Ludington, Michigan, June 1, 2018 — Three local non-profits have an opportunity to build their capacity for their organizations through the Rural AmericCorps VISTA program with the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). The Pennies From Heaven Foundation, Community Foundation for Mason County and Lakeshore Food Club are each seeking applications to fill these positions to help them expand upon or build programs to serve our community.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with one of the following exciting local programs:
Mason County Promise (MCP): Hosted by the Pennies from Heaven Foundation. The Mason County Promise is a new scholarship program offering two free years college tuition to graduates of Mason County Schools. This program is an unique new opportunity that will help shape a culture that values education and provides access to opportunities through access to education beyond high school. VISTA Member will help implement the Promise Zone, including acting as the coordinator, tracking success by building a data framework, assisting with marketing, and establishing the program up for continued success.
Childhood Savings Account (CSA) Program: Hosted by the Community Foundation for Mason County. Child Savings Accounts are an early intervention program that provides a way to let children know from an early age that their community believes in their potential by investing in their future through establishing long-term savings or investment accounts. This program provides incentives to grow savings, such as initial deposits, savings matches or prize-linked savings to be used for postsecondary education (e.g. college, vocational/technical schools) VISTA Member will help develop program materials; design and implement communication plans; schedule events; and coordinate communications with schools, teachers, parents, and financial institutions.
Lakeshore Food Club (LFC) Volunteer & Community Outreach:The Lakeshore Food Club is an innovative approach to tackling food insecurity through its grocery-store style membership-based food pantry providing access to healthy food in a dignified manner. The VISTA Member will assist in the coordination of a signature fundraising event, train and track volunteers, create a food rescue/reclamation program with local farmers and retailers, and collaborate with community partners to schedule and promote educational classes and workshops. Why join AmeriCorps to become a VISTA member?
Serve to reduce the effects of poverty in your community. By becoming an AmeriCorps member, your full-time service at a local community economic development organization will improve the capacity of programs and services.
Grow your skill set and network directly within Michigan's engaging nonprofit sector. CEDAM and AmeriCorps offer extensive professional development opportunities and access to a national network of service professionals
AmeriCorps Member Benefits:
Modest living allowance of around $12,000 annually;
$5,815 Eli Segal Education Award for full-year members or choice of $1,500 cash award.
Federal student loan forbearance
Health care
Child care (if eligible) and
Many training opportunities
AmeriCorps members must:
Be a U.S. citizen, national or legal permanent U.S. alien;
Be at least 18 years of age (there is no upper age limit!);
Have a willingness to serve full time for a year;
Possess an education or life-skills that will help you be successful in your placement; and
Have a passion for giving back!
Applicants interested in assisting with the Mason County Promise Zone can send a resume and cover letter to the Pennies From Heaven Foundation, 920 E Tinkham Ave, Ludington, MI 49431 or by email to monica.schuyler@pfhf.prg. Those interested in implementing a Childhood Savings Account program should send resume and cover letter to the Community Foundation for Mason County, PO Box 10, Ludington, MI 49431 or by email to alarge@cffmc.org. Those with a hunger to improve food security in Mason County can send a resume and cover letter to the Lakeshore Food Club, 920 Tinkham Ave, Ludington, MI 49431 or by email to sarah@lakeshorefoodclub.org. For more information on the Americorps Jobs click here. For general information on AmeriCorps VISA click here.