United Way to lead local AmeriCorps VISTA program

The local AmeriCorps VISTA program is now under the umbrella of United Way California Capital Region’s services that are helping local nonprofits build capacity. Seventeen AmeriCorps VISTA members will spread out among Sacramento-area nonprofits, providing services worth more than $381,000 for the community. The program was formerly managed by Community Link.

“VISTA members are some of the most generous people in the nation, and we are honored that 17 will be joining us in Sacramento,” said Stephanie Bray, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “They will be important boots on the ground as we work to build the nonprofit community’s capacity to make a collective impact on the capital region’s education, financial stability and health.”

VISTA members will be placed at Communities and Health Professionals Together/UCD Pediatrics, Sacramento Regional Coalition to End Homelessness, United Way California Capital Region, Wellspring Women’s Center, WIND Youth Services, Women’s Empowerment and Woodland United Way. For more information about the local AmeriCorps VISTA program: www.yourlocalunitedway.org/americorps-vista-program.

VISTA was founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. In 1993, VISTA was incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs under the umbrella of the Corporation for National and Community Service. AmeriCorps VISTA taps the skills, talents and passion of more than 8,000 Americans annually to support community efforts to overcome poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members are passionate and committed to their mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit or public agency. They focus their efforts to build the organizational, administrative and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development and otherwise assist low-income communities. For more information: www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista.

For more than 90 years, United Way California Capital Region has brought people together to meet pressing needs in the Sacramento region and has changed the lives of hundreds of children, families and adults. Now United Way is mobilizing nonprofits, companies, schools, government and individuals across the region, state and country to make a collective impact in the areas of education, financial stability and health in Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. To donate or volunteer, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org.