Alleviating Poverty in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina
VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) is an AmeriCorps program that focuses on fighting poverty in communities across the United States. The VISTAs in the Piedmont (VIP) Program is a community-based program that focuses on building the capacity of nonprofit organizations to alleviate poverty in the Piedmont region of South Carolina. Since 2007, over 180 individuals have served in the VIP program, impacting dozens of nonprofit agencies and countless individuals and families throughout Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties.
The VIP program places service members in one of 17 partner organizations. Members enable their sites to serve the community more effectively through resource development, volunteer recruitment and management, public relations and marketing, program development, and/or other capacity-building activities.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAM:
ALL VISTA MEMBERS RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS:
BENEFITS UNIQUE TO THIS PROGRAM:
Along with the benefits listed above, VISTA Leaders receive a federal living allowance of $14,851 annually, a monthly housing stipend, and an annual professional development budget. To be eligible for a Leader role, you must have successfully completed a term of service as a VISTA, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps State/National, or NCCC member.
The VIP program places service members in one of 17 partner organizations. Members enable their sites to serve the community more effectively through resource development, volunteer recruitment and management, public relations and marketing, program development, and/or other capacity-building activities.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAM:
- Serve at a local nonprofit, government, or community organization (you can find a listing of 2019-20 service sites here)
- Build capacity of agencies to alleviate poverty by developing financial stability programs and increasing access to behavioral healthcare
- Develop a wide range of professional and leadership skills
- Establish an expansive network of nonprofit professionals, community leaders, and corporate partners
- Collaborate with their VISTA team members on projects that will benefit the larger community
ALL VISTA MEMBERS RECEIVE THESE BENEFITS:
- Modest federal living allowance of $12,456 annually, paid bi-weekly
- $750 Settling In allowance
- Relocation allowance for those moving more than 50 miles to serve
- Eli Segal Education Award to be used toward student loans or further education ($6,095 upon completion of service) OR an end-of-service cash stipend ($1,800)
- Health allowance of up to $7,900 to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs
- Childcare vouchers (if applicable)
- Reduction of education costs
- 10 paid sick days
- 10 paid vacation / personal leave days
- Up to 5 additional days of Emergency Leave for the death or serious illness of an immediate family member
- Complimentary travel arrangements at no cost for Emergency Leave, if needed
- VISTAs are eligible to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps), and other assistance programs
BENEFITS UNIQUE TO THIS PROGRAM:
- Ability to create customized projects to solve community-wide issues
- Monthly shopping at United Way of the Piedmont's Gifts in Kind Center for household items, such as paper products and cleaning supplies
- Housing referrals
- At least 10 paid holiday days off (in accordance with site holiday schedule)
- Ongoing professional development training and workshops
- Invitations to join community task forces and work groups focused on a variety of issues
- Discounted gym membership
- Invitations to United Way of the Piedmont's Young Leaders social and networking events
- Free or reduced admission to community and cultural events
- Professional mentorship
- Introductions to community leaders from the nonprofit, government, and business sectors
Along with the benefits listed above, VISTA Leaders receive a federal living allowance of $14,851 annually, a monthly housing stipend, and an annual professional development budget. To be eligible for a Leader role, you must have successfully completed a term of service as a VISTA, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps State/National, or NCCC member.