About Us

AmeriCorps VISTA Program

What is the SGSM Network VISTA Program?
The SGSM Network VISTA Program is a full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA Program for organizations and individuals interested in developing lasting solutions to the problems of poverty in St. Louis. SGSM serves as an umbrella agency with the Corporation for National and Community Service with the purpose to streamline the application process. Instead of managing an entire federal grant, SGSM host sites are provided with technical assistance to manage their projects and a streamlined reporting process.

Why VISTA?
AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve in community and faith-based nonprofit organizations as well as other agencies and local governments to develop and expand services and programs that help bring low-income individuals and families out of poverty.

AmeriCorps*VISTA helps individuals and communities develop grassroots solutions to alleviate poverty.
AmeriCorps*VISTA members, who serve full time for a year through their sponsoring site, recruit community volunteers, raise funds, help manage projects, and otherwise build capacity of nonprofit organizations to become sustainable.
Members receive either an Education Award of $5,350 to pay for college, grad school, or to pay back qualified student loans, or a $1,200 stipend. Members receive a living allowance, as well as health care, childcare, training, relocation expenses, and liability insurance.

Is VISTA right for Your Organization?
In determining whether AmeriCorps*VISTA is the right match for your organization, think about the kinds of activities members will be expected to perform. The role of the AmeriCorps*VISTA member is primarily to build the capacity and sustainability of the project and community, and ultimately to work themselves out of a position.

While direct service and capacity-building activities are both integral strategies for effective national service programs, VISTA members primarily perform indirect service rather than direct service. Click here for some examples of the natural progression in the types of service performed by a VISTA member.

For more information about AmeriCorps*VISTA, the general guidelines and host site responsibilities, click here.

How To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year; there are no deadlines. See the Checklist/Timeline for more details.

In 2010, all new, incoming VISTAs assigned to any agency must be a "cost share" VISTA between now and October, 2010. This means that agencies must pay about $11,000 per member for the upcoming year.

For potential host sites, this may mean:
Determining options for becoming a cost-share agency
Possibility of cost-sharing a VISTA with another agency. This VISTA would have a similar focus at each agency such as fundraising, volunteer recruitment, or marketing.
Continuing with the application process in anticipation of member supported (non-cost share) VISTAs after October 2010
Being placed on the wait list for "member supported" VISTAs

If you believe that VISTA is the right fit for your agency, please contact Elizabeth Roscano or 314-664-9700 to obtain an application.