2022-2023 Outreach & Family Engagement VISTA (FULL-TIME AmeriCorps member)

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Chicago HOPES for Kids provides after-school academic support to children and families living in homeless shelters and underserved communities across Chicago. Our program consists of three major components: homework help, individual reading support, and enrichment activities. Our curriculum is rooted in Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-informed practices allowing for a focus not just on individual academic needs, but providing a whole-child approach.

Overall VISTA Project:

Chicago HOPES for Kids is seeking a VISTA member who is interested in supporting students experiencing homelessness by creating and expanding programs designed to empower our students and families holistically. The goal of our project is threefold:
1.)To expand the Chicago HOPES for Kids academic and enrichment program to additional shelters in Chicago.
2.) To strengthen and further develop the structure and components of our existing program.
3.)To create a sustainable model for community outreach and diversify our volunteer opportunities.

Objective Description:

The VISTA Outreach & Family Engagement Coordinator service goal is to engage youth and families through monthly events and build organizational awareness through outreach efforts in the communities we serve. The coordinator will build relationships with site liaisons and community organizations to ensure delivery of high quality events. They will work closely with the Development VISTA to maintain social media channels and increase visibility of HOPES through online engagement.

Member Activities:

The VISTA Outreach & Family Engagement Coordinator will:

• Assist with outreach and scheduling tabling opportunities
• Implement family engagement efforts using newsletter and texting platforms
• Foster partnerships with local organization to provide parent enrichment programming
• Assist in creating social media posts and flyers for events
• Help with the planning and outreach of virtual/in person awareness events
• Assist with facilitating McKinney Vento sessions with CPS partners
• Assist with family engagement programming on site placing food orders and distributing materials as needed
• Collaborate with VISTA Cohort on projects across departments
• Maintain database of parent contact information
• Create an end of service term project in accordance with role and complete it by the end of service year
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications :

• Have a High School Diploma, (Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree preferred)
• Be a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen and reside in or near Chicago, IL for the duration of your term (hybrid work schedule)
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Previous experience with a nonprofit organization is a plus
• Familiarity with Zoom and Google Suite products (Gmail, Google Drive, etc)
• An eagerness to learn and be part of a team!

Benefits:

Americorps VISTA members receive many benefits for serving! This includes:

• A living stipend totalling approximately $14,000 paid bi-monthly (Cook County, Illinois allowance before taxes)
• A relocation allowance
• A $100 monthly travel stipend (Gas and public transportation options available)
• Health Coverage
• SNAP benefits
• Personal and vacation days
• Choice of an education award ($6, 495) OR a cash award ($1,800) that is awarded upon successful completion of service
• Professional development