Posting for VISTA Positions

Seven VISTA positions are available for the service term of August 13, 2012 through August 13, 2013 to help serve with collaborating organizations of The Grand Vision Networks in Traverse City, Michigan. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program designed to fight poverty, where VISTA members commit to building the capacity of organizations. During your service, you will receive a modest living allowance ($10,000), health care; upon completing your service, you may choose to receive a Segal Education Award or a post-service stipend. Having a modest living allowance helps volunteers to understand and assist those in poverty.

The deadline for applications is June 25th, 2012. Please visit the AmeriCorps website and use the Advanced Opportunity Search to find the "Grand Vision to Grand Action" project for more information and to apply.

The two types of VISTA positions sponsored by The Grand Vision are as follows:

1) VISTAs will build the capacity of Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan, Inc., and HelpLink to increase and improve their services to low-income individuals in the Grand Vision's six-county region of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Kalkaska and Wexford counties. Four VISTA positions are available. Assignments will include:

-Offering educational opportunities on location to increase employability of local citizens, especially those who are economically disadvantaged.

-Volunteer program recruitment planning, retention strategy, and recognition events.

-Continual development and implementation of policies and procedures to improve organizational efficiency administering programming services.

2) VISTAs will work with youth on community development projects and promotion of services offered by the collaboration of organizations in the Grand Vision's six-county region of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Wexford counties. Three VISTA positions are available. Assignments will include:

-Working to create and improve spaces in their communities as a positive outlet for troubled youth.

-Promoting services within the Grand Vision region to people of low income through the Poverty Reduction Initiative, a collaboration of organizations to reduce poverty in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties.

-Building financial sustainability of programs which assist individuals of low income and those underserved within the Grand Vision region. This position will serve the Grand Vision's Youth Engagement program and HelpLink.

-Management of housing for youth transitioning out of foster care.