The Goodwill VISTA Partnership

Since 2015, the Goodwill VISTA Partnership has sought to alleviate poverty in communities across Maine, from the most rural areas to the most populous cities. At present, members are placed in partner agencies situated in Androscoggin, Aroostook, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, Washington, and York counties. 

VISTA Members work to reduce poverty while engaging through a plethora of forms of indirect service, such as creating and running programs, fundraising and grant writing, communications work, increasing social media presence, recruiting volunteers, as well as assisting with community assessments, among other projects. Focus areas of partner agencies include public health, food security, new Americans, environmental justice, educational support, youth development, housing, and more!  

The diverse work of AmeriCorps VISTA members contributes to the capacity-building and organizational-development goals of Maine agencies which contribute invaluable boosts to the wellbeing of communities. In 2018, 34 VISTA members provided 3,000 hours of service, working to recruit over 1,405 new volunteers, leveraging over 1.1 million dollars for host-site organizations, and creating 243 new and enhanced systems and business processes. The positive impact VISTA members offer their local communities is remarkable, and continues to build year after year. 

Learn More: https://goodwillnne.org/programs/americorps/

Benefits to being an AmeriCorps member:

AmeriCorps member benefits vary by program, and may include:

• Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($6,895*) 
• Bi-Weekly Living Allowance (approximately $800 bi-weekly; varies depending on location)
• Student Loan Forbearance for eligible federal loans (interest paid by AmeriCorps) 
• Health Benefits
• Training and Professional Development 
• Food Stamp Eligibility (depending on financial situation)
• Relocation Assistance (VISTA only) $750
• Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal employment (for 1 year after program completion; VISTA only)
• Life Navigator (on-staff licensed counselor for members)

*Individuals are limited to two full Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards in their lifetime