September 15, 2008
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Alexis Palmer
(801) 863-8681
In an effort against poverty, UVU’s Volunteer and Service-Learning Center was selected by the AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America program (VISTA) to receive a full-time VISTA volunteer. The volunteer’s purpose is to establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations serving low-income people; partnerships that might otherwise not be possible.
This action was granted after Alexis Palmer, director of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, with the help of other local institutions, presented a community outreach plan to the Corporation for National and Community Service. The project is titled Campus-Community Outreach.
“Basically, we submitted a project and we were selected,” stated Palmer. “For more than 40 years, VISTA volunteers have worked to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Now, in December one is coming to Utah Valley University.”
UVU was one of four Utah-based educational facilities to be granted this help. Volunteers will also be placed at the service-learning centers at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), Weber State University (WSU) and Westminster College.
The VISTA volunteers are intended to strengthen each of the four organization’s ability to tackle community needs in areas such as leveraging campus resources to address community needs, as well as expand civic engagement opportunities for students and faculty.
“Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency,” according to the AmeriCorps Web site. “They focus their efforts on building the organizational, administrative and financial capacity of organizations that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic develop and otherwise assist low-income communities.”
During their service, VISTA volunteers receive a modest living allowance of $865 month, as well as $4,725 in an educational award when they complete their term. They also receive medical insurance and, if applicable, childcare funding.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written by:
Hanna Hopkinson
(801) 863-7205