Program Description

Entering its fourth decade, AmeriCorps*VISTA is a national service program designed to combat poverty in America.  *VISTA members serve full-time (35-40 hours per week) and provide indirect service to non-profit organizations and government agencies by recruiting and managing volunteers, training community groups, developing curriculum for educational programs, building community partnerships, fund-raising, and promoting programs.

In April 2004, the Institute for Service-Learning (ISL) at Frostburg State University launched an AmeriCorps*VISTA initiative designed to address poverty-related needs in western Maryland by building capacity within participating community organizations.

Through this indirect service, the ISL*VISTA project addresses three thematic areas:

           1. Homeland Security
           2. Education
           3. Non-profit capacity

Agency/Organization participants

Currently, the following agencies/organizations engage *VISTA members through this initiative: Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Volunteer Center of Allegany County, Garrett County Cooperative Extension, Frostburg State University College of Education, Allegany Health Right, Inc., City of Cumberland Department of Community Development, and Frostburg State University READ TO SUCCEED!.

Accomplishments

To Date VISTA members have:

* Recruited over 275 volunteers to support agency programs and as of July 2005, leveraged over $30,000 in in-kind goods and services.
* Designed a Service-Learning Impacting Citizenship (SLIC) program to provide citizenship training and service opportunities to area youth, and received funding through the Points of Light Foundation and Learn and Serve America.
* Organized capacity building training program for local neighborhood associations.
* Integrated technology into new reading and math curricula and provided training to staff.
* Developed a new library system for local alternative school
* Facilitated team building training for local and statewide organizations. 

Benefits

During their year of service, members receive a modest living allowance, healthcare, childcare (if eligible) and training.  Upon completion of their year of service, members receive either an educational award in the amount of $4725 or $1,200 cash stipend.

To Qualify

To qualify for *VISTA service, applicants must be 18 years old and a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the U.S.

Contact

For more information, contact Angel O'Boyle Project Supervisor, at 301-687-4210