Vibrant Lives AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA  (Volunteers in Service to America) is a National Service Opportunity - not a job or internship. VISTA is an anti-poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty.

The Vibrant Lives VISTA will increase access to mental health care resources for Beaverhead County residents by developing the mental health and wellness programming at Vibrant Lives to be more effective and accessible to the community. Beaverhead County is a geographic frontier area with extremely limited access to resources. Access to healthcare, specifically behavioral healthcare and therapeutic modalities, is limited not just by costs involved but by the overall lack of providers and treatment options in the county. The lack of resources combined with the stigma surrounding mental health is complicated by the presence of high (4 or more) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among 27% of residents. Vibrant Lives of Montana is a collective of mental healthcare providers who offer various therapeutic modalities to all Beaverhead County residents. Vibrant Lives is committed to offering affordable programs so that anyone in need can access the mental health care and self-care services offered. This VISTA project will build the capacity by expanding the volunteer "Contributor-Ship" program, developing a strategic fundraising plan and a securing funds to support the expansion of mental health programs, and increase community awareness and support of Vibrant Lives. This VISTA project will help move Beaverhead County residents out of poverty by increasing access to mental health and community programming that will help residents develop the skills they need to enhance their mental health. Located in Dillon, MT!

Spend one year engaged in meaningful service to help Montanans access healthcare, healthy foods, education, or housing! AmeriCorps VISTAs bring their talents, skills, and passion to a local organization to help them build their capacity to serve more individuals in their community. You could be writing grants and fundraising, developing strategic communication plans to help more folks engage with resources that could help their families, surveying and evaluating the needs of communities, develop toolkits for public health providers to implement substance abuse prevention programs, and so much more!

We are searching for talented, self-motivated, and hardworking members. In addition to the opportunity to engage in meaningful work, other benefits of VISTA service include:

• End of Service Award: a $7,395 Segal Education Award or $1,800 cash stipend.
• Relocation Allowance: a $750 relocation allowance and reimbursement to and from your new community (if traveling more than 50+ miles to your new community).
• Student Loan Forbearance: an opportunity to forbear eligible student loans.
• Living Allowance: a modest bi-weekly living allowance to cover basic expenses.
• Healthcare Benefit: eligibility to enroll in a Healthcare Allowance or Health Benefit Plan to assist with qualifying medical expenses.
• Non-Competitive Eligibility: a unique hiring path which makes it easier for federal agencies to hire you.
• Valuable Training: numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Montana Community VISTA Partnership is the longest-running project in Montana. By serving as an MCVP VISTA, you will join a vast network of alumni throughout the state and country, building on the legacy of previous members who have fought poverty in Big Sky Country!