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Briefing Book – Other
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Briefing Book – Other
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Records of the Office of National Service (Clinton Administration)
Richard C. (Rick) Allen's Files
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FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F (2)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
National Service
Series/Staff Member:
Rick Allen
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
2150
FolderID:
Folder Title:
Briefing Book - Other
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
2
2
3
file VISTA
February 23, 1993
CONTENTS
* Site visit memo
*
VISTA Summer Associates
* VISTA Clips
*
VISTA Facts, including
cost-per-volunteer sheet
and recruitment and
placement diagram
VISTA SUMMER ASSOCIATES
FACT SHEET
Program: As part of the economic stimulus package, under the
Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program located in
ACTION, 600 individuals aged 18 and above will spend a summer of
service addressing the needs of low-income communities. These
VISTA Summer Associates will work with full-time VISTA volunteers
on a number of existing projects.
Service Activities: VISTA summer associates will focus on the
broad needs of children, including: building houses through
Habitat for Humanity; serving as tutors in literacy programs with
Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy International
affiliations; assisting in inner-city weatherization and other
conservation projects; providing direct services within shelters
or transitional housing for the homeless, in conjunction with
affiliates of the National Coalition for the Homeless; serving in
food bank arrangements affiliated with the Second Harvest
national food bank network; and serving with regional Rural
Community Assistance Projects in surveys and outreach related to
water and waste water systems.
Cost: The Summer Associate Program will cost $1.2 million, or
$2,000 per volunteer. In addition to payments to volunteers,
projects will receive support funds for supervision,
transportation, and related costs. ACTION will administer the
activity at no additional cost.
Benefits to Service Participants: VISTA Summer Associate engaged
in service on a full-time basis will receive: a payment
averaging $620 per month to cover living expenses; on-site
training and skill development in a variety of technical and
other areas; a meaningful service opportunity, an experience that
will translate to a life of service; coverage under FECA and tort
claims; and ongoing support and supervision from a variety of
local organizations addressing critical social and economic
needs. No post-service stipend will be provided under this
program.
Other Information: (1) VISTA Summer Associates will be recruited
locally from the low-income communities being served as well as
from ACTION's national recruitment system. (2) The programs will
last an average of 10 weeks over the summer, with some variation
reflecting local community needs. (3) The appropriation under
the economic stimulus package for national service is being made
to the Commission on National and Community Service which will
transfer monies to ACTION to accomplish this program.
VISTA VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH THE
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA - NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA
P.O. Box 73275
Street Address: 1325 W Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20056
Executive Director: Sarah Hall Goodwin
VISTA Volunteers currently assigned to the project:
Susan Schatten, from Scarsdale, New York and a graduate of Washington University
in St. Louis, Missouri
Joseph Sarbak, from Washington, DC and a graduate of the American University.
Mr. Sarbak is also a member of the US Navy Reserves.
Molly Stephenson, from Washington, DC and a graduate of Michigan State
University.
The Literacy Volunteers of America - National Capital Area is a grass-roots
organization that organizes community activities to promote literacy in the District of
Columbia. The Chapter was formed in 1989 by the current Executive Director, Sarah Hall
Goodwin. The VISTA project matches students from local schools and businesses with
tutors recruited from throughout the Washington, DC area. The organization is run by a
Board of Directors drawn from businesses and government agencies and includes four student
members. A student support group was established to provide positive feedback for students
having trouble learning to read, or those who need extra encouragement. The VISTA
Volunteers have also established a tutor support system that provides tutors with a means for
discussing successes and problems with their tutoring activities.
At present, the organization has nearly 150 active student/tutor pairs. During the
project quarter ending in November 1992, 47 new student matches were made and 37 new
students were recruited and are waiting for tutors.
The project also includes:
A Student Support Group that meets every two months. This group encourages other
students in their learning activities, provides feedback to the staff and VISTA Volunteers,
and gives students a voice in policy making.
A Literacy Volunteers of America Speakers Bureau involving 25 speakers who promote
literacy and tutoring activities.
D
- 2 -
A newsletter which is published quarterly and distributed throughout the community.
A corps of 80 community volunteers (non-tutors) who have taken part in fund raising
and public relations efforts.
Since its inception, a total of 14 VISTA Volunteers have been assigned to the project.
Their accomplishments include establishment of an annual "Booking for Literacy" 10K run,
the development of a fund raising plan, the organization of a public relations committee, and
the creation of a speaker's bureau.
FEQERAL DOMESTIC VOLUNTEER
VISTA PRESS CLIPS
THE
AGENCY
Compiled 2/23/93
U.S.A.
But people immersed in citizen efforts to
solve local problems hope his national service
N
ATIONAL SERVICE
proposal will also fund community organiz-
ers.
In 1988 he wrote a glowing preface for a
book on his state's experience with VISTA,
New VISTAs ahead?
the federally funded domestic peace corps,
during its first 20 years. "Contemporary
Arkansas history owes much to the ground-
breaking efforts of VISTA volunteers,"
IN THESE TIMES
Clinton wrote of Volunteers in Service to
America, a program inspired by his role
Chicago, IL
model John F. Kennedy and created by
12/14/92
Lyndon Johnson during the War on Poverty.
"VISTA projects relied on the hard work
C
of people within poverty communities and
demonstrated that the effective use of
resources and planning would produce posi-
tive results, but only if the people themselves
maintained the effort."
Clinton's appreciation for VISTA is good
news. If he reinvigorates the agency as part of
his national service plan, its volunteers could
hough Bill Clinton cham-
help energize thousands of grass-roots organizations that
pions national service as a
have hung on by a thread during the Reagan and Bush
way for college graduates to
adrhinistrations. "If citizen groups depend on philanthropy
pay back student loans, he
to fuel the grass-roots movement, we'll wait until hell freezes
also hopes his plan to spend
over," says Pablo Eisenberg, executive director of the Center
up to $8 billion creating
for Community Change. "To rebuild inner cities and poor
250,000 national service
rural areas we need strong resident involvement. For
positions will spark a
Clinton, pumping money into community groups so they
stronger commitment to.
canifight for their own rights is a cheap way to go."
If Clinton
community among Amer-
Since VISTA's inception in 1965, VISTA volunteers have
icans young and old, rich
functioned more like community organizers than direct ser-
reinvigorates
and poor.
vice providers-though, depending on the prevailing politi-
VISTA as part
Invoking the legacy of
cal winds, they haven't always claimed that label. In the
the G.I. Bill and the Peace
early days, most volunteers were middle class and worked
of his national
Corps in a September
far from home. Then in the '70s, VISTA strived to place col-
speech, Clinton vowed to
lege-educated volunteers next to low-income volunteers
service plan,
give people from all walks
from the communities the program served, says Margery
volunteers
of life a "summons to ser-
Tabankin, VISTA director during the Carter administration.
vice and to citizenship."
During the Reagan years, middle-class volunteers were
could help
"Just think of it," Clinton
dubbed outside agitators by conservatives, so VISTA partici-
said during a campaign stop
pation was limited to community residents. Under Bush,
energize
at the University of Notre
VISTA was allowed to once again recruit from outside the
thousands of
Dame, "millions teaching
communities, but funding shortages hampered its efforts.
the children, policing the
VISTA's anti-poverty focus distinguishes it from many
grass-roots
streets, caring for the sick,
service programs. Volunteers, who work in 764 public agen-
working with the elderly or
cies and non-profits in 50 states, live in poor communities
organizations.
people with disabilities,
and subsist on allowances averaging $610 a month. They
building homes, helping
receive health insurance, are eligible for deferral or some
children stay off drugs and
forgiveness of student loans and don't lose welfare benefits.
By Robin Epstein
out of gangs." All of
VISTA already receives many more requests from
Clinton's examples describe
prospective volunteers and sponsors than it can accommo-
volunteers providing direct
date with its $40 million budget. Clinton could double the
services to people in need.
number of VISTA volunteers from the current 3,500 with-
out restructuring the agency, says
Clinton's transition team proposals
Tabankin, and it could easily grow
for national service and for other
beyond that with additional manage-
community-based efforts.
ment staff.
Some observers, however, believe
"Most people, however, believe
VISTA's radical reputation could
VISTA is either dead or a credit card,"
prove a political liability. In the late
says Mimi Mager, Tabankin's special
'60s, local officials accused VISTA
assistant during the Carter administra-
volunteers of biting the hand that fed
tion. "VISTA needs revitalized leader-
them. Recalls Wofford, "The mayors
ship. It's had none. Public awareness
and others said, 'For God's sake, the
and recruitment are essential."
VISTA Volunteers come in here and
Pennsylvania Sen. Harris Wofford,
the next thing I know they've orga-
one of the nation's premier national
nized a march on city hall."
service experts, is likely to be one of
Others say times have changed and
Clinton's allies on Capitol Hill.
predict nobody will bat an eyelash
Wofford, who was an adviser to
over VISTA. Because there are more
Martin Luther King and an aide to
community groups today than there
John F. Kennedy, helped create the
were in the '60s, local officials are
Peace Corps and organized a service
more accustomed to citizens
corps in his home state
demands, they argue. And, they note,
Wofford envisions a national service
the word "empowerment" is in
plan that gives volunteers a wide vari-
vogue-even among Republicans.
ety of options-including existing fed-
Judy Wagner, an aide to Illinois
eral programs such as VISTA.
Sen. Paul Simon, doesn't deny VISTA
National service should be decentral-
volunteers make waves. "As long as
ized, should fund ideas generated by
VISTA gets community people work-
local people, governing bodies and
ing on their own behalf, they are
institutions, and should favor projects
inevitably going to bump up against
that get people from different classes
someone in power," she says. "But
working together. Wofford believes
that would happen with or without
that the unity between the incoming
VISTA. It's much more mainstream
Clinton administration and congres-
now."
sional leadership bodes well for such a
Clinton acknowledged this tension
plan.
in his preface to the book on VISTA
For those who might balk at the
in Arkansas over the past two
price tag for national service, Wofford
decades. "Of course VISTA workers
is ready with both short-term and long-
were not free of controversy," he
term economic arguments. He points
wrote. "Change in those days was
to studies showing that for every dollar
often accompanied by strife, but the
spent, $1.80 in services is produced.
work on balance had a very positive
And well-designed programs that
impact."
require difficult work nourish qualities
As Wofford sees it, what some
participants need to be productive
people call "service" others term
workers later.
"advocacy" or "organizing." Faced
Wofford also says national service
with volunteers engaged in confronta-
can have benefits that are not easily
tions, national service supporters may
quantified-participants, for example,
say, "That's not what we mean.
will emerge more active politically. "A
That's politics," Wofford says. To
million young people engaged in prob-
some extent, federal legislation will
lems in America are going to want
set limitations on volunteers' political
action on those problems," he says.
participation, but he believes each
To bolster chances that Clinton will
community will interpret any future
strengthen VISTA as part of his nation-
law in its own way. "That's part of
al service plan, community organizers,
what's going to make this a great
citizen advocates and people in the
adventure."
foundation world plan to send
2012
OPTIONAL FORM 09 (7-90)
FAX TRANSMITTAL
# of payers
V
To
From
M.Ke Burning
Rocco
Dept. Agency
Phone
Rigin III
Fax 5
PhilaDailyNew
NSN 7540-01-317-7300
5099-101
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS 2/23
Guest Opinion
ACTION (created in 1971, but evolved from
Tax dollars
programs developed during the "War on
Poyerty is dedicated to the proposition
that every individual is a potential resource
In the community. The philosophy has been
well spent
to work with local people, sharing skills and
experience, not to do for people. It is clear
that when you do for people, they are weak-
ened; when you share tools, they are "em-
ACTION
powered." ACTION philosophy is grounded
in the idea that one can most improve their
quality of life by participating in the local
ational service has been labeled
community, u
apriority for the new adminis-
Long before this current trend of talking
N
tration and it has been the sub-
about the elderly as a resource, ACTION
lect of much discussion recently.
maintained the Older American Volunteer
feel I have some important in.
Program. Long before the dawning aware-
formation and opinions to share, as I have
ness that education and prevention is part of
served as a VISTA (Vol-
a long-term solution, ACTION initiated pro-
Cunteer in Service to
grams with at-risk youth from housing proj-
America) on two assign.
ects in Pittsburgh to rural Appalachia. Long
ments. I worked with
before this latest discussion of harnessing
10w income elderly in
the skills, enthusiasm, and idealism of re-
the Boston area and with
cent college graduates, ACTION ran the VIS-
Native Americans in a
TA program.
remote Alaskan village.
a VISTA volunteers are helping set up
VISTA is part of ACTION,
health clinics in the Appalachians, working
the Federal Domestic
with tribal governments in Alaska, and ex.
Volunteer Agency.
panding literacy projects around Philadel-
& I have become con-
phia. VISTA,volunteers work in cities and in
cerned because I feel
rural areas, with grassroots groups and large
some of the most impor-
human ser vice agencies, but always with
JOHN ZELSON
tant ideas are not being
low-income.and disadvantaged populations,
addressed. I read a recent article that exem-
and always with the goal of putting struc-
plified national service as "cleaning parks."
tures into place so the community will still
have seen volunteers accomplish much
be helping itself after VISTA leaves.
more? *
In an era where many Americans have ex-
pressed dissatisfaction with how their tax
dollars have been used, we can be proud of
the efforts of ACTION. With scant funding
and amidst hostile politics, ACTION has not
only "cleaned up parks," but organized com-
munities to meet their needs, empowered in-
dividuals, and created structures that allow
local peopledo contribute their energies to
solve problems in their home.commu-
John Zekin KA recoulter and former volunteer for VISTA. He says
this reflects No OWD views and not necessarily those of the agency
SUNDAY STAR-LEDGER
NEWARK, NJ
SUNDAY
700,237
JAN 24 1993
BURRELLE'S
1670
XF
eaa
The class of '93 ready
to be at your 'service'
6297AT
By TERRI P. GUESS
For college graduates, starting a
career can be a long, arduous and
competitive process, and for the 1993
graduates the experience will be no
different.
College career professionals are
cautiously keeping an open mind as
they prepare another group of edu-
cated youngsters for the job market.
Of the counselors interviewed, all
agreed that the economy is changing
to one of a "service producing econ-
omy," which includes such fields as fi
nancial and health services.
"We are pleased that more com-
panies are coming to campus to re-
cruit, but we are being cautiously opti-
mistic," said Laure Paul, director of
Career Planning and Placement at
Drew University in Madison.
Paul said the number of recruit-
ers scheduled to visit the campus is
higher than last year and they seem to
be "enthusiastic." "They are still cau-
tious and not really sure how many
jobs they will be offering." Paul de-
scribed the situation as being in
"limbo".
At most college campuses, heavy
recruitment happens during the
spring, but some colleges have re-
ceived visits from recruiters and held
career fairs.
William Corwin, associate direc-
tor of career services at Princeton Uni-
versity, said his school is feeling some-
what of a pinch in relation to past
years.
"We estimate that the number of
Photo by Steve Andrascik
on-campus interviewing schedules is
William Corwin, associate director of career services at Princeton Uni-
down by 10 percent versus last year.
versity, helps senior Jason Wood with his resume
We have 120 companies scheduled and
that is not like three or four years ago
season we've had in the last three
interested in two fields: investment
or during the mid 1980s when we had
years and we will be grateful for a turn-
banking and management consulting.
as many as 150 to 200 companies," he
around. We are looking for an upturn,"
The Princeton career official said he
said.
he said.
thought students were showing a
However, Corwin said he believes
Princeton's major recruiting be-
strong interest in public service
the outlook for this year's graduates is
gins in February and Corwin said the
groups. He named the Peace Corps
slightly better. "The activities will
month is full of interested companies.
and Action/Vista, a domestic public
probably pick up. This is the driest
Corwin said graduates are most
Please turn to next page
666
Students accepting the sales pitch
66G
stone to bigger positions," Spaltro
to campus to interview our students,
From preceding page
said.
only to put their resumes in a resume
service group, as the most popular.
The career counselor said start-
bank. The positions just were not
Corwin said this sudden interest
ing in sales is the usual route for mar-
there." she said.
in public service was sparked because
keting majors, and that recruiters
Eileen Bruck, director of Career
"students have a sense that what they
claim that the best marketing people
Services at Montclair State College, is
are doing is worthwhile, constructive
are those in the sales force because
also being cautiously optimistic. The
counselor said she doesn't see a
and-meaningful."
they not only know the market, but
also the consumer.
"surge" in jobs, but believes the out-
Paul also said the new trend is to-
look will be brighter because of the
ward social service organizations and
She also said that a number of
new president.
that many of her students are moving
marketing departments in consumer
election of a new president
away from business and looking to-
product or pharmaceutical companies
will change the mood of the consumer,
wards education and different kinds of
require employees to start through
and if people spend more, companies
teaching.
sales.
will be more optimistic. If they are op-
"The new trend is toward being
Spaltro said they are "right on
timistic, they will hire more," she said.
interested in jobs that directly help
target" with the number of recruiters
"There are jobs out there, but I
people," Paul noted.
that visited the campus last year, with
think it's harder for the new graduates.
Sharon Spaltro, director of the
the difference that there are more op-
There are fewer jobs than for the 1986
Office of Career Services at Fairleigh
portunities this year.
graduatés, and people who graduated
Dickinson University in Rutherford, an
"The recruiting schedule for
six months or a couple of years ago are
Upper division business center" serv-
Spring '93 is the same in number as
still competing.
ing juniors, seniors and graduate stu-
the companies recruiting in the Spring
There is keen competition out
dents, said a large number of students
'92. The big change I have seen with
there because the people who should
are going into sales, a field that stu-
our spring recruiting schedule is the
be working aren't working," she
added.
dents traditionally shy away form.
companies coming to campus this year
Photo by Richard Rosent
At Montclair State, Bruck said
"Students realize that for a num-
have positions to offer. Last recruiting
Janice Mallett (left) program coordinator for the Office of Career Services at Fairleigh Dickinson and St
her of companies, sales is the stepping
season a number of companies came
Please turn to next page
ron Splatro, director of career services, plot strategy at the Rutherford campus
To a degree, recruiters visiting campuses in a more systematic way
666
the jobs are, the candidates aren't and
strong resume bank," she said.
takes approximately three weeks.
tomer service and entry-level financial
back to the college placement office.
From preceding page
where the candidates aren't the jobs
Germinder, a recent graduate,
For Liz Clairborne, the hiring
positions as traditional starting posi-
some that graduated over 20 years
employers are continuing to come to
are."
said she knows how frustrating the
practices have stayed the same during
tions for college graduates.
ago," Spaltro said. "It just shows that
the campus, but their goals for hiring
Many students want to work in
process can be. "Making the change
the past couple of years. "It has be-
Tom Joyce, director of public re-
they probably have exhausted every
have been diminished.
management training programs, an
from college to career is one of the
come more competitive for the stu-
lations at Prudential, said they are also
other possibility."
"Where some companies may
opportunity Bruck said is becoming
recruiting, but at a smaller level.
The FDU Alumni Association has
have had a goal to hire 30 people, it
obsolete. "Companies are cutting
"Given the present economic
recently contracted with Job Bank
may now be down to 20," she said.
management training programs be-
conditions, we are not extremely ac-
USA. Spaltro said the job bank will
Bruck added that there are a
cause they are cutting levels of man-
'Making the change from college to career is
tive in doing recruitment," said Joyce,
provide an automated employment
combination of things that might ef-
agement."
one of the hardest transitions a student has to
adding, "We are doing some at an ap-
service for more than 84,000 alumni.
fect the number of college campus re-
The counselor said she believes
propriately smaller level in our busi-
The FDU campus also uses the
cruiters.
students are hesitant about entering
make.'
ness unit, but not a large amount."
Kinexus system, which is a part-
"They look at the selection pro-
sales positions because they don't
Both Spaltro and Bruck said they
nership between the country's top em-
think of them as being professional.
have seen a marked increase in the
cess in terms of what colleges to visit
-Rosemary Germinder
ployers and colleges/universities to
"Students tend to shy away from sales
number of alumni who have returned
in a more systematic way. If a college
build a national computerized data-
recruiter
hasn't given good candidates, employ-
because some are commission and
to their career centers looking for jobs
base of students and alumni seeking
ers may not come back," Bruck said.
others offer a base salary with commis-
after being laid off.
employment.
Alumni services have been offered
"They are being more selective about
sion. Sales is connected to productiv-
"Through these technological
ity and they don't think its profes-
dents," said Germinder, adding,
at Montclair State for 16-years, said
the schools they go to. If they went to a
hardest transitions a student has to
systems the individual's resume
"There haven't been too many
Bruck, noting that the alumni have
place for three years and didn't get any
sional."
reaches more prospective employers
make."
used the career services office more in
candidates, that school may not be on
Rosemary Germinder, a recruiter
changes for us."
than simply those the student is con-
for Liz Claiborne Inc. in North Bergen,
Even though Germinder is not
the last couple of years than in the
their list any longer."
sidering contacting," Spaltro said.
The sales field, in addition to sci-
able to tell prospective candidates
The recruiter said the company
said the job market for her company
past.
In October, when FDU held a
ence and health, were mentioned as fa-
"looks good."
what specific jobs are available, she
will accept resumes from all areas.
"Many people either haven't got-
Career Day. Spaltro said the employer
vorable markets by Bruck. However.
"We hire on an as needed basis.
said an assessment will be made. "We
However, there are some technical
ten jobs, have become unemployed or
involvement was much higher than ex-
she said, there aren't many students
can give them insight on whether we
areas that require specific degrees.
were dissatisfied with their first
When jobs become available, we try to
pected. Forty-three companies at-
interested in these careers, making the
fill them as quickly as possible. We are
feel they'll be called back for a second
She cited marketing. production
choice." Bruck said.
market unbalanced, because, "Where
able to fill jobs because we work from a
interview." The process. she
design. merchandising. cus-
"A number of alumni have come
Please turn to next pag
VISTA here to
GE STATION
LE
TX
help lift the
22,271
AY
literacy rate
ULC
0
1992
By ANTON RIECHER
6297AT
Eagle staff writer
Newly arrived VISTA volunteer Laurie
Ellington's mission for the next year will
be to establish a family reading program
in the Brazos Valley that will benefit
children by improving their parent's
reading skills.
"If a child learns to read at school and
then goes home and the parents can't
read, this child is not going to progress,"
Ellington said.
Ellington is the first full-time Vol-
unteers in Service to America recruit as-
signed to the local chapter of Literacy
Volunteers of America, said Pam Ro-
synek, chapter executive director. The
VISTA program serves as a domestic
Peace Corps for impoverished Ameri-
càns.
"A lot of VISTA volunteers are being
assigned to literacy projects," Rosynek
said. "A lot of [federal] money is being
pumped into the literacy problem, which
is what we need."
A second VISTA volunteer will be join-
ing the Literacy Volunteers chapter in
January to direct efforts to improve the
existing work force literacy program.
Ellington, 22, of Hartford, Conn., grad-
uated from the University of New Hamp-
shire in May with a bachelor's degree in
liberal arts concentrating on Spanish.
She decided to postpone entering the job
market in favor of spending a year work-
ing "for a good cause," she said.
"There are so many problems out here
in this country," Ellington said. "I would
just feel like I was being selfish if I was
just doing the normal thing like looking
for, quote, a real job, unquote," Ellington
ebl
said.
VISTA, created in 1964, provides full-
time volunteers to communities across
the country trying to address the issues
of poverty. Nearly 100,000 people have
served as VISTA volunteers since the
program's inception.
In applying for help from VISTA, the
Literacy Volunteers used statistics show-
ing a pressing local need. Texas ranks
47th out of 50 states in literacy and, in
Brazos County, one out of five people
16
qualifies as functionally illiterate.
The Literacy Volunteers are sponsor-
Eagle photos/ Mike Mulvey
VISTA recruit Laurie Ellington, right, joins a teaching session between tutor
ica and student Marie Lewis at Lewis' home. Ellington's assignment locally is to
Beth Hostetler, left, of the Brazos Valley Chapter of Literacy Volunteers of Amer-
organize a family reading program.
ing Ellington's stay in Bryan-College Sta-
already working with illiterate adults. O-
tion only to the extent that the agency
provides the project and small expenses
"There are SO many prob-
riginally founded in 1985 as the Brazos
Valley Adult Literacy Council, the coun-
such as mileage and office supplies, Ro-
lems out here in this coun-
cil became a chapter of the national Lit-
synek said. Ellington's living expenses
eracy Volunteers group in 1990.
are paid by VISTA.
try."
LAURIE ELLINGTON
The work force literacy program
Her work with the Literacy Volunteers
already in place will expand in January
will be purely administrative in setting
VISTA volunteer
when VISTA volunteer Chris Crowther
up the family literacy programs financed
of Harrisonburg, Va., arrives to take
by a recent $10,000 grant from the Dansby
The next step is to find volunteers will-
charge, Rosynek said. That program, now
Grant Foundation. The first step is to
ing to tutor these parents on a one-on-one
serving 15 students, helps people wanting
find the people in the community that
basis, she said. The likely candidates are
to improve their reading ability referred
need this help, Ellington said.
teachers, college students, high school
to Literacy Volunteers by their em-
During her first week on the job, El-
students and other members of the com-
ployers.
lington met with local Head Start offi-
munity.
Rosynek's contribution to Ellington's
cials to brainstorm ways to reach parents
"We want to try and make the matches
education about Texas and Bryan-College
reading below a sixth-grade level. Public
as compatible as possible," Ellington
Station was to take the VISTA volunteer
service announcements on KAMU-FM
said. "We wouldn't want a 60-year-old in-
to the Texas A&M bonfire on her second
public radio are already being broadcast.
dividual being tutored by a 16-year-old
day in town.
"I'm thinking about going into the
individual."
Her only comment about the bonfire
local churches to try and reach these
Out of 150 members, the Literacy Vol-
event was that she regarded it as "a cul-
folks," Ellington said.
unteers chapter has 102 active tutors
tural experience," Ellington said.
2012
STANDARD-TIMES
NEW BEDFORD, MA
DAILY
43,600
MONDAY
NOV 23 1992
BURRELLE'S
167
PK
eck
y
VISTA volunteers
take on challenge
4297.47 enmiter Solomon and
FRONT PAGE
Louann Tavares have
Commentary
their work cut out for
them.
Some of the challenges they
face; finding things to do for
the kids of New Bedford's
low income housing other
than teetering on the edge of
lawlessness, and trving to
motivate the adults whose
spirit of community
involvement has nearly been
beaten out of them.
They don't have much of a
CHRIS
plan yet their work is just
starting - but the two don't
GONSALVES
lack drive. Jen, from Santa
Barbara, Calif., and Louann, a
New Bedford native, last
week began planning a better life for the folks of
Verdean Gardens and United Front Homes.
The two are VISTA volunteers. VISTA stands for
Volunteers In Service To America, something Jen and
4
(See VISTA, Page A5
10/2
18
VISTA
(Continued from Page 1)
Louann say they strongly believe in.
VISTA, which began in 1964, is a
sort of domestic Peace Corps, taking
volunteers with a hankering for
helping folks and shipping them to
some of the meanest streets the
country has to offer.
Jen and signed up to serve for one
year. Both are serving in New
Bedford by choice.
The VISTA program is federally
funded. Verdean Gardens and United
Front got their volunteers when the
common mortgage holder, the
Massachusetts Housing Finance
Agency, applied for help in
Photo by Chris Gonsalves
organizing tenants and youth
VISTA volunteers Louann Tavares, left, and Jennifer Solomon last
programs.
Jennifer, 22, seems out of place in
week began planning a better life for the folks of Verdean Gardens
the Verdean Gardens community
and United Front Homes in New Bedford.
room, where she and Louann were
planning their strategy. With a
thought maybe I could give
apartment buildings and, project
smooth West Coast drawl and a
something back and have a positive
managers say, the distance and
constant smile, the recent college
influence on someone else. I have
related rivalries between the
grad with a degree in French
kids myself. They need something to
buildings has made any effort to
literature said she had planned to go
do, just like all the other kids in this
organize tenants difficult. The
into the Peace Corps, but chose
area."
low-income project has also been
VISTA instead.
VISTA administrators
shunned by other private
"I did a lot of work like this in
custom-design a priority list based
neighborhood groups in the area.
college," she said. "I like working
on each city's needs.
"I'm just waiting to see what
with kids and I wanted to continue to
In New Bedford, Louann and
happens," Verdean Gardens manager
do something like that.
Jennifer will work on youth
Debbie Clark said of the VISTA
"There are a lot of pluses to this,
programs, tenant involvement to
program. "I think initially it's going
(especially) feeling that you are
improve security and quality of life
to be rough. People here have been
doing something positive," she said.
in the projects, and drug and alcohol
disappointed by other organization
Jen requested her East Coast
abuse prevention programs. To do
efforts before. These folks are really
assignment, she said, because she
that, they hope to involve local
going to have to show them that
lived in Newton a decade ago and
college students, elderly volunteers
something is going to happen."
wanted to come back. New Bedford
and local social service agencies.
With 200 units all in one place,
is pretty much how she pictured it,
she said.
One local agency already
United Front should prove more
committed to supporting the VISTA
fertile ground for the
"I knew the area was really
volunteers is the Mayor's Drug Free
community-involvement seeds the
economically depressed," Jennifer
Community Partnership.
VISTA duo is carrying. United Front
said. "It's good to work in an area
has a long history of active tenant
"This is a great idea. I hope the
that needs the help. I think this city
involvement in its own group. as well
community is open to it and parents
has a strong foundation for the kinds
as the larger West-Central
let their children participate," said
20/2
of things we want to do here."
Neighborhood organization.
partnership community organizer
Unlike her counterpart, Louann is
In either place, however, Louann
John Lobo. "We'll be there to help
Tavares and Jennifer Solomon have
right at home in the projects. A
any way we can."
their work cut out for them.
product of low-income housing in the
South End, herself, she now lives in
The job promises to be tougher at
"When you look at the whole pie, it
Verdean Gardens than at United
United Front and said she sought out
seems overwhelming," Louann said.
VISTA because she remembered the
Front. Verdean Gardens has slipped
"If we just concentrate on one piece
into an inner-city apathy that has
impact VISTA volunteers had on her
at a time. we'll succeed."
seen its once-active tenant
as a child.
association go belly up.
Staff writer Chris Gonsalves
"Those people opened up a whole
The 110-unit South-Central
covers New Bedford neighborhoods
new world for me," Louann said. "I
development is spread out in six
for The Standard-Times.
SUN-CHRONICLE
ATTLEBORO, HA
DAILY & SUNDAY
23,676
SATURDAY
DEC 5 1992
Teacher keeps VISTA alive in Attleboro
1960s program
'If people are
paying dividends
illiterate, most of
BY, VIRGINIA TERHUNE
the intellectual
SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
experience is
FRONT PAGE ATTLEBORO
lost to them.'
R
etired teacher Robert
Robert Hunter
Hunter has spent most of
his life so far teaching
English literature to students who
can read and write.
there. "In a short time, I've met
Now he is helping teach a dif-
so many Attleboro people that I
ferent side of the language to
used to see but didn't know, he
people who are still learning those
said.
skills as the new administrative
"I have a much stronger feeling
assistant at the Literacy Center
for the community by having a
on North Main Street,
chance to meet all these people."
Hc said he likes the job, bc-
MÄRTIN GAVIN/ THE SUN CHRONICLE
cause he believes literacy is a
Taught in Mansfield
VISTA volunteer Robert Hünter enjoys teaching.
way to more fully participate in a
Hunter taught English in Mans-
democratic society and in life.
along the way and an all-time low
The program is currently ad-
field for 20 years before retiring a
"If people arc illiterate, most of
of 1,500 volunteers in the early
ministered through ACTION, an
few years ago. He said he had
the intellectual experience is lost
1980s, the program is now on the
independent federal agency with a
done some volunteering in hospi-
to them." he said.
move again with nearly 3,300 vol-
recruiting office in Boston.
tals when he spotted a small
Hunter, who lives in Attleboro,
unteers nationwide.
Hunter's job for the next-year
advertisement in the paper.
is one of 120 people in the state
Since 1985 wé'ye grown sub-
will be to assist the center's
"I've always had a streak of
working for Volunteers in Service
stantially;" said William Barrett
director Donna Morse, for which
altruisim, and this job looked like
to America. à federal program
of public relations.
he will receive about $7,000 from
it also had enough variety to
that began as part of the "war on
"We're seeing a greater interest
VISTA.
make it interesting,' he said.
poverty" in the mid-1960s.
due to recruitment, especially
Morse says she is pleased to
Despite some funding bumps
through the colleges.
have him, and he is pleased to be
SEE VISTA, PAGE 2
VISTA: Retired teacher helps people read
FROM PAGE 1
school.
Still settling in, Hunter said he
To help turn that around, the
is writing grants and soon hopes
Programs include
center currently offers programs
to begin computerizing informa-
adult basic education,
in adult basic education, high-
tion from the center's 200 learners
graduate equivalency
school equivalency certificates,
and 200 volunteers from Attleboro
family and workplace literacy,
and surrounding towns to help
certificates, literacy,
English for foreign-born speakers
improve teaching techniques.
He will also be a link between
English for foreign-
and citizenship training.
The Literacy Center was also
Morse and volunteers on the cen-
born speakers and
recently awarded a state grant to
ter's fundraising, planning and
citizenship training.
help 20 learners who meet certain
public relations committees.
guidlines to improve their read-
I'm on tap to do anything," he
ing, writing and computing skills.
said.
for the Literacy Center's services
Called "Operation Employ,"
Administrators say the demand
has mushroomed since it moved
the year-long program to start in
from the Attleboro Public Library
January will require that learners
to the city-owned Sweet House
spend 20 hours a week of comput-
next door when the library closed
er, classroom and individual tu-
for renovations.
toring time.
"Since the day we put the sign
The center is also still looking
up, everything has just explod-
for more volunteers. Reading and
ed," said Morse.
writing tutors are asked to com-
Since then, learners and other
mit five hours a week for a year
volunteers have helped transform
and take a training course.
the abandoned building into a
For more information about the
etc
warm and welcoming place for
Literacy Center, call 226-3603 in
people who are often intimidated
Attleboro.
by schools or libraries.
To contact VISTA, call 1-617-565-
"It's like a home to them, not
7000 in Boston or Washington,
like an institution," said volunteer
D.C. toll free at 1-800-424-8867.
Dan West, who both teaches and
Applicants must be 18 or older
does much of the remodeling
and American citizens.
work.
Those accepted are assigned to
According to the state Depart-
work for a year in low-income
ment of Education, one third of
communities for a living allow-
the state's adults cannot read,
ance and a $95 monthly stipend
write or compute in English at the
paid at the end of the year of
level expected.
service.
Contrary to popular belief, most
The VISTA recruiting drive is
of them are native-born Ameri-
targeting college graduates but
cans who dropped out of high
everyone is welcome to apply.
21
GATES COUNTY INDEX
GATESVILLE, NC
WEEKLY
2,700
DEC 2 1992
VISTA project completed 6297A7
The first of the VISTA program projects, which
assistance provided by the North Carolina Rural
involved the installation of a septic tank and water
Communities Assistance Project Inc. and a FHA
services for a county residents has been
grant. VISTA worker Barbara Harrell has been
completed. The project, at the home of Ella Jordan
working with Jordan less than one year in an
of Hobbsville, was also made possible through
attempt to make the project a success.
10/-
23
Sewer project completed
FROM: PAGE
By Helene C. Knight
private, nonprofit organization
assess water loss and identify pipe
News Editor
whose goals is to ensure all the
leaks.
GATESVILLE -- The first septic
residents of rural Nonb Carolina
NC/RCAP also works at the
tank project in the county under the
affordable access to potable water
community. level to promote
watchful eye of the sponsoring
and safe waste disposal: NC/RCAP
environmental protection and to
agency, North Carolina Rural
sponsors VISTA Volunteers at
explain the link between people and
Communities Assistance Project
human service organizations around
the environment; monitors and
Inc. has recently been completed,
the state to provide outreach and
contributes to public and private
according to Barbara Harrell,
technical assistance, in rural
policy regarding water and waste
Volunteer in Service to America
communities.
disposal issues to insure the interest
(VISTA) worker.
Harrell is available to help
of low- and moderate-income rural
Harrell, who works at the
individuals and communities
residents are considered and;
Gatesville office of the Economic
throughout the 10-county 'service
educates people about how the lack
Improvement Council (EIC) is
arca of EIC which includes
of safe and proper waste disposal
sponsored by NC/RCAP, based in
Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare,
can effect a community's health and
Pittsboro.
Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank,
economic viaility.
The first project completed under
Perquimans, Tyrrell and
Twenty-four percent of the
the VISTA Program, in cooperation
Washington Counties:
residents in Gates County do not
with the NC/RCAP was the
With technical support from
have adequate indoor plumbing;
placement of a septic tank and water
NC/RCAP, Harrell is able to help
according to a report released last
services to the home of Ella Jordan
interested counties, towns,
year by the NC/RCAP and the
of Hobbsville. The project was
communities, water corporations,
N.C. Rural Economic Development
completed through the efforts of the
sanitary districts, and the like on a
Center. Gates County has the
VISTA program and a FHA grant.
variety of isssues. For example, she
highest such percentage of residents
Harrell has been working with
will be able to help communities to
of any county in the state, the
Jordan a little less than one year to
define water and waste disposal
report stated.
make this project a success.
needs such as lacking adequate
The report also stated, there are
The sponsoring agency,
facilities and create solutions. She
NC/RCAP, founded in 1987, is a
is also able to help water systems
(See SEWER, Page 3)
1
Sewer
A
(From Page 1)
more outhouses in regular use in
North Carolina than anywhere else
in the nation and one in six
minority households in North
Carolina lacks complete indoor
plumbing.
For more information about the
VISTA Program, persons interested
should call Barbara Harrell at 357-
0555. The VISTA Program is part
of ACTION, the federal domestic
volunteer agency.
20/0
24
REDLANDS UNILY
REDLANDS, CA
DAILY & SUNDAY 8, 438
FRIDAY
DEC 18 1992
Volunteer gives up job, donates
time for the benefit of others
By TINA BORGATTA
FRONTPAGE
group since he first began his
Well, Bell likes to refer to
Staff Writer
VISTA work last January
VISTA as the domestic Peace
62 TA
I
He spoke for about 20 minutes,
Corps, It is federally funded and
MENTONE
Tis the season
then finished off with the enter-
pays its workers a small stipend for
to be jolly
tainment,
their efforts — between $500 and
And a group of about 30
Bell, a 40-year-old Banning
$650 a month.
Mentone senior citizens appeared
resident, is one of six VISTA
"They pay just enough for you to
to be just that on Wednesday They
workers in Redlands. His job is to
squeak by," he said. "And I've
were tapping toes, clapping hands
educate the community about
been squeaking by for a whole
and singing along to.a rendition of
another organization, Food For
year."
countrymusio tunes and Christmas
All, and recruit vounteers for its
As a VISTA worker, Bell's job
carols performed by a quartet of
distribution committee.
is to talk to people about Food For
musicians led by VISTA (Volun-
Bell said Redlands Family Ser-
All a program which began here in
teers In Service To America)
vices and New Hope in Beaumont
Redlands in 1986 at Gerrard's
worker Bill Bell.
are just two of the area agencies
Market. It has since grown to
Bell was at the Mentone Con-
SCOTT D. RUBY/Redlands Daily Facts
that receive help from Food For
include 1,400 grocery stores -
gregational Church talking to the
All.
VISTA worker Bill Bel plays music for a group of senior
mostly in California. About 100 of
seniors about his organization
So, what are VISTA and Food
citizens.
the second such visit with the
For All?
See VOLUNTEER, Page A4
VOLUNTEER
/ Continued from Page A1
those stores are in New England and
about four times a year. But working
around 30 are in Nevada.
for VISTA has required a lot more
Food For All works this way. The
time. In the 11 months that Bell's
grocery stores display blue, red and
been a VISTA worker, he's spoken
green postcards at the checkout stand
to about 50 groups - an average of
all printed with the words Food
about one a week. He also works on
For All in big white letters. The blue
placing volunteers in position that
cards cost 50 cents, the red postcards
best utilize their special talents.
are a dollar, and the green ones cost
"I speak to anyone who's inter-
$5. Shoppers can purchase any or all
ested," Bell said. "That ranges from
of these cards at the checkout stand,
senior groups to working with the
and the supermarket sends all the
junior high schools. I gave a talk at
money to Food For All for distribu-
the University of Redlands last week,
tion to area agencies.
and I also speak to various service
"Now we've raised over $3 mil-
organizations. I speak at a lot of
lion," Bell said. "And it all started
churches."
right here in Redlands. And
Before becoming a VISTA
how the money IS spent, the funding
worker, Bell - also a musician
decisions, are all made by the Food
worked for 20 years as a library
For All volunteers in the area
the
assistant. His last position was held at
people who know best what the
the University of Redlands, which he
needs are in their own community."
left to record an album.
Bell said his opportunity working
"I really needed to work on that
with VISTA "sort of fell into my
full time," he said. I had already
lap."
been a volunteer for Food For All
Bell, who was born in Redlands
and I was told about this VISTA
and graduated from Redlands High
opportunity. The timing was just
School, once volunteered for Food
right. I always thought that this
For All and worked on the group's
would be something would do when
funds distribution committee. It was
I retire, but sometimes you just have
through his work there that he
TO grab these kinds of opportunities
became acquainted with VISTA
when they come your way."
people.
Besides, Bell said he likes the
"Now that I'm working for
feeling he gets when gives something
VISTA, I can no longer be on a
back to the community.
distribution committee," Bell said.
"And then," he said, "doing this
"But I would like to do that again."
work here in Redlands is kind of like
Food For All volunteers only meet
coming home."
20/2
LEAVENWORTH TIMES
THURSDAY
LEAVENWORTH, KS
7,300
DEC 17 1992
DATLY
Local program gets a second chance
Big Brothers-Big
Sisters rises out of
the ashes even stronger
By HOPE GREER
Times Lifestyles Editor
6247AT
The Leavenworth County Big Brothers-
Big Sisters program will have a merrier
Christmas this year for a couple of
reasons.
The building which housed the program
last year at 508 Shawnee Street was
destroyed by fire four days before Christ-
mas.
"Last Christmas we had no idea where
we'd end up." said Deborah Gregor, exec-
utive director of Big Brothers-Big Sisters.
"We didn't get into our new building
until February and it was close to January
before we ended up finalizing any deal."
Gregor said her biggest Christmas pre-
sents didn't arrive until April. They came
in the form of two Volunteer In Service
To America recruits that were assigned
VISTA volunteers Wanda Young and Robert Weigel joined the Leavenworth County Big Brothers-Big Sisters program four
Times Photo/Hope Greer
to assist her in rebuilding the program.
months after a fire destroyed its building last December.
Wanda Young, formerly of Junction
City, and Robert Weigel, Leavenworth,
public relations.
and that's something I never did."
Over 600 children and 165 adults are
saw VISTA's help-wanted ad in the news-
VISTA has assigned them both to Big
Young moved from Junction City last
paper and quickly applied for the job.
Brothers-Big Sisters for one year, but
enrolled in the program, which provides
year and immediately fell in love with
Young and Weigel have already written
role models for at-risk youths. Big Broth-
"They have been absolutely
the city.
ers-Big Sisters also provides after-school
wonderful," Gregor said. "Robert is a
to the foundation and asked to stay
"Junction City is more an out-for-your-
another year.
and summer programs, homework help,
godsend as far as sorting through the
self kind of town, she said.
career training, craft classes and recre-
paperwork. It was all destroyed by fire
"I just want to help the community,"
"Leavenworth is a really close-knit com-
ational activities.
or was soaking wet. He's managed to
Weigel said. "VISTA's a one-way ticket
munity.
to doing that.
"The children are exceptional," Weigel
reconstruct most of it and put it on the
"I was surprised at how many people
"I feel that before I wasn't really inter-
said. "We kind of thought, 'We're taking
computer."
are willing to help here."
care of these poor children.'
Weigel is also in charge of applying
ested in what my neighbors were doing.
There are nine people who regularly
for grants and raising funds. Young
I was only interested in my life. Now I
"It's not like that They're strong and
volunteer to help the 700 children enrolled
see these children and understand their
they only want to survive. They need a
handles the volunteer recruiting and
in the program. Numerous others drop in
chance like everyone else. This is their
problems. Now I'm interested in them
to assist whenever they can.
chance."
GOODLAND DAILY NEWS
GOODLAND, KS
DAILY
2, 750
WEDNESDAY
DEC 16 1992
Project seeks volunteers
VISTA aims at removing barriers
BY TINA GOODWIN
Rick Knight, Independent Liv-
Managing Editor
ing Specialist with the local
After the core of volunteers is
Helping disabled persons
LINK office, is heading the Sher-
established, Knight hopes others
overcome barriers in education,
will want to work with the VIS-
man, County VISTA project.
health care and employment is
Knight said the project is almed
TA project. The only stipulation
the main goal of a new VISTA
at three primary goals: 1) Orga-
is that 51 percent of the volun-
project initiated in Sherman
nizing and coordinating health
teers in the core group must be
County.
disabled.
care programs designed to assist
VISTA, Volunteers In Service
persons with disabilities; 2) Or-
Knight hopes that the commu-
To America, is a full-time, year-
ganizing and coordinating
nity will recognize the impor-
long volunteer program for men
placement in education pro-
tance of the VISTA project and
and women 18 years of age and
grams designed to assist persons
see the benefits it can offer, not
older from all backgrounds,
with disabilities; and 3) Organiz-
who commit themselves to in-
ing and coordinating career
only disabled persons, but the
types that it is beneficial if they
creasing the capability of low-
oriented and training or em-
entire community.
are handicapped accessible. Peo-
income people to improve the
ployment programs designed to
The VISTA project is closely
ple with handicaps will go to
conditions of their own lives.
assist handicapped persons.
connected to the work Knight
business that are accessible to
The VISTA program has been in
The first step in accomplishing
has been doing to help local
them and that's where they will
existence since 1965. Volunteers
these goals is finding volunteers
businesses and public facilities
spend their money. That's sim-
are assigned to local sponsors
willing to help the VISTA pro-
meet the ADA requirements.
ple economics."
The Americans with Disabilities
which may be state or local pub-
ject succeed.
Knight said many times peo-
lic agencies or private non-profit
"That's the way VISTA
Act requires all public facilities
ple with disabilities will go out
organizations.
works," Knight said. "We are
be accessible to persons with
of town for many services that
disabilities.
The VISTA project in Sherman
are not accessible to them here.
County is being sponsored by
asked to recruit volunteers."
Although the VISTA project is
They will also rely on mail order
the LINK office. LINK, Living
Knight hopes to find a core of
mainly concerned with eliminat-
instead of local services.
Independently in Northwest
at least five volunteers to begin
ing barriers for disabled persons
Many are also unemployed
Kansas, is an independent living
implementing the VISTA pro-
in health care services, educa-
because jobs are not accessible
program for adults who have
ject. The five will work with and
tion programs and employment,
to them.
physical, mental or emotional
use the newly formed Western
the project comes together with
"People with disabilities are
disabilities. LINK serves indi-
Kansas Association on Concerns
what the LINK office has been
normally very good employees,"
viduals in the 18 counties of
for the Disabled, a non-profit or-
trying to do.
Knight said. "It's: hard enough
Northwest Kansas. LINK is affil-
ganization established to assist
"We are not pointing fingers
for us to find a good job. When
iated with and partly funded by
disabled persons in western
at anyone," Knight said. "We
we do, we want to keep it. Peo-
Developmental Services of
Kansas.
want to show businesses of all
ple with disabilities have also
Northwest Kansas, Inc., a large
non-profit organization that pro-
vides services to people with
disabilities.
Police.Dept
Administration
FRONT PAGE
ACCESSIBLE BUILDING - Although the community is making strides at removing barriers for handi-
capped persons, such as the entrance to the City Building (above), there are still areas that need im-
provement, according to Rick Knight. - Photo by Tina Goodwin
services in Sherman County. It's
proven to be just as productive
not a matter of pointing fingers.
as people without disabilities."
We want to show the benefit of
Knight, who has Multiple
removing the barriers."
Sclerosis and uses a wheelchair,
Knight said other focus areas
visions the VISTA project open-
for the VISTA volunteers will be
ing doors for many disabled
employment and education. He
people in Sherman County.
said the Northwest Kansas Area
The 1990 census showed 285
Vocational-Technical School
20/2
people in Sherman County with
would be the logical place to be-
disabilities so severe they could
gin exploring education oppor-
not work. Knight estimates
tunities for disabled. VISTÁ vol-
many more disabled persons the
unteers will also be awarded of
VISTA project could help.
the need of making the work.
Some of the projects VISTA
place accessible to disabled em-
volunteers could be involved in
ployees.
include surveying major health
Knight noted that removing
care service providers for access-
barriers does not have to be cost-
ibility and making them aware
ly. According to published fig-
of any barriers that prevent disa-
ures, 30 percent of reasonable
bled persons from obtaining ser-
accommodations can be made at
vices. Knight noted that health
no cost at all, while 60 percent
care services include everything
can be made for around $50.
from the hospital and clinic to
Knight envisions VISTA volun-
dentist and eye doctor offices.
teers also helping public facili-
"Barriers may be physical, fi-
ties construct accessible accom-
nancial or attitude" Knight said.
modations.
13
"People need to be aware of the
need to remove the barriers that
"It's important for the commu-
prevent disabled from getting
nity to see the benefit of remov-
ing barriers," he said. "It not
only helps the disabled persons
here, but also the community."
Blighted
6297A
CUMBERLAND TIMES-NEWS
homes come
CUMBERLAND, MD
DAILY
31,640
alive thanks
MONDAY
DEC 21 1992
to program
J. SUTER KEGG
Contributing Writer
CUMBERLAND - If you have reason to ven-
ture past the double-frame dwelling at 307-309
Bond Street, you will notice a fully-renovated res-
idence. A peek on the inside at 307 will reveal new
carpeting, attractive wall paneling, new fixtures,
all-weather windows, newly-painted woodwork,
etc. In short, the interior has the appearances of
a new home.
The interior at 309 is 60 percent completed and
should be ready for occupancy in a month or
more.
This is the result of "Western Maryland's Best
Kept Secret," the intervention housing phase of
the Interfaith Consortium.
The consortium, headquartered at 209 North
Centre Street, is a non-profit organization which
has functioned in the role of "helping people"
since 1969. Intervention Housing had its begin-
nings in August 1990, at a time when the IFC was
"growing up."
C. Larry Sweeney, housing coordinator, says
it's "about time" that the citizens became famil-
iar with intervention housing, which he has accu-
rately labeled "Western Marviand's Best Kept
Secret." He then goes on to explain how the idea
was hatched and nurtured into reality. "With the
shortage of housing, abandoned and blighted
property; and the need to improve some of the
neighborhoods, we could do something for the
public," he said. "We could help families obtain a
home and at the same time return these once
decrepit properties to the tax base, paying the go-
ing rate, the same as everyone else."
The first house to experience Interfaith's
II
"magic touch" was on Independence Street.
Money was borrowed from local banks and the
dream soon turned into reality. Under the able
leadership of Guy True and Bernard Wenrick,
workers for Volunteers In Service to America
(VISTA), plus much volunteer help, the first pro-
Ject was completed.
Since then the "Intervention Housing Machine"
has turned "Western Maryland's Best-Kept
Secret" into little more than minimal public
knowledge. Through this story, however, the
Times-News hopes to make the area aware that
"peace on earth, goodwill toward fellow man"
just doesn't exist in Cumberland during the
Christmas season. Thanks to the efforts of Inter-
5
faith Consortium, nine houses that were labeled
OR
Continued From Page 1B)
course, all duties are impor-
as eyesores have been made in-
tant, whether it be warehouse
to attractive homes.
maintenance, clothing or appli-
In addition to the dwellings on
ance pickup, or just sweeping
Independence and Bond streets,
floors. With this abundance of
other examples of work by the
help, all necessary duties are
busy volunteers can be seen on
met."
Humbird, Walnut, Columbia,
The work camps consist of
Bedford, Knox and Polk streets.
high school and college students
Homes are obtained several
from various locations who vol-
ways. According to Mr.
unteer a week of their time. Mr.
Sweeney, "We drive through
Sweeney says foreign exchange
different neighborhoods, work
students love to become involv-
with the City of Cumberland
ed in the work camps.
Planning Office and Fire De-
He is quick to point out the
partment; get assistance from
benefits reaped upon the com-
local realtors, citizen input, or
munity by the one-week stays in
respond to phone calls. In fact,
the city by these camps.
if you know of a house, give us a
"Basically, we are provided
call at the office and we'll check
with a free work force that will
it out."
benefit the community. They
Perspective tenants may call
pay for their own room and
the office and request a housing
board, and a work camp of 10
application. Guidelines for
individuals will generate about
perspective tenants are based
$700 in the community."
He also stresses that the
on Federal W.I.C. low-income
camp members have to supply
guidelines.
their own transportation. Hous-
All building materials are
ing for camp members is do-
purchased locally and appli-
nated by local churches and the
ances are donated by Danny
Allegany County Civil Defense
Harris of People For America,
provides cots, plus the YMCA
another non-profit organization.
allows the use of its shower fa-
Of course, the bottom line is
cilities.
volunteers and Mr. Sweeney
The tenants are also pleased
explains, "We've had volun-
with the opportunity to own
teers who barely had money for
their own home and "just feel
a sandwich or even a pack of
good" about themselves. The
cigarettes, and could easily
resident of the second home
have been more financially
completed by the intervention
secure elsewhere, but chose to
crew has resided there since
help us, as we choose to help
June 1991 with her three child-
others.'
ren. "Interfaith has really
Even though People for
helped us," she said. "We all
America donates much of the
like the house and Fred Farrell
furniture from their base in
is really prompt whenever we
Cabin John, Md., (near Wash-
need something fixed."
ington), "We'll gladly accept
The tenant says she was di-
donations of building materials
rected to Intervention Housing
and/or appliances." says Fred
by her ex-landlord. "He talked
Farrell, a housing foreman.
Besides the utilization of a
to the folks at HUD (Housing
and Urban Development), who
volunteer force consisting of
in turn recommended us to In-
community service workers
terfaith."
and just anyone interested in
Another tenant also expresses
helping, college and high school
satisfaction with her home.
work camps are utilized from
winter to late summer. Two
"I'm very pleased. I have had
such camps are scheduled for
small problems, but nothing
major. For the most part, they
January.
Mr. Sweeney points out the
receive prompt attention.'
importance of the work camps:
The same tenant explains
that she heard about the hous-
"We have been fortunate
ing program while reading
2013
enough to obtain skilled persons
from the work camps, such as
about Rep. Beverly Byron's
visit to the area when she
carpenters and electricians. Of
toured the housing sites. "I
called the Interfaith office and
put in an application," she
related. "Soon I was called and
found a home."
Guy True, retired local union
carpenter and VISTA volunteer,
elaborates on the "before-and-
after" concept of the projects:
"You know, it's pretty amazing
how these houses turn out, con-
sidering the shape that they
were in to begin with. One has
to see it to believe it, and to see
the finished product, one cannot
help to be impressed." Mr.
True has been volunteering for
one year and during that span
of time, six homes have been
completed.
Wenrick, retired local paint-
ing contractor and the other
VISTA yolunteer, is in charge of
the painting at the Interfaith
houses. He also lauds the preci-
sion of how the houses are
rescued from delapidation, and
transformed into nice homes.
"It takes teamwork to get the
job done," he said. "You can
look at a house and think, 'this
will never get done' and before
you know it, we're near comple-
tion. "Things like getting the
insulation into place take a lot
of time, but once that's done,
things get rolling pretty good."
Also part of the volunteer
team is Don Haney, secretary
of Central Labor Council
AFL/CIO. And two retired
craftsmen from St. Luke's Lu-
theran Church are lending their
assistance once a week.
Although the intervention
housing program has come a
long way, Mr. Sweeney and the
BEFORE AND AFTER - These two photos show the graphic re-
others behind the scenes would
sults of the Interfaith Consortium's housing program which
like to get the public more in-
has been in effect for two years.
volved and become more aware
"dream come true" takes much
Mr. Sweeney also speaks for
of what this dedicated group of
work. Besides the VISTA volun-
the entire staff in expression of
people has done for the com-
teers and local volunteers, the
thanks to businesses, mer-
munity.
staff consists of John O'Donnell,
chants and other civic-minded
"We have several goals," he
executive director of the Inter-
individuals who have given the
explains. "As I have said, we're
faith Consortium; Walter E.
Interfaith Consortium discounts
probably Western Maryland's
Basilio, HOMAR foreman;
and overall support.
best-kept secret. We are antici-
Sandra Coates, office manager;
Sitting in a comfortable chair
30/3
pating more local volunteers to
Farrell, Sweeney, William L
at the just-completed unit at 307
further our goal, which in part
Leasure and Sister Angelina
Bond Street, Larry Sweeney
is to improve the appearance of
Catina, SSND, Ret., Green
and Fred Farrell reflect on the
many neighborhoods. Again I
Thumb volunteers.
goals of Western Maryland's
emphasize, we return these
homes to the tax base and pay
The local courts also COO-
best-kept secret, while the
VISTA workers and volunteers
the going rate."
perate by providing juveniles
Fred Farrell agrees. "We're
and adults who are assigned
continue to prepare the unit
trying to make the dream come
"community service" hours.
next door for occupancy. When
true for those who otherwise
Mr. Sweeney emphasizes the
asked the projected total of
need for community support.
homes, Mr. Sweeney calmly
would not have a home."
For years, citizens have
"We need your help. If you are
replies, "We project a total of
300 to 500 homes to be ready in
7
complained of "eyesores" on
interested in an application,
the next four years."
the community's rundown,
call the office at (301) 777-7388,
The sign in front of the prop-
abandoned or blighted proper-
Monday through Friday from 8
erty, with the Interfaith Consor-
ties, Mr. Farrell stresses. "We
a.m. to 4 p.m. However, we will
the logo, reads "Making the
not only improve the City of
gladly accept volunteer help
Dream Come True. The
Cumberland, we instill self-
with our houses. Donations are
determination and dedication of
respect in those who need a
most important - building sup-
this group of caring individuals
gentle nudge in the right direc-
plies, appliances - any input
has been doing just that, and
tion."
from the community is greatly
will make many more such
Continuing to make the
appreciated."
BOSTON GLOBE
BOSTON, MA
DAILY
504,675
FRIDAY
JAN 22 1993
BURRELLE'S
32
PW
xaeaa
.a..n
Mr. President: Take
a close look at VISTA
6297AT
As both VISTAs - Volunteers In
Service To America - and recent col-
lege graduates with substantial stu-
dent loans, we are intrigued by
President Bill Clinton plans to de-
velop a domestic Peace Corps.
Unfortunately, many people are
unaware that a national volunteer
service corps already exists. VISTA
was created by President Kennedy
in 1963. Like the Peace Corps and
Boston's City Year, VISTA is a full-
time, yearlong volunteer program
for people who commit themselves to
increasing the capability of low-in-
come people to improve their lives.
VISTA's role is to combat poverty
by mobilizing community resources
and increasing the capability of the
target community to solve its own
problems.
Unlike the Peace Corps, howev-
er, the VISTA program has under-
gone extreme financial hardship in
the last 10 years. Reaching a record
high of 5,000 volunteers a year dur-
ing the Carter administration, VIS-
TA was cut by two-thirds during the
early Reagan years. At a current to-
tal of 3,202 VISTAs throughout the
country and an annual budget of
$37.3 million, the rewards of being a
VISTA are many, but the program,
unlike Clinton's plan, does not for-
give college student loans.
We hope Clinton takes a closer
look at the domestic Peace Corps,
and perhaps in the future VISTAs
will be able to enjoy full student loan
cancellation and recognition for the
program's tremendous contribution
to our country.
DEBORAH POTEE and
five other VISTA volunteers
Commonwealth Literacy Program
GAZETTE
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
SUNDAY
82,600
DEC 13 1992
BURRELLE'S
510
OF
wbm
Alternative to soup kitchen
sought for local homeless
Cafe to stress
work on problems facing home-
less and hungry people.
dignity, respect for
We want to see that this
"Whether people actually say,
lowa City patrons
is part of the larger
Yeah, I'm going to participate in
community response to
this,' that's something that's go-
ing to take some time."
By Lyle Muller
the needs of homeless.
The Chicago cafe Keller and
Gazette Johnson County Bureau
others will visit next month is
IOWA CITY - Efforts are un-
The Rev. Julia Easley
the Inspiration Cafe, on the
der way to establish a special
U of I chaplain
city's north side.
Iowa City cafe that serves digni-
Operated by former Chicago
ty as well as food to homeless
police officer Lisa Nigro, it pro-
people.
Chicago cafe similar to the one
The cafe, which organizers
they envision so they can get
vides free meals to people who
hope to open next spring, would
some ideas.
make promises to improve their
lives.
be an alternative to traditional
They also want to contact pos-
programs that feed the homeless.
sible donors in the Iowa City ar-
That improvement could range
"It's not a soup kitchen," said
ea who will help the program get
from becoming drug free to sus-
Meg White, administrator of the
off the ground and eventually
taining full-time work to getting
Episcopal Chaplaincy in Iowa
sustain itself.
an apartment, Nigro said.
City.
The program would be sup-
Failure to meet a goal could
"That's a very important dis-
ported by donations from sourc-
leave diners without the month-
tinction."
es such as individual people and
ly pass that entitles them to a
As planned, the cafe would be
businesses, organizers said.
meal.
a comfortable place where about
"The main idea is to serve
THE ORGANIZERS of this
20 people can eat as neighbors in
homeless people with dignity'
exchange for some sort of deci-
project come from various pub-
and respect," Nigro said.
sion to improve their lives.
lic service agencies, such as the
Iowa City Crisis Center and
NIGRO LIKENS what she
Support for the proposed cafe
Emergency Housing Project, that
does at the Inspiration Cafe with
would come from various sourc-
are seeking ways to help home-
what Americans did for her
es.
less people located in the Iowa
grandmother after the grand-
"We want to see that this is
City area.
mother immigrated to the Unit-
part of the larger community re-
New ways are needed, officials
ed States from Poland.
sponse to the needs of home-
of the agencies say, because of a
less," said the Rev. Julia Easley,
"That's what I'm trying to
growing homeless population in
bring back, really. All the neigh-
Episcopal chaplain at the Uni-
this area.
versity of Iowa.
borhoods working together to
The Emergency Housing Pro-
solve problems in a way govern-
WHAT SHAPE the cafe will
ject, for example, feeds some 70
ment can't do it."
take is yet to be determined by
people each night and is unable
Organizers of the Iowa City ef-
local organizers.
to keep up with the need for
fort said they have not deter-
Discussions are at an early
services, officials there have re-
mined the level of commitment
stage and there are several peo-
ported.
diners would have to make to-
ple whose help will be requested
Cafe organizers said they
ward their own lives in order to
but who have not been contacted
would like to start their program
be fed. That is one of many is-
yet, Easley said.
with one breakfast weekly and
sues that have to be hammered
But organizers said they are
add more meals as reeded.
out.
negotiating for a location and
"We see a need," said Deb Kel-
"We all have some shared vi-
have committed to establishing
ler, a VISTA volunter brought
sion on this but we just need to
the cafe.
to Iowa City by the Johnson
talk and talk and talk," Easley
In January they plan to visit a
County United Way this year to
said.
Health-care booster
VISTA helps AIDS Project, Health Care Access
6.297AT
By LEIGH ANNE NICHOLSON
J-W Staff Writer
Dan Purcell moved to Lawrence
for a taste of the real world."
"I was tired of academic settings
LAWRENCE DAILY
and school,' said the 22-year-old
JOURNAL-WORLD
*
Columbia, Mo., native. Purcell had
majored in American studies at
LAWRENCE, KS
Amherst College in Massachusetts
DAILY & SUNDAY 18,898
but couldn't find a career he was in-
terested in pursuing.
TUESDAY
"I was going through a bunch of
options in my head," he said. "I
DEC 8 1992
knew I could try teaching or
something else. But my mother sug-
gested I contact VISTA."
VISTA, which stands for
Volunteers In Service to America,
is a domestic Peace Corps-like
agency that has been working since
epl
1965 to end poverty and help disad-
vantaged communities in the
United States.
Le
VISTA volunteers earn health in-
surance and a limited stipend a
month for room and board, but
basically the job is a non-profit
career move financially.
AS A LEARNING experience,
though, Purcell said working for
VISTA offers top-notch "pay."
Purcell's assignment is as public
affairs coordinator for the Douglas
County AIDS Project (DCAP) He
recruits volunteers and works to
develop support for the agency so it
eventually will be able to operate
without VISTA's assistance.
I've read about AIDS," he said.
But I've never had any practical
firsthand experience with the
disease before now. AIDS stands
for acquired immune deficiency
syndrome.
(Staff photo by Richard Gwin)
He said DCAP didn't provide
many direct services but the pro-
Amy Bollig, left, and Dan Purcell are VISTA volunteers at the
ject did help people find needed in-
Douglas County AIDS Project.
formation services
"I've learned the importance of
networking," he said, "and learned
without any public or private health
insurance.
that it's important to stay on good
Health Care Access is in its fourth
footing with everyone else."
year with the program and has had
seven VISTA workers over time. In
AMY BOLLIG, 25, also is a VISTA
volunteer with DCAP. Her position
fact, executive director Judy Eyer-
as health education coordinator
ly started with the agency as a
VISTA volunteer.
allows her to develop the speakers
bureau, and plan peer education
"I was living in England for five
and health service providers'
years and when I arrived back here
meetings.
my whole family was telling me to
"This job fit my college degree
go get health insurance," she said.
perfectly," said Bollig, who has a
"I was used to the socialized
bachelor's degree in community
medicine in England. When I heard
health education. "It's a good ex-
they were starting the Health Care
perience. And you get emotional
Access program, I was interested."
benefits because you know you're
Health Care Access VISTA
getting the message about AIDS out
workers help recruit clients and
there and changing some people's
volunteers and assist with fundrais-
attitudes."
ing.
"The whole point in having them
Each VISTA volunteer promises
is in mobilizing community
to serve for at least one year and
resources," Eyerly said, noting
Call enroll for up to two more years.
Health Care Access would have had
Non-profit agencies are allowed to
a tough time getting started without
hire VISTA volunteers for a par-
VISTA.
ticular need for only five con-
secutive years.
NOW, THE AGENCY is coming
to the end of its period of eligibility
JIM BYRNES OF Topeka is Kan-
for VISTA volunteers. "We're work-
sas director of ACTION, the federal
ing on setting systems in place after
agency that oversees VISTA grants
the volunteers go SO the work
and volunteers. He estimates there
they've started will continue,"
are now 31 VISTA volunteers in the
Eyerly said.
state.
Kevin Elliott, 27, is a VISTA
"The number is small in Kansas
volunteer working with Health Care
because of the size of the population
Access.
here and the amount of poverty.," he
"I've always been an active
said.
volunteer in the community," he
A non-profit Kansas agency ad-
said, "and I was interested in conti-
dressing a poverty issue and look-
nuing my volunteer work. Then a
friend with VISTA in Topeka told
ing for VISTA volunteers must sub-
me I could get paid for what I was
mit an application to the ACTION
already doing."
agency in Topeka, Byrnes said.
Elliott works as a volunteer assis-
tant coordinator, helping to
If the application is approved,
schedule and train volunteer staff
ACTION will match volunteers,
on the office side.
20/2
who are recruited locally and na-
"I'm also going to help coordinate
tionally, with the agency or the
and develop fundraisers and set up.
agency can advertise the position
office procedures SO when VISTA
and hire a person with the allocated
leaves, the office will continue," he
VISTA funds.
said.
Projects that VISTA volunteers
Elliott said he also was seriously
now are helping with in Kansas in-
considering signing up for another
clude homelessness, economic
year of service after his first year
development and food resources.
was completed.
"Health Care Access is very im-
ANOTHER LAWRENCE agency
portant, especially during bad
with a long-term VISTA relation-
economic times like now," Elliott
ship is Health Care Access, a non-
said. "VISTA helps provide a solid
profit health clinic serving people
foundation for (Health Care) Ac-
cess so it can continue offering
assistance."
For more information on joining
VISTA or having a VISTA volunteer
at a not-for-profit agency, write to
the ACTION Agency, Federal
Building, Room 147, 444 SE Quincy,
Topeka, Kan. 66683.
28
THE BLADE
TOLEDO, OH
D.150,184
Giving
The VISTA
volunteers tutor
OH-315
students, grade
DEC 16 1992
their
tests, and other-
wise relieve some
of the teacher's
workload.
time,
She's been volunteering for a
couple of months. That's not very
long, but she earned her GED
only in April.
talents
"Sometimes the teachers says,
'Go help that person,' so that's
what I'll do," she said. "Some
people don't want any help at all,
and some-know me well enough
now that they'll come to me and
Volunteers aid
ask for help."
At last count, 1,511 people were
taking GED classes with Toledo
public schools, said Jamesetta
GED teachers
Mickens, coordinator of adult ba-
sic education. They attend classes
at 29 sites, day and night. The
BY HOLDEN LEWIS
6297AT
early classes begin at 8:30 a.m.,
and the latest classes end at 9
BLADE STAFF WRITER
p.m.
When up to 40 adults gather in
VISTA seeks volunteers for all
a classroom, each working on a
those shifts, Ms. Nutt said. She
different level and at a different
added that class sizes are swell-
pace toward a General Equiva-
ing because the state Department
lency Diploma, their teacher has
of Human Services is encourag-
a challenging job.
ing welfare recipients to attend
In the space of a five-hour
GED classes under a year-old
class, one student might need a
pilot program.
15-minute explanation of division
Ms. Mickens said class sizes
of fractions, another might want
actually aren't appreciably big-
to talk for 20 minutes about the
ger this year than usual, although
difference between adverbs and
one teacher had 43 students in her
adjectives, someone else might
class. No matter what the class
have questions about the after-
size, the volunteers perform a
math of the Civil War, and so on.
service, she said.
And that doesn't count the time it
Part of that service is freeing
takes for the teacher to grade
time for the teachers to do their
tests and do paperwork.
paperwork, which has increased
So Volunteers in Service to
with the Department of Human
America is recruiting people to
Services' pilot project because
help teachers in GED classrooms
teachers have to keep detailed
run by the Toledo public schools'
attendance records of welfare re-
adult basic education depart-
cipients in their classes.
ment. The volunteers tutor stu-
Under the state program, wel-
dents, grade tests, and otherwise
fare recipients are asked to at-
relieve some of the teacher's
tend at least 20 hours of GED
workload.
classes a week.
Some classes are so big, stu-
On the other hand, volunteers
dents "are not getting the individ-
are asked to spend at least three
ual attention they need," said Ka-
hours a week in the classroom.
ren Nutt, a recruiting coordinator
Some, such as Ms. Croley, spend a
for VISTA.
lot more.
One volunteer is Rose Croley,
Volunteers take several weeks
who spends 20 hours a week help-
of training sessions and take tests
ing with a GED class at Wood-
to determine their academic
ward High School.
strengths and weaknesses, Ms.
"I help the teacher - whatever
Nutt said.
she needs - grading, helping stu-
And how do potential volun-
dents, that kind of thing," Ms.
teers know. whether they're going
29
Croley said. "I like grading pa-
to be in over their heads?
pers and helping people. I like
"First of all, if they want to do
math, so I like to help people with
it, that's a sign that they're able
that."
to do it," Ms. Nutt said.
VISTA
PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR AMERICANS OF ALL AGES
AND BACKGROUNDS TO VOLUNTEER ON A FULL-TIME BA-
SIS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF LOW-INCOME
COMMUNIITES TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS;
VOLUNTEERS ARE ASSIGNED TO LOCAL PUBLIC AND PRI-
VATE SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS FOR ONE YEAR TO
PERFORM ACTIVITIES DETERMINED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL;
PROGRAM AREAS FOCUS ON NEEDS OF LOW-INCOME
COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES: FOOD, LITERACY, EMPLOY-
MENT, HOUSING, HEALTH, NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZA-
TION AND A VARIETY OF OTHER ACTIVITIES;
VISTA IS A NON-GRANT PROGRAM IN WHICH ACTION HAS A
DIRECT RELATIONSHIP WITH BOTH VOLUNTEERS AND
PROJECT SPONSORS.
OTHER VISTA INFORMATION
THERE ARE 775 VISTA & LITERACY CORPS PROJECTS
AROUND THE COUNTRY WITH ABOUT 3,400 VOLUNTEERS
ASSIGNED;
ALL PROJECTS MUST BE APPROVED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL
BEFORE SUBMISSION TO ACTION FOR APPROVAL;
VOLUNTEERS ARE RECRUITED EITHER:
- LOCALLY, BY THE SPONSOR
OR
- NATIONALLY, BY ACTION.
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST BE APPROVED BY ACTION.
WHAT VISTA VOLUNTEERS DO
40% - LITERACY ACTIVITIES
21%
- EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES
16% - HOUSING/SHELTER
8%
- HEALTH
6%
-
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
VISTA VOLUNTEERS MOBILIZE:
- PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR RESOURCES
- PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY
TO ENABLE LOCAL COMMUNITIES TO CONTINUE VISTA
ACTIVITIES THEMSELVES.
WHERE VISTA VOLUNTEERS SERVE
IN ALL STATES AND PUERTO RICO
38% ARE IN RURAL AREAS
62% ARE IN URBAN AREAS
66% OF PROJECTS ARE SPONSORED BY
PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
16% BY STATE, COUNTY OR LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS
7% BY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
5% BY CHURCH-AFFILIATED
ORGANIZATIONS
6% BY ALL OTHERS
VISTA VOLUNTEERS
KEY CHARACTERISTICS
79% ARE FEMALES
ABOUT 41% ARE MINORITIES (22% BLACK)
22% ARE RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATES; THIS IS
DOUBLE THE PERCENTAGE TWO YEARS AGO
36% ARE COLLEGE GRADUATES
BETWEEN 19-20% ARE 55 AND OLDER
26% ARE BETWEEN 18-27 YEARS OLD
THE AVERAGE AGE IS 40
81% OF THOSE WHO ENTER STAY AT LEAST ONE
YEAR. AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE--18 MOS.
As of Sept., 1992
VISTA VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE:
SUBSISTENCE PAYMENTS AT AN AVERAGE OF
105% OF THE POVERTY LEVEL FOR A SINGLE
INDIVIDUAL (CURRENTLY $620/MONTH)
END-OF-SERVICE STIPEND: $95 PER MONTH
PRE-SERVICE AND IN-SERVICE TRAINING
ELIGIBILITY FOR STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENTS, AND
PARTIAL CANCELLATION OF PERKINS LOANS
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH COVERAGE BY ACTION
COVERAGE BY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
AND FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACTS
ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE BENEFITS
INCOME EXCLUSION OF VISTA ALLOWANCES
VISTA PROGRAM COSTS PER VOLUNTEER
FISCAL YEAR 1993 (EST.)
*
Total = $11,837
SUBSISTENCE $7430 62.8%
OTHER $420 3.5%
RECRUITMENT $177 1.5%
SUPPORT $320 2.7%
TRAINING $550 4.6%
STIPEND $1140 9.6%
HEALTH CONTRACT $1800 15.2%
Excludes ACTION's admin. costs
VISTA -1965-1993
Budget, Service Years, and Training Entries
FISCAL YEAR
BUDGET (in millions)*
Service Years
Training Entries
3.0
50
1069
1965
1966
13.0
1715
3592
21.0
3661
3546
1967
24.0
4061
4452
1968
1969
25.0
4130
5061
1970
27.1
4487
2774
29.0
4257
3878
1971
22.9
4030
3435
1972
3928
4811
1973
25.2
1974
22.0
4253
3508
23.2
4580
3525
1975
1976
22.2
4170
3649
22.6
4271
4810
1977
25.6
4466
3336
1978
1979
25.6
4016
3518
3982
4718
1980
30.0
30.6
4208
2418
1981
16.0
2227
2514
1982
1728
1382
1983
11.8
1984
15.0
2000
1150
17.0
2200
2025
1985
1986
18.2
2413
1976
19.0
2425
2019
1987
19.8
2502
2158
1988
1989
21.6
2600
2540
1990
28.1
2806
2449
30.2
2928
2065
1991
32.6
2928
2296
1992
2928
2377
1993
34.6
LITERACY CORPS -1987-1993
Budget, Service Years, and Training Entries
FISCAL YEAR
BUDGET (in millions)*
Service Years
Training Entries
1987
2.0
250
430
2.9
342
429
1988
2.8
335
291
1989
2.9
329
288
Page 13a
1990
1991
4.6
444
314
4.8
436
364
1992
5.0
430
326
1993 (est)
VISTA -- VOLUNTEERS IN SERVICE TO AMERICA
FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
VISTA VOLUNTEER STRENGTH
FEDERAL COSTS PER VOLUNTEER
3,400
$3,500
5,000
$2,400
7,500
$1,900
VISTA Recruited by Local Project
Applicant
VISTA Project Sponsor
Begins
Recruitment/Placement
Process
Evaluation Process
(based on available
at Project Level
volunteer allocation)
Interview
ACTION
Reference Check
Invitation to
Pre-Service
Application Review
Orientation
Declined
Final Applicant Clearance
Sponsor/Applicant
from
Acceptance
State/Regional Office
VISTA Recruited by ACTION
Regional Recruiter:
Applicant
National Assignment and
Applicant Database
Evaluation Process
by Recruiter
ACTION
Interview
Invitation to
Pre-Service
Reference Check
Orientation
Application Review
Applicant/Sponsor
Qualified
Not Qualified
Acceptance
Sponsor Interview
Nomination to
Specific Slot
Declined
Selected Profiles of Service Activities
Colorado
State Contact: Richard Laughlin
Colorado Department of Education
(303) 866-6808
K-12 Programs:
Colorado's Serve America program is addressing critical community needs by
identifying schools and communities committed to implementing high quality
service-learning programs and organizing them into "clusters." These clusters
are receiving training, financial support, and technical assistance. They are also
receiving assistance in defining collaborative working relationships with
community-based, business-based, and governmental agencies and with other
components of Colorado's state comprehensive plan. As a result of these
activities, participating schools and communities can document that the quality
of their programs, participating students attendance in school, grade point
averages, attitudes toward learning and service, foundation skills, and learning
competencies should improve.
As one of eight Serve-America "Leader States Colorado is focusing on three
initiatives. First, the development of a western regional center for service-
learning. The center's activities include developing networking strategies with
other western states; providing consultants and on-site assistance to western
states; inviting other states to visit model programs in Colorado; organization of
a western regional student advisory board; expansion of the Interdisciplinary
Resource Center located at the University of Northern Colorado to provide
materials, a talent bank, and a regional networking system; planning
collaboratively with regional representatives to host a regional conference; and
coordinating with national clearinghouses to share expertise, collaborate on
newsletters, produce teleconferences, and share materials and strategies. The
second focus is on middle level education. This involves linking Serve-America
with Carnegie's Turning Points Initiative, and enhancing the middle level
service-learning field with materials, expertise and strategies for incorporating
service-learning into curriculum and school structure. The third focus is linking
service-learning with the New Standards Project, Re:Learning (Coalition of
Essential Schools), and Comprehensive Health Initiative.
Full-time Service Programs:
1. Florida Conservation Corps, Christmas
At this location the corps will engage in a wetland plant nursery project to
help preserve existing wetlands. Contact: Frank Phelan 813/461-2990
2. Palm Beach Urban Conservation Corps, Palm Beach
; Greater Miami Service Corps, Miami
This corps has opened a satellite office in the area devastated by Hurricane
Andrew in order to assist in the rebuilding efforts. Contact: Barbara
lordan 305/638-6927
: Fort Lauderdale Conservation Corps, Ft. Lauderdale
Contact: Jarrett Jordan 305/468-1590
Indiana
State Contact: Jack Wood McKillip
Governor's Voluntary Action Program
(317) 232-2504
K-12 Programs:
The State of Indiana has awarded Serve-America subgrants to 28 schools, school
districts. and community based organizations. Although their approaches to
service-learning are varied. there are shared objectives: renewing the ethic of
civic responsibility and empowering students to identify and address real issues
in their own communities. An example of this is Richmond, Indiana's Hibberd
Middle School where students will work with a local community center and the
police department DARE drug prevention personnel to develop and implement
a drug education program for elementary school students. A second project IS St.
Joseph County Youth Service bureau 70001 Program, which will involve young
people in work with patients at the Northern Indian State Developmental Center
who suffer from various forms of mental retardation. Students will help
implement the patient treatment plans, and learn about the cause of retardation.
which include drug and alcohol abuse.
Higher Ed Programs:
Indiana Consortium for Voluntary Service
Earlham College Indiana University Center on Philanthropy
Indianapolis, IN
CNCS monies support a state-wide effort to provide training/leadership
development, and subgrants to involve many more college students on more
campuses in community service. In addition, Earlham College has several
community service projects including a comprehensive partnership with Test
Middle School involving students and faculty from several departments.
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
Ball State University has a program that involves 300-500 Teachers College
students in service activities through their teacher training curriculum.
Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
The University of Notre Dame has several programs, notably one that involves
students in advocacy and service on issues of homelessness. They have received
CNCS funding through the Indiana Consortium.
There are several other programs throughout the state. State coordinating efforts
have really gathered momentum in the past year.
Illinois
State Contact: Allyson Zedler, Director
Office of Volunteer Action
(312) 814-5220
K-12 Programs:
The State of Illinois has constructed its Serve-America programs into two phases:
I.) statewide demonstration projects and II.) subgrantee programs. An example
of a phase I project includes "Project Success." There are six "Project Success"
sites across Illinois that are designed to deliver comprehensive services to youth
and incorporate a youth volunteer component. The majority of the programs
have chosen an intergenerational model called Illinois READS which involves
retired senior citizens who red to 3rd graders and then jointly perform service
projects for the community. Other phase I projects are coordinated by the
American Red Cross, the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Prevention
resource Center, and the Cooperative Extension Service.
Under phase II, 32 program models were funded. Of the 32 models, 22 are
school-based and involve young people volunteering as part of their school-
work. For example, students in two middle schools are acting as "Problem
Solvers" who identify problems in their neighborhoods, brainstorm solutions and
work to implement their solutions. In the Chicago area, the Constitutional Rights
Foundation is helping to incorporate service learning in government classes at
2. For information on local corps programs which are receiving CNCS funding,
contact: Andrea Lasky 603/228-9500
Pennsylvania
State Contact: John Briscoe, Director
PennSERVE: The Governor's Office on Citizen Service
(717) 787-1971
K-12 Programs:
Pennsylvania, another Serve-America "Leader State", is building a self-
sustaining system of service. Through a public-private partnership, they are
offering a three tiered system of grants to over 300 schools and community
organizations. Training evaluation and support systems will be greatly
strengthened through five new initiatives, including a newly created
Pennsylvar Service Corps. Pennsylvania is building on almost five years of
experience in operating grant, training and support systems to schools. Their
Serve-America initiative includes community-based organizations and adult
volunteer programs. and focuses student service on three major themes youth
as resources for economic and community development, intergenerational
programs. and youth service and restructuring.
Pennsylvania's Leader State' activities are grouped into three components. The
first. the Center for Service Learning and School Change builds on
Pennsvlvania Regional Fellows Program, linking it with the state's Re:Learning
initiative and the new outcomes-based" policy; build a regional network of
YOU learning educational restructuring groups; and work closely with school
districts on strategic planning The second element is the Pennsylvania Institute
for Env ironmental and Service Learning. This Institute presently offers a series of
annual workshops which reached over 200 teachers in 1991-92, and, as a result of
toundation support, supported a mini-grant program for schools interested in
linking different service learning projects. The Institute has been approved to
offer a basic for-credit course for teachers and a six course "certificate" program
in service learning Commission funding is assisting in continuing the basic
workshop program and expanding its for-credit certificate program.
Also, funds are being used to assist in the launching of a major effort in linking
vice-learning to vocational education. The third component, the Pennsylvania
Intergenerational Consortium provides workshops, teacher training, technical
assistance written materials and evaluation assistance to PennServe's attempt to
build a system of service
Corpsmembers spend their mornings in academic instruction at the high
school and the afternoons engaged in conservation or service projects.
Worcester Communiy Action Council, Worcester
This corps focuses on environmental issues, neighborhood development,
handicapped accessibility and human services.
ROCA Revere Project, Revere
This corps focuses its outreach efforts on Southeast Asian gang members
and involves them in a mix of service and conservation work.
New Hampshire
State Contact: Ray Worden
New Hampshire Job Training Council
(603) 228-9500
K-12 Programs:
To ensure a comprehensive K-12 experience. New Hampshire is developing
models that further character and citizenship. Toward this end, the State is
administering a comprehensive plan to enhance teacher education in community
service, provide state level technical assistance to local schools in developing
quality community service projects, and distribute mini-grants to local
educational institutions and community based organizations for implementation
of models. New Hampshire's approach focuses on four key community service
issues: 1.) meeting real, human needs in local communities; 2.) increasing
commitment to civic responsibility and community building among youth and
adult volunteers; 3.) meeting environmental preservation needs to help protect
New Hampshire's landscape; and 4.) recognition of schools as integral parts of
communities.
Higher Ed Programs:
Dartmouth College has a long-standing community service program that places
students in a variety of service positions ranging from development work in
Third World countries to literacy tutoring with young children.
Full-time Service Programs:
1. New Hampshire Conservation Corps
Work projects involve improvements to public lands by improving trails,
wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities throughout the state.
Contact: Steve Boisvert 603/826-4301
VISTA SUMMER ASSOCIATES
FACT SHEET
Program: As part of the Administration's economic stimulus
package, $1.2 million will be transferred from the Commission on
National and Community Service to ACTION to support 600 VISTA
Summer Associates. These individuals, primarily 18-25 years old,
will work full-time along with full-year VISTA Volunteers for a
period of 8-10 weeks addressing the needs of children at risk
primarily from low-income families.
Service Activities: VISTA summer associates will focus on the
broad needs of these children, including: building houses
through Habitat for Humanity; serving as tutors in literacy
programs with Literacy Volunteers of America and Laubach Literacy
International; providing supportive services within shelters or
transitional housing for the homeless, in conjunction with
affiliates of the National Coalition for the Homeless; and
serving with regional Rural Community Assistance Projects in
surveys and outreach related to a lack of potable water and waste
water systems, and other environmental health issues.
Cost: The Summer Associate Program will cost $1.2 million, or
approximately $2,000 per volunteer. In addition to payments to
volunteers, some projects will receive support funds for
supervision, transportation, and related costs. ACTION will
administer the activity at no additional cost.
Benefits to Service Participants: VISTA Summer Associates
engaged in service on a full-time basis will receive: a payment
averaging $620 per month to cover living expenses; on-site
training and skill development in a variety of technical and
other areas; a meaningful service opportunity, an experience that
will translate to a life of service; coverage under FECA and Tort
claims; and ongoing support and supervision from a variety of
local organizations addrossing critical social and economic
needs.
Other Information: (1) VISTA Summer Associates will be recruited
locally from the low-income communities being served as well as
from ACTION's national recruitment system. (2) The programs will
last from 8-10 weeks over the summer, with variation reflecting
local community needs. (3) Approximately 30-60 projects will be
supported around the country averaging 10-20 VISTA Associates
each.
March 10, 1993
ACTION/VISTA Office
202/606-4845
CELIT
March 10, 1993
ACTION/JudyH
Local Support for VISTA
VISTA volunteers and projects benefit from strong local
support. Volunteers are placed directly in nonprofit and public
organizations and generally receive space, supplies, on-the-job
training, supervision, transportation, and overall assistance.
Approximately 25% of the VISTA projects receive minor grants to
assist in these volunteer support activities.
VISTA is not a grant program; hence, there is no specific
fund matching requirement placed upon a sponsor in turn for
receiving the assistance of a volunteer(s). In general, the
projects and organizations where volunteers work are financed
through a variety of local sources, and hence VISTA does not
create and finance an activity (as would, for example, a grant to
an organization to start a youth corps).
VISTA sponsors are frequently small, grassroots
organizations with minimum administrative and support
capabilities. Any matching requirement would mean that only
larger organizations could participate in the program.
sound project development assures that there is strong local
support for VISTA and the sponsoring organization.
Today, there are about 125 VISTA Volunteers who receive
subsistence allowances, stipends, and other direct financial
support from a non-ACTION source totalling about $1.2 million
(local funds, HUD monies, etc.) These are known as "cost share
volunteers." They are in addition to the 3,358 volunteer service
years funded under the VISTA program, including Literacy Corps.
Guidance Concerning Volunteers' Place of Residence
Volunteers are expected to live among the people and
communities whom they serve. Today, approximately 85% of VISTA
volunteers are recruited locally, and it is typical for an
individual to be working for a nonprofit organization in the
community in which he or she resides. Nationally recruited
volunteers generally meet the same critoria.
VISTA issues general guidance concerning this matter;
volunteer safety and cost issues must be considered when
selecting an actual residence. VISTA does not interfere in an
individual's decision, generally leaving this as a matter between
the volunteer and the sponsor. There are no statistics kept on
this matter.
Concrally, ACTION believes it very important to maintain a
national recruitment effort, as well as recruitment at the local
level. Further, general guidance encouraging VISTAs to live in
neighborhoods where assigned should be maintained.
26'TT
Full-time Service Programs:
City Year (Boston): An innovative, diverse "urban Peace Corps," City Year is a
national service model supported by the Commission on National and
Community Service and the private sector. The program enrolls over 200 diverse
youth ,12" 17 " 24 in tull-time service in exchange for a $5,000 post-service
scholarship Contact: Alan Khazei at (617) 451-0699.
YouthBuild Boston, Boston
11.15k projects involve renovating abandoned buildings, energy
conservation, ,18941 the testing of soil for toxins.
Lawrence Youth Commission, Lawrence
This we brings intergenerational and interracial groups together 911
repair homes destroved by arson.
Old Colonv YMCA Services Corp: City Pride
110th projects tocus on beautification, conservation and maintenance
projects in downtown Brockton and in Housing Authority developments
Berkshire Training and Emploment Board, Pittsfield
This wrp- trains young women in non-traditional occupations,
conservation work.
Hull Public Schools, Hull
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