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Community Corner

AmeriCorps VISTA ~Getting Things Done For America!

My name is Pamela Williams and I’m currently serving one year as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Cra-Wa-La AmeriCorps Vista Juvenile Justice Project/ Community Impact at DuCAP (DuPage County Area Project). In celebration of Vista Week I’m sharing my knowledge and experience of being an AmeriCorps VSTA.

 Today, about 46 million Americans live in poverty. Through AmeriCorps VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. Also, you’ll find the fulfillment that comes from using your knowledge and skills to help those in disadvantaged circumstances turn their dreams into reality. AmeriCorps VISTA members live and serve in some of our nation’s poorest urban and rural areas. However, with passion, commitment, and hard work, we create and expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

 I became an AmeriCorps VISTA because I’ve always wanted to help people within my community and volunteer to gain experience to help others. I’ve already completed one year of AmeriCorps and I’m excited to serve once again, this time with VISTA. I enjoy giving back to my community and helping others become self- sufficient. Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member is the greatest feeling in the world because you know that you are helping make a difference in the community. 

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 Being an AmeriCorps VISTA member I’m making a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a project at a nonprofit organization.  In return for my service, I’ll receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during my service, as well as having the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend after completing my year of service. By joining AmeriCorps  VISTA,  I can put my idealism into action and help make the world a better place by helping  children learn, protect the environment, and bring needed services to low income communities. There are opportunities in AmeriCorps for anyone who is willing to do something special, something unique and something exciting.

 

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