Connections with Farmers Markets Making a tangible difference AmeriCorps VISTA Connections with Farmers Markets About Karen Fleming-AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer Started in 2013 Supervised AmeriCorps VISTA’s The first year My facility Dir., Brian Kates asked me to apply to become an AmeriCorps Vista the following year 2014 Officially became an AmeriCorps Vista in 2014 It is a year-long commitment. In which you take a vow of poverty to live as those that are underserved live. Starting into my third year as an AmeriCorps Vista at the end of April 2016 Become an AmeriCorps VISTA Member AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.  Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.    summer Program through the AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Associate program.   The program offers members the opportunity to become engaged in community service through an existing AmeriCorps VISTA project for eight to 10 weeks during the summer.  AmeriCorps VISTA is open to all U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent resident aliens age 18 and older. Members and Summer Associates receive a modest living allowance. Members who serve for a year also receive limited health benefit options, childcare, if needed, and other benefits. After successful completion of a term of service, members can choose to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend. What are the other benefits? Additional benefits include training, limited health care benefits, relocation expenses, student-loan forbearance or deferment and non-competitive eligibility for a federal government position. You may also be eligible for childcare assistance should you need it. Perhaps the greatest benefit is the experience of making a positive change in your community and your country. But there are other benefits as well. VISTAs serve for a variety of reasons, from wanting to make the world a better place to discovering a life-changing adventure. For one year, you will be doing everything you can to create and expand programs that ultimately bring individuals and communities out of poverty. As a VISTA, you’ll gain: Memorable experiences Highly developed skills New friends A sense of belonging to a community Feeling of waking up every morning to help the world A new challenge Recent graduates gain the kind of real-world experience they can’t find in a typical entry-level job. Experienced adults apply their skills and knowledge to serious social problems and discover previously untapped strengths. By Karen Fleming 2016

VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) AmeriCorps VISTA Background VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) Founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. Today, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs. Today, more than 46 million Americans live in poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty. By serving with AmeriCorps VISTA, you can make a tangible difference. And, 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 volunteers take this same vow as the president of the United States does. This makes sense because Pres. Jack/John Kennedy in 1963 began the AmeriCorps VISTA. Did you know that President Kennedy introduced the idea of VISTA to Congress in 1963? Or that many of the best-known anti-poverty programs, including Head Start and Credit Unions, were expanded by VISTA members? VISTA has been on the forefront of ending poverty in America for 50 years. Did you know that President Kennedy introduced the idea of VISTA to Congress in 1963? Or that many of the best-known anti-poverty programs, including Head Start and Credit Unions, were expanded by VISTA members? VISTA has been on the forefront of ending poverty in America for 50 years. AmeriCorps VISTA VISTA provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.

Connecting thru Common Needs Share with CARE Connecting thru Common Needs Connecting People to the Space that Fits Knowing the Programs Being Aware of Others Needs Forming Bonds Working together Farmer’s Needs Making it Affordable for All (SNAP) Listening to Each Other Mission Statement The Colorado Farm and Art Market is devoted to nurturing relationships between consumers and local producers of farm products, value-added food items, and fine crafts and art through the operation of cooperative urban markets. The organization also seeks to grow community across urban and rural boundaries and promote and sustain local and regional economies.

Trading VISTA members generally do not provide direct services, such as tutoring children or building homes. Instead, they focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative, and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities. VISTAs develop programs to meet a need, write grants, and recruit and train volunteers. As a VISTA, you can:   Create an adult literacy awareness campaign and recruit volunteer tutors.  Set up transitional housing dedicated to helping the homeless turn their lives around.  Expand programs to help low-income families obtain affordable health insurance.  Recruit mentors for children of incarcerated parents.  Organize shelter and job opportunities for victims of disasters.  http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista

How to Apply to AmeriCorps VISTA Where to Go From Here How to Apply to AmeriCorps VISTA Want to join VISTA? Here's how to get started. Joining AmeriCorps VISTA is an opportunity of a lifetime and completing the official application will be your first step in becoming part of the National Service family. The application process takes commitment and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Visit the site to walk through the steps you’ll need to follow to complete and submit your application. Quick links to related resources: Learn about VISTA at nationalservice.gov/VISTA and VISTACampus.gov View current Americorps VISTA positions Get zip+4 information for yourself or your references Create a profile on my.americorps.gov The application checklist will help you collect all the information you need to apply View the text only version View the living allowance rates that VISTA Members and Leaders receive, listed by state and county of service. You can also call the National Service Hotline at 800-942-2677 for technical assistance with your application M-Th from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Eastern time. https://www.vistacampus.gov/how-apply-americorps-vista

Resources Check it Out AmeriCorps VISTA Meadows Park Community Center nationalservice.gov/VISTA and VISTACampus.gov View current Americorps VISTA positions Meadows Park Community Center https://parks.coloradosprings.gov/explore-play/play-programs/community-centers/meadows-park-community-center Address: 1943 S El Paso Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 Venetucci Farm http://www.venetuccifarm.org –Susan Gordon https://www.ppcf.org/our-projects/venetucci-farm/ Larga VISTA Ranch http://www.largavistaranch.com/ Colorado Farm and Art Market http://www.farmandartmarket.com/ AmeriCorps VISTA Venetucci Farms https://www.ppcf.org/our-projects/venetucci-farm/ Larga VISTA Ranch http://www.largavistaranch.com/ Colorado Farm and Art Market http://www.farmandartmarket.com/