What are the main differences between AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA service?

AmeriCorps members provide direct services, whereas VISTAs build the capacity of their sites to effect positive change. For example, an AmeriCorps member with a job training program might teach job skill classes in a community center, but a VISTA with the same program would focus on grant writing to expand the scope of the job training program, develop new training modules, or network with community partners. With CASA, community volunteers work as advocates, whereas the VISTA member assignment might include volunteer recruitment, resource development, planning for program expansion, and other assignments to ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the program.

What is CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) are highly trained community volunteers who are appointed by judges to act as fact finders in family court proceedings involving children who have been abused and neglected. Because they are assigned to only one case at a time, CASA volunteers are able to devote the time and resources necessary to finding out all the pertinent information that the judge needs to make an informed decision. Local CASA programs recruit, train and supervise these volunteers. AmeriCorps*VISTA members do not take cases; instead they engage in capacity-building activities for the program. (See, “What do AmeriCorps*VISTA members do at CASA?”)

CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State (CASANYS) supports and promotes the development, growth and continuation of local CASA programs in New York State through training, technical assistance, quality assurance, help with resource development and raising public awareness about children who have been abused and neglected as well as about CASA’s mission. There are currently 23 programs serving 33 counties in New York State. CASANYS is a non-for-profit organization and a member of the National CASA Association.

What do AmeriCorps*VISTA members do at CASA?

The ultimate goal of the “VISTA Brings CASA to Kids” Project is to establish and expand CASA Volunteer Programs in New York in order to reach a greater number of children and assure them safe, stable and permanent homes. To further this end, AmeriCorps*VISTA team members:

More specifically, past and current VISTAs have:

What would my workload entail?

When you accept a position as a VISTA you will have an opportunity to learn more about the specific projects you would be working on. Every site has different priorities so the work will vary (although it will fit within the scope described above). After screening by CASANYS, your application will be reviewed by our local program directors and, if selected, you will be interviewed by the local director. This person would be your immediate supervisor and he/she will be able to be more specific about the assignments you might be given. Please feel free to ask any questions throughout this process. Once you are accepted, you and your supervisor will prepare a more detailed work plan.

What kind of training will I receive?

All AmeriCorps*VISTA members attend a three-day Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) – generally held in either Providence, RI, Philadelphia, PA, or Wilmington, DE. The PSO is designed to provide you with the necessary information to begin a successful year of national service. You will receive information defining your role as an AmeriCorps*VISTA member, the role of your sponsoring organization (CASANYS), and the role of the Corporation State Office. The CASA program to which you are assigned, will provide you with a local orientation, and the training and support necessary to accomplish the activities specific to your job. In the past VISTA members at CASA have received training on topics such as Educational Advocacy, How Family Court Works, Grant Writing, Resource Development, How to Conduct a Direct Mail Campaign, etc. VISTA members are invited to attend the statewide CASA Program meetings held twice a year.

Can I be an AmeriCorps*VISTA part-time?

No. AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve full-time.

May I obtain additional employment or attend school while serving as a VISTA?

AmeriCorps*VISTAs cannot have part-time jobs or be employed in any other paid position while serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA because they are on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day – although your regularly scheduled work week will not exceed 40 hours and generally will not require weekend work.

AmeriCorps*VISTAs cannot be full-time students or take more than one class while in service. All class attendance must be approved in advance by the Corporation state director and the project supervisor. Class work must be related to the project emphasis.

What are my benefits as a VISTA?

Perhaps the most important benefits are the professional experience you will gain as a VISTA and the satisfaction of making a valuable contribution to the community. VISTAs earn a small living allowance (paid every two weeks) which is approximately $840/month in upstate NY counties and $916/month around NYC. (One of the founding principles of VISTA is for members to live at the economic level of the communities they serve in order to be more attuned to the challenges of poverty.)

You can elect to receive a $1,200 end-of-service Stipend or a $4,725 Education Award. You can use the Education Award to pay off existing student loans, or to help pay for tuition and other related expenses at an accredited institution. If you have federal loans (e.g. Stafford or Perkins) you may defer these loans while in VISTA service. For these federal student loans, VISTA will pay the interest accrued during deferral provided you have chosen an Education Award. You may also qualify for student loan forbearance or deferment on other loans during your year of service. Please check with your lender for more details. You may also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that can reduce your income tax or even provide you with a tax refund.

Also, for one year following your VISTA service, you have non-competitive eligibility for federal government employment. This means that there are certain jobs you can apply for that would otherwise only be open to current federal employees.

What if I am not sure whether to choose an Education Award or a Stipend?

If you are not certain which to choose, we encourage you to choose the Education Award. If you change your mind within the first 10 months of your VISTA service, you can switch to the Stipend. However, if you elect the Stipend, you cannot switch to the Education Award.

Will I receive health insurance?

There is a health benefits plan which is available free-of-charge to AmeriCorps*VISTA Members. While this plan provides health benefits, it does not cover pre-existing conditions and does not provide “portability” (COBRA) at the end of your AmeriCorps*VISTA service. Please contact us if you need more detailed information.

Will I receive assistance with child care?

AmeriCorps*VISTA offers child care benefits to qualifying members. The maximum amount of child care assistance is $300 per month. Benefits are non-taxable to members. In order to receive child care benefits, you must have children under the age of 13 and be determined eligible based on income guidelines.

Do I get any time off?

Each member is authorized 10 personal leave days (vacation days) and 10 sick days per year. Legal Federal holidays are in addition to these 20 days.

How can I survive on just the stipend?

It can be difficult and is definitely something that you need to think about seriously. VISTAs are eligible to receive some public benefits due to their low income. VISTAs generally qualify for food stamps, though the amount of the benefit and qualifications vary according to locality. Many communities also have low-cost food distribution programs that some VISTAs utilize, such as food pantries and dollar-a-bag food programs. Many VISTAs live in shared housing to cut rent and utility costs. Some VISTAs live with their parents or spouses/significant others. VISTA service may not be appropriate for people with major expenses or costly lifestyles, unless they are VERY committed to scaling back expenses and lifestyle for the year. On the other hand, it can be an opportunity to explore activities that are available at limited- to no-cost – public library book and video borrowing, to free museum nights, free concerts and other events, long walks, window shopping, etc.

Do I have to serve where I am currently living, or can I move?

You are welcome to apply to sites anywhere in the country. You may qualify for up to a $550 moving expense reimbursement from the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), and your transportation to your new location and then back home at the end of your term of service are also provided for by CNCS.

Do I need a car?

In most locations you will need to have a car. You can discuss this with us as we decide which location would be the best match for you. If you do need a car for your assignment, VISTA will pay the mileage for you to drive from your home to your VISTA placement when you relocate.

How many years may I serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA?

You may serve up to 3 terms in AmeriCorps. For each year of VISTA service completed you are eligible for either a $1,200 stipend or a $4,725 education award. However, members are limited to two education awards.

How do I apply to become a member of the CASA AmeriCorps*VISTA team?

Go to https://recruit.cns.gov/index.asp. Click on “Apply Now”. Follow the Application Instructions. You must first register or log-in and then fill out the section dealing with personal information. Then click on “Program Selections”. Under “Program Listing ID”, enter “NY316872-0”. That will assure that your application will be sent to CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State. You will then ready to complete the other sections of your application. (Please note that your references need to be submitted before your application can be fully reviewed. If your references are unable to submit online, please let us know and we will e-mail you a copy of the reference form which can be completed and returned to us via mail.)

For more information:

CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State
99 Pine Street, Suite C102
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-426-5354 or 877-80-VOICE
haber@casanys.org
www.casanys.org

National Court Appointed Advocates Association
www.nationalcasa.org, www.casanet.org

AmeriCorps*VISTA

www.americorps.org/vista/