Vista living Your Survival Guide

Support

Vista Leader As your VISTA Leader I am here for you throughout the year to provide resources, plan training and social events, and be a support system as you navigate your year of service. 773-656-6046

Things you can expect from me….. Check ins I will check in with you monthly, but please reach out to me as well! Social media Facebook VISTA page and cohort group VISTA Living Blog Plan social events Bi-weekly emails Answer any questions

Other support networks VISTA Network Ellen Bergstrom Meghan Paul-Cook Other VISTAS Each other( Literacy Cohort) Peer Groups Pre-existing networks Family and friends Ask for what you need.

Benefits

Student Loans & Forbearance If you choose the education award, your “my AmeriCorps” account will allow you to apply for forbearance with your loan provider Only eligible federal loans can be put in forbearance You will need the name of your loan provider and/or the number of your loan/s https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/ Interest repayment If you choose the stipend, you may have other ways to minimize your loan payments for the year. Loan deferment Income based repayment plans

https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/

Healthcare Healthcare allowance Up to $6,600 reimbursement for out of pocket healthcare costs Deductibles, copayments, prescriptions, and more Must have health insurance Medicaid or Medicare is included. Apply ASAP Healthcare.gov or MnSure Benefit plan Must be legally exempt Basic health benefits plan covers most medical needs Must be exempt from having health insurance

Any Questions?

Services

SNAP What is SNAP Food assistance program that you may be eligible for. How to apply Apply online at http://mn.gov/dhs/ Apply in person at your county office Things to keep in mind Apply early and in person to have the best result Your experience will depend on your caseworker Things you may need: Bank statement Paystub and/or service letter (I can provide this) Copy of your lease/proof of housing costs

Other Services Free tax services and financial advice through Prepare and Prosper and check out this site for more info and locations: http://prepareandprosper.org/ KindestCut offers low cost vet care and resources for more affordable care Nice rides Discounted gym memberships EMERGE’s Four Cornerstones of Financial Literacy class is free every Wednesday at EMERGE Headquarters Some farmers market venders take SNAP

Professional Development

Professional Development You have $150….USE IT! I will send out emails with professional development opportunities Seek out your own as well, this money can go towards any PD you want Professional development and Networking Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Young Education Professionals Network InterCorps Council of Minnesota Minnesota Rising

Think, pair, share: Talk with your neighbor Think, pair, share: Talk with your neighbor. What are some professional areas you want to learn more about this year. This can be related or related to your projects. Share my own interests.

Wellness & self care

Think, pair, share: Talk with a new neighbor. How do you destress Think, pair, share: Talk with a new neighbor. How do you destress. What do you do to relax and practice self care?

Ways to self care Exercise/eat healthy foods Read Write or draw Arts/crafts/DIY Find a organizational system Practice or start new hobbies Sports Be around other people! Think, pair, share: Talk with a new neighbor. How do you destress. What do you do to relax and practice self care?

Additional resources

VISTA VISTA Living Guide & Blog Housing, activities, and more! VISTA Campus: https://www.vistacampus.gov/home Everything you need to know about being a VISTA Webinars Resources for your service Forums and ways to connect with other VISTAS VISTA Portal: https://mnliteracy.org/vista MN Literacy Council resource VISTA Living Blog VISTA member trainings, forms, and additional resources

Tips and Tricks Budget Take advantage of free stuff all the time Libraries Museum and art gallery free days Plenty of parks Lean on your support networks Always self advocate