2. What is AmeriCorps VISTA? AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.

3. VISTA Members Commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more. With passion, commitment, and hard work, you’ll create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

4. By serving through VISTA You’ll gain new skills, friends, and experiences— plus you’ll get the satisfaction that comes from helping others. During your service, you’ll also receive a modest living allowance, health care, and other benefits. And, upon completing your service, you can choose to receive either an education award worth $4,725 to pay for college, or $1,200 in cash.

5. A Proud History of Service Did you know that President John F. Kennedy came up with the idea for VISTA? Or that the 170,000 VISTAs who have served since 1965 have played a key role in establishing many of the best- known anti-poverty programs, including Head Start, Upward Bound, and the credit union system?

6. Retired & Senior Volunteer Program We gather together the experience, talent, skills and creativity of seniors 55 years old and older. In our RSVP program we have great flexible scheduling and also good service activities. This program is perfect for people who love to do volunteer work. To make you comfortable you can select how to serve it and where.

7. The Programs That Are Provided.Tutoring at Local Schools.Helping out at your Local Senior Center/COA.Serving with Head Start Programs.Assisting in Nutrition Programs Meals on Wheels.Serving as a Friendly Visitor to a Frail Elder.Helping out at a Local Hospital.Creating Dolls for Dolls.Assisting in the Alzheimer’s Identification & Intervention Program helping out at Nursing Homes

8. Bonus! Volunteer workers receive special events for helping our program. There event are listed below.Travel Reimbursement.Enjoy Special Recognition Events & Luncheons You can work with us in designing a volunteer opportunity that fits you well and comfortable!

9. If needed any questions or Special arrangements for donating contact us at 978-686-9407 Children's Books - Sending donations of books can help us with our literacy program for the children. You can donate to us at any Merrimack valley federal credit union branch or at the office which is at 264 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA, 01840 Paint & Paint Supplies – Sending us paint or any paint supplies can help us for our beautiful mural and anti graffiti programs. Gardening Tools & Supplies – Sending us gardening tools and supplies will help us revitalize neighborhoods that are in need or need assists and we can help them develop a community garden. Fabric & Yarn – Fabric scissors and yarn can help us in our quilt and our dolls programs. Dolls, bears, blankets and scarves made by our lovely volunteers send their care package gifts to children in hospitals and new mothers who are given birth.

10. "Providing quality community service opportunities to volunteers of all ages, all diversity, and all ability. Striving for diverse programs of excellence and impact on the Merrimack Valley Community." Address: 264 Essex Street, Lawrence, MA, 01840 Phone: (978) 686-9407 Fax: (978) 557-5849 Email address: Foster Grandparent Program- mvcsc-fgp@comcast.netmvcsc-fgp@comcast.net RSVP - mvcsc-rsvp@comcast.netmvcsc-rsvp@comcast.net AmeriCorps VISTA - mvcsc-vista@comcast.netmvcsc-vista@comcast.net Youth Volunteer Corps - mvcsc@comcast.netmvcsc@comcast.net