IKONC is proud to present the Communities Thriving AmeriCorps VISTA program, a powerful initiative combining higher education and AmeriCorps VISTA resources to empower low-income communities. Our mission is to build capacity and provide vital assistance to individuals and families in need, focusing on reducing poverty and its consequences. Through this program, we aim to benefit 1,000 people in rural low-income communities, fostering sustainable development and long-term growth.
Communities Thriving VISTA members achieve the AmeriCorps anti-poverty goals through indirect service activities in the areas of education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, and veterans and military families. Eighteen VISTA members will contribute to the goals of the project by performing activities such as providing access to healthy food, planning job training and financial literacy, building mentoring programs for first generation college students, and much more!
If you are passionate about making a tangible impact in rural low-income communities, we invite you to join us. Whether as a VISTA member or as a host agency, your contribution can help us reach our goal of transforming lives for the better.
Becoming a Communities Thriving AmeriCorps VISTA member means joining a dedicated team of individuals committed to making a profound impact in rural low-income communities. As a VISTA member, you'll engage in meaningful work that addresses the root causes of poverty and helps build a brighter future for individuals and families in need.
Serving as a VISTA member is a full-time commitment, typically for one year. During this time, you will receive a modest living allowance, healthcare benefits, and an end-of-service education award or stipend. This commitment requires dedication, resilience, and a passion for making a difference.
Check out our current service opportunities now!
Apply to be a VISTA Member:
For questions or more information, please contact Abby Huffman at abby.huffman@engageky.org
Join us in the mission to reduce poverty and build stronger communities by becoming a host agency for the Communities Thriving AmeriCorps VISTA program. Your organization or educational institution can play a pivotal role in empowering rural low-income communities by hosting a dedicated VISTA member.
By becoming a Communities Thriving VISTA Host Site, you can:
Enhance Capacity: VISTA members bring valuable skills and energy to develop and expand programs that address critical community needs.
Promote Sustainability: Work with dedicated individuals committed to creating long-term solutions and sustainable initiatives.
Access Resources: Leverage the support and resources of the EngageKY network to maximize your impact and reach.
Communities Thriving is a multi-state VISTA program. In order to host a Communities Thriving VISTA member, your agency must reside in either Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, or North Carolina.
Consider applying to host a Communities Thriving VISTA member during the 2024-2025 service year!
For questions or more information, please contact Abby Huffman at abby.huffman@engageky.org
There are a wide variety of benefits available to VISTA members. For a complete list of benefits, please click HERE.
Applicants need to be over 18 years old when they start their VISTA service and must have one of the following citizenship statuses: U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens, or persons legally residing in a state that have the following legal residency classifications: refugee, asylum or asylee, temporary protected status or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status. By law, only VISTA members who are either U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, or Lawful Permanent Resident Aliens—sometimes referred to as “Lawful Permanent Residents”—are eligible to receive an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. All other members will receive an end of service cash stipend. There is no upper age limit to apply to VISTA.
Specific VISTA positions may have additional requirements on top of general program requirements such as a college degree, specific experience/classes, languages, etc.
AmeriCorps VISTA members can enroll in either a Healthcare Allowance or a Health Benefit Plan. The Health Care Allowance is a reimbursement program that covers out-of-pocket costs associated with healthcare expenses. The Health Benefit Plan is available for members who are legally exempt from needing to maintain qualifying healthcare coverage. The Plan covers eligible medical office visits, most lab and x-ray services, and limited preventive care. Dental and Vision benefits are provided under both plans. Telehealth coverage and availability may vary by state.
