Want to impact the community? Join AmeriCorps.  For more than 35 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members have been helping bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members serve full-time for a year in nonprofits, public agencies, and faith-based groups throughout the country, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, increase housing opportunities, or develop at-risk youth.

The United Way of Northwest Georgia Volunteer Center has been awarded a grant for 8 Americorps VISTA slots to place locally with host agencies in the community. In the Northwest Georgia area, VISTAs will work with local human care agencies to increase funding streams, develop and improve volunteer programs, improve systems of care, and lead volunteer projects.

The Corporation for National & Community Service, a federal agency, covers the cost of a series of benefits and services for the AmeriCorps VISTA members:

•    $4,725 education award or $1,200 post-service stipend per member, paid upon completion of one year of service

•    $833 a month living allowance

•    Health coverage for all members - approximately $2,700 per member

•    Payroll services: Members receive their paychecks directly from AmeriCorps VISTA

•    Training in project management and leadership for members and project supervisor

•    Moving allowance for members relocating to serve.

•    Liability coverage for all members, under the Federal Employees Compensation Act and the Federal Torts Claims Act

•    Child care for income-eligible members

United Way of Northwest Georgia annually connects over 2,000 volunteers to local needs through the Volunteer Center.  Click Volunteer for a listing of over 80 local volunteer opportunities.  For more information about our local AmeriCorps*VISTA project contact Kyle Coffey at 706.876.1592 or simply dial 2-1-1 from a land line or 706.CAN.HELP.