Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) AmeriCorps Collaboration & Resource VISTA Serving Connectic

Description

Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare and the huge partner program network.  

Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long-term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger. 

What is a VISTA? 

Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full-time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty. 

Position Summary: 

The VISTA will connect and support food pantries and community kitchens who are members of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network. The VISTA will take a deep dive in a topical area, develop tools and resources and evaluate partners that would benefit from capacity building support around the topic of expertise. Potential topics are, but not limited to, food and fund sourcing, volunteer management and recruitment, and leveraging digital media. The VISTA will serve at the partner programs following a period of orientation and resource development. The time at each partner will be dependent on the partner’s needs and project development. The VISTA will reduce barriers to access for people served and build guest engagement while strengthening food assistance programming. The VISTA will document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements. 

The position is based out of our Bloomfield, Wallingford, or Bridgeport offices with some statewide travel - mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.

Responsibilities:

• Create tools and resources around a capacity building topic
• Promote capacity building resources and support within the agency partner network and identify good candidates
• Provide customized capacity building support for partner program staff and volunteers 
• Continue to provide support and assistance to ensure success
• Reduce barriers to access for people served 
• Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements

Benefits:

• A biweekly living  allowance ( living allowance rate listed by state & county)   
• Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service 
• Childcare assistance (Eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years) 
• A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year 
• 1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs 
• Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country 
• Eligibility for forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans 
• 1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit  
• Potential for hybrid work model  
• Develop skills and explore career interests 
• Build professional  network 
• Make a positive impact on the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors 

Requirements

   Minimum Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or GED 
• Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Valid driver's license  and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Education/Experience

• Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field OR 1-3 years of experience in a similar or related role
• Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
• Bilingual English/Spanish language skills preferred