Having served Connecticut Foodshare for a one-year Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) term I was availed of many opportunities. First and foremost, my work built capacity through community group engagement and a training program for mobile pantry volunteers. I was able to apply my personal passion with my professional experience. At Connecticut Foodshare I was immersed in the culture of a top nonprofit. Professionally, I developed many skills during the service term that led to a staff position. I am currently employed by CT Foodshare as Network Relations Representative and a VISTA manager. Gaining a profession with purpose was a gold star benefit of my VISTA service term.
What is an AmeriCorps VISTA?
Founded in 1964, VISTA is the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps provides opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to serve their country, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, and improve lives and communities. By dedicating a year of service, VISTA members offer support to organizations making 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, members gain professional experience and leadership skills.
Serving Connecticut Foodshare
Connecticut Foodshare has been awarded 6 VISTA grants for members to serve Connecticut in our network and program and SNAP departments with focus on anti-poverty initiatives. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, VISTA members will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
Positions include Community Capacity Building VISTA, SNAP Outreach VISTA, and Program Capacity VITSA. Learn about the benefits of serving as a VISTA and view the living allowance chart here.
Are you interested in joining the AmeriCorps VISTA to aid in the mission of lifting people and communities out of poverty? Apply to be a VISTA today! Do you have questions? Check out answers to frequently asked questions here or reach out to me directly at bboehm@ctfoodshare.org .
