RDI BEST MT VISTA

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.

My AmeriCorps (Grantee) - Home Page Rural Dynamics, Inc. (RDI) provides programs and develops partnerships to help youth, individuals, and families achieve economic independence. BEST Montana (Building Economic Strength Together), a statewide asset-building coalition led by RDI, fosters the belief that all Montanans should have the opportunity to achieve financial self-sufficiency and success. One in every four Montanan is considered liquid-asset poor, meaning that they do not have a sufficient net worth to survive at the poverty level for three months if faced with a financial crisis. An asset is not narrowly defined as one’s car, house or savings account, but rather encompasses the non-tangible assets of one’s health, education and social capital. In order to improve the economic outlook for low income families, opportunities to build and leverage assets for future wealth are necessary. Our goal is to improve asset-building behaviors among low income community members and reduce the number of individuals living in poverty by addressing limited access to financial literacy; gaps in service and work-support programs; and improving public perception. The VISTA member assigned to this project will play a key role in assessing the unaddressed needs of Montana communities and identifying potential sustainable interventions in order to build the assets of low- and moderate-income families as an engine of economic growth.

Member Duties : As the VISTA member selected for this project, you will build organizational and community capacity by identifying cross-sector allies; assessing the state’s financial security by county; and providing program assessments and solutions to the coalition. This project will also address discrimination and classism experienced by disadvantaged Montanans and will work diligently with stakeholders across the state to improve the public perception of individuals living in poverty. Additionally, our VISTA will develop organizational infrastructure and capacity by expanding program relevancy and effectiveness to better serve low-income veterans and national service members. Through this project, we will make it possible for disadvantaged families to achieve economic stability and financial 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.

Thank You.