Connecticut Foodshare Inc
Volunteer In Service to America (VISTA) – AmeriCorps Collaboration & Resource VI
Connecticut Foodshare Inc, Wallingford, Connecticut, us, 06495
Are you ready to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families struggling with food insecurity? We are thrilled to announce a VISTA opportunity serving Connecticut Foodshare and the huge partner program network.
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long‑term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
What is a VISTA? Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti‑poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full‑time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
*Note this is a full‑time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.*
Position Summary The VISTA will connect and support food pantries and community kitchens who are members of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network. The VISTA will take a deep dive in a topical area, develop tools and resources and evaluate partners that would benefit from capacity building support around the topic of expertise. Potential topics are, but not limited to, food and fund sourcing, volunteer management and recruitment, and leveraging digital media. The VISTA will serve at the partner programs following a period of orientation and resource development. The time at each partner will be dependent on the partner’s needs and project development. The VISTA will reduce barriers to access for people served and build guest engagement while strengthening food assistance programming. The VISTA will document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements.
The position is based out of our
Wallingford or Bridgeport
offices with some statewide travel – mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.
Responsibilities
Create tools and resources around a capacity building topic
Promote capacity building resources and support within the agency partner network and identify good candidates
Provide customized capacity building support for partner program staff and volunteers
Continue to provide support and assistance to ensure success
Reduce barriers to access for people served
Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements
Benefits
A biweekly living allowance (living allowance rate listed by state & county)
Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service
Childcare assistance (eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years)
A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year
1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs
Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country
Eligibility for forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans
1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit
Potential for hybrid work model
Develop skills and explore career interests
Build professional network
Make a positive impact on the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors
Requirements Minimum Education/Experience
High school diploma or GED
Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Preferred Education/Experience
Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field OR 1‑3 years of experience in a similar or related role
Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
Bilingual English/Spanish language skills preferred
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources.
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non‑discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Connecticut Foodshare is the food bank serving all of our neighbors across the state. Working with a strong network of community-based hunger relief programs, Connecticut Foodshare addresses the social issue of hunger by providing nutritious food as well as long‑term, sustainable solutions to food insecurity. By serving Connecticut Foodshare, you will be part of a team that helps drive community awareness, garners support, leverages research, and engages volunteers, to realize our vision of a thriving community free of hunger.
What is a VISTA? Founded in 1964, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is an anti‑poverty program designed to provide needed resources to nonprofit organizations and public agencies to increase their capacity to lift communities out of poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA provides opportunities for Americans 18 years or older from a diverse range of backgrounds to dedicate a year of full‑time service with an organization to create or expand programs designed to empower individuals and communities in overcoming poverty.
*Note this is a full‑time, one year volunteer assignment. VISTAs are provided with a living allowance and other benefits detailed below.*
Position Summary The VISTA will connect and support food pantries and community kitchens who are members of the Connecticut Foodshare partner network. The VISTA will take a deep dive in a topical area, develop tools and resources and evaluate partners that would benefit from capacity building support around the topic of expertise. Potential topics are, but not limited to, food and fund sourcing, volunteer management and recruitment, and leveraging digital media. The VISTA will serve at the partner programs following a period of orientation and resource development. The time at each partner will be dependent on the partner’s needs and project development. The VISTA will reduce barriers to access for people served and build guest engagement while strengthening food assistance programming. The VISTA will document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements.
The position is based out of our
Wallingford or Bridgeport
offices with some statewide travel – mileage reimbursed. Must have own transportation.
Responsibilities
Create tools and resources around a capacity building topic
Promote capacity building resources and support within the agency partner network and identify good candidates
Provide customized capacity building support for partner program staff and volunteers
Continue to provide support and assistance to ensure success
Reduce barriers to access for people served
Document all lessons learned and recommendations for future program improvements
Benefits
A biweekly living allowance (living allowance rate listed by state & county)
Members receive free basic healthcare coverage during their AmeriCorps service
Childcare assistance (eligible members receive a subsidy for children under 13 years)
A choice of either a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395.00 to pay off student loans and pay for tuition) or cash stipend ($1,800) at the end of the service year
1 year of noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs
Eligibility for scholarships and fellowships at a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs across the country
Eligibility for forbearance for most federally guaranteed student loans
1 year of professional experience with a cutting-edge Top Workplace winning nonprofit
Potential for hybrid work model
Develop skills and explore career interests
Build professional network
Make a positive impact on the lives of Connecticut’s food insecure neighbors
Requirements Minimum Education/Experience
High school diploma or GED
Experience with Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Preferred Education/Experience
Associate’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field OR 1‑3 years of experience in a similar or related role
Experience in teaching or training environment or with public speaking
Bilingual English/Spanish language skills preferred
To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Human Resources.
Connecticut Foodshare, as a state contractor, is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer committed to non‑discrimination in all its hiring and employment practices. Connecticut Foodshare maintains a drug‑free workplace.
#J-18808-Ljbffr