HRDC Rural Outreach VISTA - Bozeman

Save to Favorites

Join the Montana Economic Opportunity VISTA project for a one year term!

MEO's goal is to strengthen three specific objectives within low income communities: improving access to financial literacy, developing transitional plans and/or continuity strategies to keep low income individuals in safe, affordable housing, and to improve employ-ability among under and unemployed Montanans.

The Rural Outreach project has issued a call to action to increase access to HRDC services in Gallatin, Park and Meagher Counties in Southwestern MT. HRDC is a non-profit community action agency with the mission to ensure that no one faces the various hardships associated with poverty alone. With a strategic focus on various barriers in breaching the poverty line, this program targets those in the most rural parts of the communities they serve who are least likely to gain access to needed resources. The VISTA member serving in this capacity will be integral in fostering relationships with the various communities. This will be done through needs assessments and stakeholder identification. This member will help lay the foundation in the three year strategic plan to increase rural household's connection to HRDC services. An added bonus of serving with Rural Outreach, the member will be paired with Housing First (an HRDC Program), to assist the VISTA in securing safe and affordable housing withing the community, access to Bozeman's free public transportation (also an HRDC run program), as well as other necessary resources, such as community food banks and the Community Cafe for food and nutrition needs.

Member Duties :The VISTA selected selected will begin by conducting needs assessments and holding focus groups. The object of the needs assessments and strategic planning is evaluative; find gaps in services and access, then focus efforts on the identified areas of greatest need. Outreach will play a key role in the development and establishment of stakeholder relationships to allow for increased engagement among rural communities. The intent is to alleviate any and all barriers preventing rural families and individuals from gaining and maintaining stability and independence.

Program Benefits : An annual living allowance of $11,136;
An education award of $5,550 upon successful completion of service; (or)
A cash award of $1500 upon successful completion of service;
Health care benefits;
Loan deferment or forbearance while enrolled as a VISTA;
Child care (if need criteria are met);
$550 Relocation funds if relocating from over 50 miles away;
Mileage reimbursement if relocating to serve; and
Professional training opportunities and citizenship development.

Listings to go live by May 11th on myamericorps.gov. If you are interested please email resume with position in subject.

Thank You.