At a glance
As an AmeriCorps member in the VISTA program, you will support an organization to make sustainable change in areas that affect poverty, including education, public health, climate, access to benefits, and more. Through activities such as fundraising, grant writing, research, and volunteer recruitment, you will gain professional experience and leadership skills. This opportunity prepares you for a life of service in the public, private, or nonprofit sector.
Journey's End Refugee Services
JERS is a community-based organization with the mission of welcoming refugees without regard to ethnic origin or creed and to assist them to become healthy, independent, contributing members of the community. Journey’s End’s purpose is to provide refugees with the resources and support they need to become successful, active and contributing members of the Western New York Community. Journey's End Refugee Services (JERS) has been serving the WNY community for 39 years providing essential services for the immigrant and refugee population. The programs offered at JERS make up a staggering list of wraparound supports to ensure clients can succeed in their new community
Community Outreach VISTA : The VISTA will support Journey's End Refugee Services' mission to help refugees by assisting the Community Outreach Department. Key responsibilities include recruiting, training, and managing volunteers, coordinating in-kind donations, building community partnerships, and providing team support. The VISTA will work closely with the Community Outreach Coordinator to help build capacity for the program to help expand their reach in the Western New York Community.
Language Access VISTA: The Language Access VISTA will support the Interpreting Department by implementing new scheduling software, improving Journey’s End’s language access plan, assisting with educational curriculum development, and collecting client feedback surveys. This role will help ensure that Journey's End clients receive high-quality language access services to meet their health and other needs.
Required Academic and Experience Qualification
Must be a U.S. Citizen, national or lawful permanent resident alien.
Able to provide the following documentation: birth certification, driver’s license or state photo ID, social security card, and high school diploma or college degree.
Must undergo a national criminal history check.
An annual living stipend $957.46 biweekly, or $24,893.96 annually pre-tax.
An AmeriCorps Eli Segal Education Award of $7,395.00 OR $1,800 cash stipend, provided after successful completion of service term.
Post Service federal employment incentives and opportunities – NCE non-competitive eligibility.
Basic health insurance.
Child Care assistance to those who qualify.
Monthly professional development and multiple training opportunities.
Relocation Reimbursement – based on direct mileage between your home address and your VISTA service site (if moving 50 miles or more) and a Settling-In Allowance of $750 if you relocate within one month of start of service.