How AmeriCorps VISTA Fuels Sustaining Way’s Mission
By Ashley Ramos
Since its launch in 1965, the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program has played a crucial role in fighting poverty by helping nonprofits build capacity to serve communities better. At Sustaining Way, about 78% of our staff are AmeriCorps VISTAs, which greatly shows how much we value it!
According to AmeriCorps, “As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization in creating lasting change in areas that affect poverty, such as education, climate change, public health, access to benefits, advocacy and more.” VISTA Members focus on building capacity and strengthening organizations to serve communities more effectively. Instead of providing direct service, members develop sustainable solutions (expanding programs, improving systems, and increasing resources) to create a long-term impact.
At Sustaining Way, VISTA members are key to everything we do. They lead impactful projects that address food security, reduce energy burdens, and support community health. Behind the scenes, they strengthen Sustaining Way by securing funding through grant writing, improving volunteer engagement and retention, management engagement, and improving internal processes to ensure long-term success. Their work helps us grow to accomplish goals within our strategic plan and serve our community more effectively, making VISTA members an essential part of how we achieve our mission.
Current VISTA positions at Sustaining Way include:
- Food Security and Agriculture VISTA
- Development VISTA
- Sustainable Education VISTA
- Impact, Growth, and Governance VISTA
- Demonstration Site & Food Security VISTA
- People Development & Leadership VISTA
- Energy VISTA
- Community Health & Engagement VISTA
- Community Engagement VISTA
- Community Engagement & Expansion VISTA
- VISTA Leader
Each position is vital in advancing our mission, but what truly unites all VISTA members is their shared passion for creating positive change in the community. Development VISTA Kennedy Davis said, “I’ve wanted to serve in AmeriCorps since I was still in college. When I was on the verge of graduation and looking for a job in the spring of 2024, I found out that Sustaining Way was a VISTA sponsor site, and I quickly fell in love with the work being done there. I found a role that aligned with my background and how I wanted to build out the start of my career, and it’s extremely fulfilling to be giving back while I do that.”
Camille Hoover, our Demonstration Site & Agriculture VISTA, said the flexibility of service terms allows her to craft the next steps in her career.
“I chose to serve as a VISTA to gain experience working with nonprofits while addressing issues like food insecurity in a community-driven way. The one-year service term gives me time to figure out the next steps in my career, and the flexibility of service allows me to pursue other interests and hobbies. The education award given at the end of service will help me pursue further schooling and contribute to my long-term career!”
VISTA members power Sustaining Way’s mission, and Sustaining Way aims to help VISTAs grow, learn, and achieve their aspirations. Together, we’re creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
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