Benefits that all VISTA Members Receive
- Modest federal living allowance of $12,456 annually, paid bi-weekly (this does not count as income for SSI & SSDI purposes, per the federal Domestic Volunteer Services Act)
- $750 Settling In allowance for those moving more than 50 miles to serve
- Relocation allowance for those moving more than 50 miles to serve
- Eli Segal Education Award to be used toward student loans or further education ($6,195 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, available for minor children under 13 years)
- 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 the Program
- A dedicated VISTA Leader to serve as a peer-support specialist to help you navigate life as a VISTA, from your first interview to your last day
- In-depth community orientation to begin your service
- Ongoing personal and professional support through United Way of the Piedmont for the duration of your service term
- Ability to create customized projects to solve community-wide issues, such as creating the Spartanburg Food Systems Coalition, piloting a homelessness prevention program, or outlining a proposal for a veterans' treatment court
- Professional mentorship matching with someone in your preferred area of expertise
- Housing benefits:
- Housing referrals & roommate matching (as space allows)
- Up to $100/ mo housing stipend, payable only to a non-relative landlord or mortgage company
- Assistance with basic home furnishings and goods, such as pots & pans, bedding, or furniture (availability is dependent on stock)
- Access to community resources:
- Access to United Way of the Piedmont's Community Resource Coordinators, trained case managers who can help you establish a budget, identify public assistance programs you're eligible for, guide you through benefits applications processes, and much more!
- Complimentary monthly shopping at United Way of the Piedmont's Gifts in Kind Center for household items, such as paper products and cleaning supplies
- Free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
- Membership in local credit unions for banking, loan, and credit services & free credit counseling
- Free library membership with access to digital lending libraries, videos, fitness classes, makerspace, and more (dependent on proof of residence)
- Robust professional development:
- Twice monthly professional development seminars through United Way of the Piedmont, covering topics such as grant writing, public speaking, volunteer management, consensus building, outcomes measurement, project management, and more
- Invitations to join community task forces and work groups focused on a variety of issues - such as the Behavioral Health Task Force, Adult Dental Health Task Force, Health Equity Taskforce, Financial Stability Task Force, Opportunity Housing Work Group, Safety Net Council, and others
- Leadership opportunities at community-wide events, such as MLK Day of Service
- Discounted or free admission to TogetherSC Summit, SC Association of Community Economic Development Conference, and others!
- Guided assistance for applying for the federal Public Servant Loan Forgiveness program
- Letters of reference or recommendation provided upon satisfactory progress in the program
- Health & wellness benefits:
- Discounted gym membership at the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg
- Referrals to free or low cost medical, dental, and vision care (fees dependent on total household income)
- Referrals to free or low cost counseling / therapy, & behavioral health services (fees dependent on total household income)
- Access to United Way's prescription discount program, FamilyWize
- Special pricing for bicycle rental through Spartanburg BCycle
- Social & networking benefits:
- Twice monthly VISTA team gatherings
- Quarterly VISTA team socials & volunteer opportunities
- Life After Service preparation sessions with local alumni
- Opportunities to join Upstate Service Year Alliance events with national service members & alumni from 6 Upstate SC programs
- Invitations to United Way of the Piedmont's Young Leaders social and networking events
- Free or reduced admission to community and cultural events
- Introductions to community leaders from the nonprofit, government, and business sectors
- At least 10 paid holiday days off (in accordance with service site's holiday schedule)
VISTA Leaders
Along with the benefits listed above, VISTA Leaders receive a federal living allowance of $14,851 annually, a $250 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.
For the 2020-21 service year only, Peace Corps members who completed at least 50% of their term prior to being evacuated due to COVID-19 are eligible to serve as a VISTA Leader.
For the 2020-21 service year only, Peace Corps members who completed at least 50% of their term prior to being evacuated due to COVID-19 are eligible to serve as a VISTA Leader.