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  VISTAs in the Piedmont

Program benefits

Benefits that all VISTA Members Receive

  • Modest federal living allowance of $13,399 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 $15,800 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.
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  • Home
  • Program Benefits
  • Service Opportunities
    • Application Process
  • Our Program, Your New Home
    • Welcome to VISTA >
      • OSOT >
        • OSOT Day 1
        • OSOT Day 2
    • Meet the VISTAs
    • Member Resources
    • Ending Service
    • Alumni
  • Host a VISTA
    • Apply to Host a VISTA
    • Supervisor Resources >
      • New Supervisors
  • Contact