The VISTA Project
In November of 2006, the Eastern Regional Family Resource Network
(ERFRN) became a VISTA umbrella sponsor with the intention of expanding
AmeriCorps VISTA in the eight eastern counties comprising the Potomac Highlands
of West Virginia. As an umbrella sponsor the FRN was awarded 14 regular
positions, 2 cost-share positions and one VISTA leader position.
The FRN is continuing its sponsorship to develop additional project
sites and allocate all positions within the next year. VISTA members
engage in projects that build the capacity of the groups and organizations
with whom they work to develop and/or implement sustainable plans for achieving
identified goals.
Current Projects
Eastern Regional Family Resource Network - One VISTA Leader to work with Director and four
VISTA members placed in Grant, Hardy, Hampshire, and Pendleton counties to build the capacity
of local community groups to assess community needs and develop plans for addressing them.
Activities will include needs and resource assessment, volunteer recruitment and training,
program development and community development. Hampshire and Pendleton have VISTA members at this time.
Grant and Hardy VISTAs are being recruited. VISTA leader recruited and in place.
Friends in Action Eastern Panhandle - Two VISTA members are working on a goal and
action oriented mentoring project that uses the power of friendship to bring about positive
changes in the lives of low-income families in Jefferson County. FIAEP is a network of people
of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds whose common interest is to provide caring outreach to
needy families in the community. Activities include fund and resource development, volunteer
recruitment, and training and program management. Two VISTAs are in place.
Eastern Panhandle Medical Reserve Corps. - One VISTA member has been approved for
Berkeley County Health Department, a community-based corps of volunteers available to
supplement the healthcare and public health resources of Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson counties.
Activities will include formalizing the organization by building volunteer capacity and improving
community visibility and involvement. VISTA is being recruited.
CASA of Hampshire County - One VISTA member will assist the organization director and
board in developing a volunteer recruitment, training and retention plan and designing a
community outreach plan. VISTA in place.
Projects in Process
Shepherd University - A VISTA member will assist the university’s Office of Student Community
Services and Service Learning to expand their use of service-learning across the curriculum.
Friends of Happy Retreat - A VISTA member will assist with the acquiring, preserving, and promoting of
Happy Retreat as a national resource for public enjoyment, education and the study of ethics.
Activities will include community outreach, volunteer recruitment, development of a
training program, and board orientation and training.
Mineral County Family Resource Network - Two VISTA members will serve, one to promote
Healthy Lifestyles by developing an organizational structure that would work toward promoting
those lifestyles through the Health Life Style Committee, the Smoking Cessation Committee, and
the Nutrition Committee. The second VISTA will serve through Mineral County CASA to assist
with board structure and fund raising.
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