UVU selected for VISTA volunteer

Through the new Community Outreach Program, Utah Valley University has created yet another way to provide service and support to students and others who may be in need.

UVU and three other Utah schools have been selected by the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America program (VISTA) to receive a full-time VISTA volunteer.

“For more than 40 years, VISTA volunteers have worked to bring individuals and communities out of poverty,” said Alexis Palmer, UVU director of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. “Starting in December, the Campus-Community Outreach Project will place a full-time VISTA volunteer at the Service-Learning Center.”

The UVU VISTA volunteer will have the opportunity to provide critical needs assessments of community agencies focusing on anti-poverty outcomes, enhance the ability of the institution to leverage campus resources to address community needs, expand civic engagement opportunities for students and faculty, increase awareness of community needs and work on institution-specific projects.

“The VISTA volunteers at each institution will create and sustain community partnerships with organizations serving low-income people,” said Palmer.

VISTA members commit to one year of full-time service in eliminating illiteracy, strengthening health services, developing businesses, supporting community groups and serving in many other developmental and supportive capacities.

UVU is currently looking for someone to take on this great opportunity. The person selected will begin the project on Dec. 8, 2008.

“VISTA volunteers receive a modest living allowance of $875 a month, as well as $4,725 in an educational award when they have completed their term,” said Palmer. “VISTAs also receive medical insurance and, if applicable, childcare funding.”