AmeriCorps VISTA Mission Monthly: Puerto Rico Highlight, Poverty in America Awareness Month, and More

AmeriCorps sent this bulletin at 01/28/2025 12:30 PM EST

AmeriCorps VISTA Mission Monthly

Dear AmeriCorps VISTA sponsors,

AmeriCorps VISTA continues to send our hope for safety and support to our AmeriCorps community that has been affected by the California wildfires. Last week, we sent messages to AmeriCorps VISTA members and sponsors located in the impacted areas. These messages shared resources that are available to members and sponsors who have been affected by a disaster. Please take some time to review this information as it may be helpful for you and your members in the future.

If your members have been deployed to an impacted area or their service is now focused on disaster response, we want to highlight their stories. Please be sure to tag #AmeriCorpsVISTA on your Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram posts. You can also send stories to VISTANews@americorps.gov.

In January, we are recognizing Poverty in America Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to share how AmeriCorps VISTA members and sponsors are using their skills to help provide and connect communities to resources that can help individuals achieve success and overcome poverty. Be sure to read a few of these stories below.

Lastly, we’re excited to introduce the new name of our monthly sponsor newsletter: AmeriCorps VISTA Mission Monthly. This name better reflects our goals for this monthly touchpoint which is to inform, inspire, and offer opportunities for connection. In the coming months, we will introduce a few updates to the message format that will help us to better align with these goals.

Until then, we wish you a year of continued growth, impactful work, and audacious hope.

In service,

Maggie Garvey, Acting Director
AmeriCorps VISTA

Message Contents

Poverty in America Awareness Month
Staff (and Members) in the Field: A Spotlight on Puerto Rico
Stories from the Field
Program Updates
Communication and Recruitment Resources

Poverty in America Awareness Month

As we turn to the new year, we recognize January as National Poverty in America Awareness Month - a time where we support and raise awareness about the organizations that make a difference in their community every day. From connecting people to jobs and healthcare, supporting students, helping design economic development plans, and more, these organizations help individuals achieve success and overcome the inequities of poverty.

Our sponsors partner with us to meet the needs of their community, build capacity to change lives, and fill in gaps. See how we're making a difference together through our partnerships with the Ohio Association of Foodbanks and the City of Austin.

Ohio Association of Foodbanks

City of Austin

Staff (and Members) in the Field: A Spotlight on Puerto Rico

The AmeriCorps VISTA team travels across the country each month to see firsthand how AmeriCorps VISTA members are making a difference. These past few months we've had unique opportunities on the ground in Puerto Rico to meet with members and prospective members. We're excited to share a few of these experiences. Below you will find reflections from our recruitment and communications staff and a 30-year review of the partnership between AmeriCorps and the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

Recruitment Across Puerto Rico

We're excited to highlight Katsi Yari Rodriguez Velazquez, AmeriCorps VISTA's bilingual recruiter. From August to December, Katsi organized orientations and tabling events targeted at several college and university campuses across Puerto Rico. The goal of these events was to increase the awareness and visibility of AmeriCorps programs. The series of events was attended by 405 students.

Keep reading to see where she visited.

University of Puerto Rico (Campuses: Carolina, Bayamón, and Mayagüez)
Interamericana University (Campuses: San Germán and Cupey)
Ana G. Mendez University (Campuses: Carolina, Gurabo, Bayamón, and Cupey)
ICPR Junior College
EDP University
Carlos Albizu University

Katsi shares about her experience below.

“Aportar de su tiempo y esfuerzos para ayudar y apoyar a las comunidades de nuestra Isla es uno de los aspectos que caracteriza a la juventud puertorriqueña siendo la autogestión un aspecto central de nuestra experiencia cotidiana. Con la serie de orientaciones sobre AmeriCorps lo que buscamos fue proveerle a les estudiantes universitaries información sobre los Programas de la agencia para que identifiquen a los Programas de AmeriCorps como otro medio importante para seguir ayudando y contribuyendo a su Isla a la vez que acceden a los beneficios adicionales que la experiencia de servicio de los Programas de AmeriCorps les ofrece.”

Translation:

"Giving of their time and efforts to help and support the communities of the island is one of the central aspects that characterizes the youth of Puerto Rico, given that “autogestión” or self-sufficiency is an integral aspect of our daily experience as Puerto Ricans. With this series of AmeriCorps orientations, we intended to provide Puerto Rican college students with AmeriCorps program information so that they could identify the AmeriCorps programs as more means to continue helping and contributing to the island’s communities while also gaining access to the great benefits that AmeriCorps service has to offer to them."

Reach out to Katsi if you know of a great recruitment event or opportunity.

Capturing Member Stories in Puerto Rico

Many would say that Ryan Frazier has one of the best jobs at AmeriCorps. As AmeriCorps VISTA's digital media specialist, he is tasked with sharing how AmeriCorps VISTA members are making a difference. Throughout the year, he travels across the country - with a camera crew in tow - capturing members in service. He then shares those stories across AmeriCorps VISTA's social media channels. He shares about his recent experience collecting member stories in Puerto Rico below.

"Last month, I traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where I had the opportunity to meet with our sponsor Techos Pa’ Mi Gente for a photo and video shoot to highlight the amazing work they are doing in their community. The organization started as a response to Hurricane Maria to fill in the gaps. If you don’t speak Spanish, their name translates to “roofs for my people,” and that’s exactly what they do.

Their founder, Amarilis Gonzalez, saw the aftermath of Maria in her community and took action. Through hard work, she took her hopes and dreams to make a difference and built them into reality. Today, a cohort of AmeriCorps VISTA members serve with Techos Pa’ Mi Gente to continue the fight against the inequities that still exist from the damage from nearly eight years ago.

It was a privilege to meet with the members, to hear not only their stories, but also the passion to help their neighbors. The stories were captured in Spanish because we wanted everyone to be able to share their authentic truth and not feel affected by a language barrier. These stories will be available soon. Stay tuned on AmeriCorps VISTA social channels and on our new digital media asset library Aprimo."

30 Years of AmeriCorps in Sagrado

Read about the 30-year transformative partnership between AmeriCorps and the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

Stories from the Field

Help us share how AmeriCorps members are making a difference! Send member accomplishments and pictures to VISTANews@americorps.gov. Include a link to additional information when possible. Submissions should be sent by the fifth of each month for inclusion in that month's sponsor message. We may also share submissions on AmeriCorps VISTA's social media pages and through other messages.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Indian Country recently hosted a Native Summit where they had their very first AmeriCorps VISTA Power Panel. The session featured three AmeriCorps VISTA members currently serving on native lands, who shared their experiences, best practices for fostering sustainable growth, and how their service helped their communities by organizing events to raise funds and build safe spaces for local teenagers. Read more about their experiences.

"I learned that I really liked problem solving. I like tackling large problems and making things easier and more efficient for others. That’s something I’m looking for in a future career - problem solving components, streamlining processes, and improving operational systems."

Charlotte recently completed her year of service with LearnServe International where she focused on grant writing and development. Read her reflections as a new AmeriCorps VISTA alumna and her words of encouragement for those seeking to serve in AmeriCorps.

Meet Pat. He will be completing his first term of service, at the age of 82, as the Successful Aging and Living in San Antonio's - an initiative of the San Antonio Area Foundation - very first AmeriCorps VISTA member.

In December, Pat alongside Sarah Davis, AmeriCorps VISTA program director, helped to co-host, co-facilitate, and co-organize a Generations Over Dinner event, which is a community initiative that aims to break down the barriers between generations by bringing as many generations as possible around the table for dinner and a guided conversation that allows each person to be seen, heard, and appreciated. Sixteen dinner participants ranging in age from 17 to 85 were invited from AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs in San Antonio, including City Year, RSVP, Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion, and VISTA.

We invited Pat to share his reflections on the event.

"Serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA in San Antonio, it was an honor to collaborate with Sarah Davis, AmeriCorps VISTA program director, and Toni Williams, AmeriCorps Senior Companion program coordinator, to host an AmeriCorps focused Generations Over Dinner event this past December. We brought two tables of AmeriCorps members together to share dinner, conversations, and some of themselves. We saw relationships develop over a period of two hours that weren’t there before we started.

As I reflect on the experience, I see that this dinner created the conditions for a different kind of connection to take place. By gathering people from different generations, we invited them to bridge gaps that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced lives. Through intentional questions and shared stories, the barriers of age, perspective, and experience began to fade. What emerged was a sense of mutual respect, curiosity, and understanding that I believe only happens when we make space for true dialogue.

One of the most powerful moments for me was witnessing the exchange of wisdom and vulnerability around the table. Younger participants shared their hopes and challenges, while older participants offered their hard-earned insights, not as advice but as reflections of their own journeys. It reminded me that, no matter our age, we all have something to teach and something to learn.

This event also reinforced the idea that building community doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a meal, a meaningful question, and the willingness to listen deeply. As we continue this work, I hope we can inspire others to replicate this model of intergenerational connection in their own communities. This AmeriCorps Generations Over Dinner was more than just an event - it was a reminder of the power of shared humanity. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and look forward to seeing how these connections continue to grow and inspire."

Program Updates

Quarterly Sponsor Call

Join us for the next sponsor call hosted on *Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m. ET. This will be an exciting call, as we will kick off the celebration and recognition of the AmeriCorps VISTA program's 60th anniversary. An outline of the call is included below.

Program Updates
- AmeriCorps VISTA Budget
- Updated Sponsor and Member Handbooks
- VISTA Progress Report Supplement Highlight
- Upcoming Sponsor and Member Training Opportunities
AmeriCorps VISTA 60th Anniversary Highlight
Panel Discussion: The Early Years of AmeriCorps VISTA - Alumni Stories from the 60s, 70s, and 80s

Webinar ID: 161 025 4452
Passcode: 614205
Dial-in Number: 833-568-8864 (toll free)

Register

*Beginning in February, the time for the sponsor calls will be increased by 30 minutes. The calls will begin at 3 p.m. ET and will end at 4:30 p.m. ET. This will allow more time to share information and answer questions.

NEW: IRS Direct File

With tax season starting on Monday, Jan. 27, we want to make sure you’re aware of the IRS’s tax filing service, IRS Direct File. We have teamed up with the IRS to get the word out about this important program. Eligible people can choose this online option to file their federal taxes directly with the IRS for free! It’s available in English and Spanish, works on mobile devices as well as it does on tablets and personal computers, and includes dedicated live chat support from IRS customer service specialists.

If you’re interested, get ready to use Direct File starting on the first day of the tax filing season if you are ready to file. The Direct File’s Eligibility Checker will quickly help you find out if your tax situation is supported before you file, and if you’re not eligible to use Direct File this year, the service will connect you to alternative filing options. More information about the tax situations supported by Direct File is available at directfile.irs.gov. Direct File is open to people who lived in one of Direct File’s 25 states in 2024 for the entire year, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

For more information about IRS Direct File, please visit directfile.irs.gov.

NEW: Recognition Program
for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs

Applications are now live for the U.S. Department of Education's 2024-25 Recognition Program. This program recognizes nonprofit organizations, city municipalities or local government entities, and local educational agencies working together to engage students in high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs. The application closes on Friday, Jan. 31, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Apply

NEW: AmeriCorps Recruitment Call

Join AmeriCorps' next recruitment call, “Cross Program and Collaborative Recruitment Efforts.” The AmeriCorps Centralized Recruitment Unit will share how to cultivate reciprocal partnerships with other AmeriCorps programs in your community, state, and region to boost recruitment across programs. The call will include optional breakout room discussion time from 2:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

Cross Program and Collaborative Recruitment Efforts
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m. ET

Register

Explore our schedule of upcoming recruitment calls. Interested in sharing your recruitment best practices during an upcoming call? Email join@americorps.gov.

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.

Member Service Gear

All new AmeriCorps members serving in the VISTA program should receive an invitation to order their AmeriCorps gear no later than two weeks after each member orientation. Members need to access their account within 30 days and are eligible to receive a polo shirt, t-shirt, hoodie, winter hat, water bottle, journal, and lapel pin.

If members cannot find their invitations or need more assistance with ordering their gear, contact VISTAGear@americorps.gov.

Communication and Recruitment Resources

NEW: AmeriCorps Announces
New Digital Asset Manager: Aprimo

You can now access AmeriCorps photos, videos, factsheets, and other brand resources and materials on Aprimo. This resource will continuously be updated as we receive more assets.

Explore Aprimo

AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit

Do you need help telling your AmeriCorps VISTA story? With the AmeriCorps VISTA Sponsor Toolkit, you can share your AmeriCorps story and encourage more individuals to meet the urgent needs of their communities. You can find messaging, recruitment resources, social media graphics, and more in the toolkit.