AmeriCorps VISTA

United Way of the CSRA serves as the intermediary sponsor for AmeriCorps VISTA PROJECT UNITE which seeks to support students identified by the schools as living in households below the poverty level, transitioning to the next grade level as unprepared, and/or where other barriers to success exist.  Wraparound supports are required to support children struggling to overcome these barriers. The Wraparound Support Program facilitates partnerships between students, schools, family, and community stakeholders to enhance students’ socio-emotional well-being while assisting in their transition to post-secondary life.  Project Unite will support the development of student life “centers” within selected schools where needed services can be offered by volunteers or qualified faculty for the under-resourced student population.

VISTAs provide indirect service support to:

·        Collect data from students and parents/guardians to determine the barriers to academic/social/emotional well-being and success

·        Identify community resources for students academically and behaviorally at-risk.

·        Reach out to community organizations to provide needed programs or create them from the ground up and find funding to support those new programs/initiatives for sustainability

·        Set-up procedures for students to receive food, clothing and other supplies as needed

·        Collaborate with district homeless liaison for families experiencing homelessness.

·        Recruit and manage volunteers who will provide mentoring or tutoring services.

·        Organize and support fundraising efforts, supply drives, and project sponsorships; research and assist with grant writing.

·        Create flyers and brochures, attend community fairs and meetings, and market programs and services.