Joining VISTA is a great way to help the community and gain valuable experience. The effort needs people with experience in housing, human services, human resources, logistics, event planning, and communication.
Whatever your skill or interest, there is a need in the Cedar Rapids community.

VISTA members serve either for a year or for a summer.

What’s Being a VISTA Like?

During the first two years after the flood a lot of VISTA’s spent their time working on damaged houses. The manual labor is mostly done now (although if you’re into painting houses there’s BRIGHTEN).

VISTA’s in Cedar Rapids have worked with a wide variety of organizations, including United Way, the Paul Engle Arts Center, housing programs, and programs for youth and the elderly. They’ve written grant applications and organized education programs.

Members talk about VISTA in Cedar Rapids.
News accounts of VISTA’s accomplishments.
Video and photos of the flood.

Benefits for Year-Long Members

Living Allowance: $892/month
End of Service Award: $5550 education award or $1500 cash award
Insurance: Members receive health insurance and have the option of purchasing life insurance
Child Care: Members may qualify for child care assistance
Relocation: Members who move 50 miles or more in order to serve receive an allowance to assist with relocation expenses. Please direct questions regarding this benefit to VISTA Member Support Unit at 800-942-2677.
Training: Members attend a pre-service orientation, in-service training, and additional training at their project as needed.

Benefits for Summer Associates

Living Allowance: $892/month
End of Service Award: $1174 education award or cash award of $125 per month of service
On-site orientation and training
Involvement in the AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni Network and eCommunity

Apply Online

Completing your AmeriCorps application:
www.AmeriCorps.gov
Click “MyAmeriCorps: Login” (upper right corner)
Click “Apply to Serve” (middle of page)
Complete application

Submitting your application to VISTA Corridor Recovery:
Login to your MyAmeriCorps account
Click “Search Listings” (left toolbar)
Select “AmeriCorps VISTA” from program type drop-down
Select “IA” from state drop-down
Click “Search”
Select “VISTA Corridor Recovery”
Apply Now!
To arrange an interview e-mail .

Questions about the online application process?
Call the VISTA Members Support Unit Monday through Friday
at (800) 942-2677.

Confirm receipt of application:
Please call the VISTA office with your name, phone number and application ID to verify that your application was successfully submitted. 319-730-1118