CARE Program Outreach Summer VISTA
Indy Hunger Network (IHN) is a coalition of hunger relief agencies working to ensure that anyone who is hungry can get the food they need. Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana is one of the twelve organizations that partners with IHN to achieve this mission. The mission of Gleaners is to lead the fight against hunger. Since 1980, Gleaners has distributed more than 520 million pounds of food through a committed network of more than 550 food pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and community partners throughout our 21-county service area. Gleaners' CARE Mobile Pantry Program was started in 2015 to address the issue of hunger in key “intersections” in Indianapolis. The CARE Program Outreach VISTA will focus on community engagement, relationship building and education to improve our services. During this program, relationships will be built with first responders, community partners and most importantly, neighbors in need. We are looking for a candidate with great people skills, outgoing personality and strong relationship building skills. If you are interested in learning how poverty, hunger, and crime are related or want to make a difference in the lives of those we serve, then this position is for you!
IHN has partnered with AmeriCorps for 10 years and has hosted over 40 AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) during that time. We regard our VISTA members as a cohort moving through a transformational year-long experience that helps build capacity within the Indianapolis hunger relief system and works to alleviate poverty.
This position is housed at Gleaners Food Bank on the southwest side of Indianapolis and will involve some travel. At Gleaners Food Bank, Indy Hunger Network is also housed there. There will be 4 other VISTA members serving in the same building. Indianapolis is easy to navigate, has a growing indie restaurant/craft beer/coffee scene, and lots of places to play and recreate!
Member Duties
The CARE Program Outreach VISTA will:
- Identify new ways to further enhance overall engagement with the program from first responders in and around the Indianapolis area
- Develop a plan to help spread the word about CARE and helping neighbors in need
- Update and revise existing Nutrition 101 class materials for first responders interested in learning more about CARE and the growing issue of food insecurity impacting neighbors in and around Indianapolis
Program Benefits
Serving as an AmeriCorps Summer VISTA provides the following benefits:
- Modest bi-weekly living allowance
- Education award at the end of the term of service
To help you maximize this experience, we employ a full-time staff member to provide mentoring and professional development to the VISTA. The position also offers:
- Camaraderie with several other AmeriCorps VISTAs serving under the Indy Hunger Network umbrella
- Team engagement activities, including bi-weekly meetings to discuss projects, socialize, and hear from guest presenters
- Mentoring, one-on-one coaching, and professional development trainings
- Assistance preparing for life after VISTA (resume review, interview prep, etc.)
- Opportunities to work with leaders in the hunger relief space
- Opportunities to work independently and lead on projects
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until April 28th. Other AmeriCorps VISTA positions sponsored by Indy Hunger Network and further information can be found at: https://www.indyhunger.org/vista/.
Interested Applicants can apply directly through AmeriCorps at: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=116602.