1. Vista living
Your Survival Guide

2. Support

3. 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.

4. 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 s
Answer any questions

5. 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.

6. Benefits

7. 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
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

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

10. 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

11. Any Questions?

12. Services

13. SNAP
What is SNAP
Food assistance program that you may be eligible for.
How to apply
Apply online at
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

14. Other Services
Free tax services and financial advice through Prepare and Prosper and check out this site for more info and locations:
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

15. Professional Development

16. Professional Development
You have $150….USE IT!
I will send out s 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

17. 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.

18. Wellness & self care

19. 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?

20. 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?

21. Additional resources

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

23. 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