City of Lancaster Awarded 11 AmeriCorps VISTA Positions

The City of Lancaster announced today that it has received a three-year grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to establish an AmeriCorps VISTA program. This three-year, nearly $400,000 grant will help the City of Lancaster focus creating equity and capacity in the areas of economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and this year’s emphasis on advancing racial equity and opportunity in City communities. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. More information, including position descriptions, can be found at cityoflancasterpa.com/vista. 

“The AmeriCorps VISTA program will be key to furthering our equity commitments,” said Mayor Danene Sorace. “We are grateful for CNCS’ support and belief in the value of this work.” 

The first cohort of ten VISTAs and one VISTA Leader will serve full time for one year, helping to build capacity within the City of Lancaster government and community organizations in Lancaster City. Each VISTA will contribute to the goals of the project by performing activities such as providing outreach about City programs, increasing language access, expanding recruitment efforts and the intern program, and creating more avenues for residents to take part in community activities, decision-making, and planning. 

AmeriCorps members receive living and housing stipends during their term of service, as well as technology and transportation support and opportunities for professional development. At the end of their term, AmeriCorps members are eligible for education awards toward college or trade school. 

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ABOUT THE CITY OF LANCASTER 

Spanning 7 square miles in south Central Pennsylvania, the City of Lancaster is home to 60,000 diverse residents. Committed to building a stronger, more equitable Lancaster block by block, the City of Lancaster oversees a range of public services including public safety, health, housing, parks, streets, and water and sewer operations. For more information, visit cityoflancasterpa.com. 

ABOUT AMERICORPS 

AmeriCorps, a federal agency, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.