Market Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA

Our History

In 1879, Father Bernard Donnelly established Mount St. Bernard’s Orphanage in Kansas City. With that one act of faith, hope and charity, many lives — and a community — were transformed.

And, from that humble beginning a strong tradition of compassionate care and social service took root, thrived, and grew to become Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

Catholic Charities empowers at risk people to create a pathway out of poverty by alleviating their immediate crises to create stability; then providing robust support to lift them to dignity and self-reliance.

Today, millions of lives have been transformed, in the communities we serve. 

We have office locations in the Kansas City metro-area, St. Joseph, Missouri, a Food Pantry in Kansas City and another in Cameron, Missouri, while serving a 27-county region.

Mission

Helping people move to a better life through hope-filled care, services, and advocacy; calling all those of goodwill to join us.

Vision

By lifting people in need to the dignity of self-reliance, and encouraging others to help, our communities will become one human family.

Values

Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration
 

Program Overview 

Catholic Charities of Kansas City - St. Josephs’ Serve & Lift Food Market is a grocery-style food pantry designed to alleviate hunger while restoring dignity. The market allows individuals and families to select food that meets their cultural preferences, dietary needs, and household size, while reducing food waste and strengthening community well-being. 

The AmeriCorps VISTA member will serve as a capacity-building partner, helping the market strengthen systems, expand community partnerships, and improve data-driven decision making to address the root cause of food insecurity.  

This VISTA program provides a living allowance of $957.46, bi-weekly, that enables each member to live very frugally, like members of the communities they are serving. For more information about the VISTA program, please visit:

 Home | AmeriCorps   

This VISTA position is a full time one that will be based on site at our Serve & Lift location at 8001 Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO 64134. Hours are M-Th 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, the agency is closed on Fridays.  

Essential Duties

Program Development & Systems Building 

• Develop and document sustainable systems for market operations, volunteer engagement, and shopper flow in a self-choice model 
• Assist with creating or refining policies, procedures, and training materials for staff and volunteers 
• Support integration of trauma-informed and dignity-centered practices into market operations 

Data, Evaluation & Reporting 

• Support data collection, tracking, and analysis related to pantry usage, food distribution, and shopper outcomes 
• Assist with grant reporting and outcome measurement aligned with organizational and funder requirements 
• Help translate data into insights that inform program improvements and strategic planning 

Community Engagement & Partnerships 

• Identify and help cultivate partnerships with local organizations, schools, faith communities, and service providers 
• Support outreach strategies to increase awareness of the self-choice market and related resources 
• Assist with coordination of referrals to complementary services that address underlying causes of food insecurity 
• Resource Development 
• Support development of in-kind donation systems and food sourcing strategies 
• Assist with researching funding opportunities and preparing supporting materials for grants or reports 
• Help document the impact and story of the Serve & Lift Market for communications and fund-raising purposes 

Learning Outcomes for the VISTA Member 

The VISTA will gain experience in: 

• Hunger relief and food justice within a community-based nonprofit 
• Capacity building and systems development 
• Data-informed program evaluation 
• Cross-sector collaboration and community partnerships 
• Trauma-informed, dignity-centered service models 

 Required: 

• Commitment to the AmeriCorps VISTA mission of alleviating poverty 
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a community-focused environment 
• Comfort working with data, documentation, and digital tools 

Preferred: 

• Interest or experience in food access, public health, social services, or community development 
• Familiarity with volunteer programs, nonprofit operations, or data tracking systems 
• Bilingual skills a plus 

Service Term & Benefits 

• One-year, full-time AmeriCorps VISTA position 
• Living allowance provided by AmeriCorps 
• Education Award or End-of-Service Stipend upon successful completion 
• Professional development and training opportunities 

  While performing job duties, staff will:

• Follow the Catholic Social and Moral Teachings in all aspects while performing job duties.
• Work collaboratively to achieve goals and resolve conflict to achieve the greater good.
• Respect the diversity of talents and gifts of others and believe in cultivating those to promote personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate compassion and commitment for helping others improve their own lives.
• Adheres to our values of Hope/Faith, Trust, Commitment, Collaboration