTA members over the next three years to help ensure a more prosperous future for the men and women who fueled our nation’s growth. Learn more.
 Meet Katherine Lacy, AmeriCorps VISTA's senior recruiter. We're excited to share her recent recruitment trip to New York.
From Tuesday, Nov. 19, to Thursday, Nov. 21, Katherine shared the benefits of service with AmeriCorps VISTA across the state. Her trip included recruitment visits to the following:
- Ithaca College - Service Fair (Ithaca)
- Brooklyn Midwood Public Library - Career Fair (Brooklyn)
- James Baldwin High School - AmeriCorps Presentation (New York City)
- New York University School of Social Work - AmeriCorps Tabling (New York City)
Check out the pictures above to see her in action (along with a few fun pictures of her enjoying her travels) and read below for her personal insight.
“My recent recruitment trip to New York state allowed me to reach a diverse audience – college students at Ithaca College and from the Silver School of Social Work at NYU, community members seeking jobs in Brooklyn and high school students in New York City. Furthermore, I was able to build connections with staff members of those organizations to support future recruitment!”
Reach out to Katherine if you know of a great recruitment event or opportunity.
|
 Meet Patricia! Patricia began her AmeriCorps VISTA service in November at Passaic County Community College in Paterson, New Jersey. Her desire to "further my experience of what could've been possible when I was a student" inspired her to serve at Passaic. "Since my graduation, I have been given the opportunity to develop my skills, face new challenges, and gain experience through the shared commitment with AmeriCorps."
Fun Fact: Patricia loves playing CATAN and other strategic board games. "I first encountered CATAN during Passaic County Community College's President Summer Home Hangout. Playing it with my colleagues taught us how to collaborate, trade resources, and enjoy a challenging game. Inspired by the experience, I purchased my own copy of CATAN to teach my friends how to think critically and build from the ground up. It’s been rewarding to see others experience the same growth and enjoyment that I did."
 "AmeriCorps gave me the opportunity to become a part of something greater, a cohort of national service members."
AmeriCorps' "Unheard Voices of Service" podcast recently featured Billie Udofia, an AmeriCorps VISTA alumna. Billie attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she learned about the AmeriCorps VISTA program that launched her service journey. Fifteen years later, she continues to dedicate her career to supporting social responsibility at Walt Disney World.
Hear how Billie turned her service year into a career focused on making a difference in both the private and public sectors.
|
NEW: Change to Member Health Insurance
Beginning in January, IMG Health Insurance is changing the company that has been providing insurance services to AmeriCorps VISTA members. IMG is moving from First Health to United Healthcare for coverage.
Due to United Healthcare’s more expansive network, IMG anticipates greater coverage for members and minimal changes to members' current providers while improving benefits and reducing costs.
After Wednesday, Jan. 1, members should dispose of their hard copy IMG First Health cards and/or saved electronic IMG ID cards and obtain a new electronic copy from their IMG portal account. If they’d like a new hard copy of the card, they can email IMG to request one.
More details will be available on the AmeriCorps IMG portal. IMG can be contacted at 1-855-851-2974 and VISTAcare@imglobal.com.
NEW: Martin Luther King Jr., National Day of Service
 The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Day of Service is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream.
This year, we celebrate 30 years of MLK Day of Service and its impact as more Americans embrace the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. The MLK Day of Service is Monday, Jan. 20.
Visit AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay to find all you need to take action.
Story Request: We're looking for stories to highlight in honor of MLK Day of Service. Are you an AmeriCorps VISTA member who has a personal connection to MLK Day of Service or a special reason why you're planning to serve? Let us know by sending a message to VISTANews@americorps.gov.
Member Assistance Program
We are excited to share that your benefits as an AmeriCorps member have been expanded. You now have access to a member assistance program, which will include counseling, life coaching, financial consultation, and more services, at no charge.
Your benefits are available to use right away. If you have any issues accessing these services, please contact the AmeriCorps Hotline at 1-800-942-2677 or visit the AmeriCorps contact page for access to the live chat and webform. Your sponsor and/or supervisor has also been provided resources to help answer your questions.
- Learn more about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, specifics on your service opportunity, requirements, what to expect, code of conduct, as well as benefits and policies in the AmeriCorps VISTA Member Handbook.
- As a member serving in the VISTA program, you have access to a number of benefits. Make sure that you're taking advantage of them all, including the online and in-person trainings, VISTA Campus, and more. Visit the AmeriCorps VISTA benefits page for more information.
- Get your AmeriCorps gear! Each member is eligible to receive a complimentary polo shirt, t-shirt, hoodie, winter hat, water bottle, journal, and lapel pin. You should receive an invitation to order these items no later than two weeks after your member orientation. If you need assistance, contact VISTAGear@americorps.gov.
-
You have a team ready to support you through your year of service. The AmeriCorps VISTA Member Support Unit is available to answer your questions, think through challenges with you, and to act as a sounding board. Email them at VMSU@americorps.gov.
- The AmeriCorps Hotline is also available to provide help with technical issues, applying for a service opportunity, and more. The hotline is 1-800-942-2677 and is available Monday through Friday from 9 am to 7 pm ET. You can also contact the AmeriCorps Hotline by using the live chat and webform.
AmeriCorps VISTA is social! Follow us on the platforms below to join the conversation and to see how AmeriCorps members - like you - are making a difference. Check out our most recent member highlight below.
Facebook | X (formerly Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram
|
|
|
|
