VISTA: Volunteers in Service to America

For more than 50 years, VISTA members have been on the forefront of ending poverty in America. Administered locally by Opportunity Council, we help match volunteers willing to make a year-long, fulltime to commitment to local non-profits with anti-poverty programs that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster economic development, and otherwise assist low-income communities.

Become a VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service that places people for one year, full-time, with nonprofits that are working to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. VISTAs work exclusively through indirect service, which means they’re working to build capacity more behind the scenes. Capacity building is tasks and activities to create, expand or strengthen systems or processes in order to increase an organization’s ability to function effectively and meet its mission.

VISTA Benefits:

  • Biweekly stipend
  • Relocation allowance
  • Loan forbearance
  • Medical Allowance & food benefits
  • End of year service award OR education award
  • Non-competitive eligibility for federal employment
  • Valuable skills, training, and work experience
  • Be a part of a national movement working to alleviate poverty

For more information about the VISTA program contact: VISTA Program Specialist, Celine Parton, celine_parton@oppco.org

Current VISTA Openings

Skookum Kids Development Coordinator VISTA (In-person)

Application Deadline: July 2nd, 2025

Skookum Kids is a foster care agency based in Bellingham Washington. We operate an emergency shelter, train & license foster families, and provide abuse-prevention and foster care alternative programming services. We believe foster care, like most hard things, is best done with a supportive community; so we work to find ways for everyone—from trained mental health professionals to teenagers—to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Read More & Apply →

Orcas Community Rescource Center Community Building VISTA (Virtual or In-person)

Application Deadline: July 2nd, 2025

Orcas Community Resource Center provides essential services for Orcas Island community members facing economic and social challenges, addressing areas like housing, healthcare, financial literacy, and mental health support. This VISTA project aligns with the Resource Center’s mission to reduce poverty by strengthening our organizational capacity and expanding economic opportunities for island residents. As a VISTA member, you will play a pivotal role in empowering the Resource Center to better serve the island’s economically vulnerable population. Your contribution will help create a stronger safety net and lasting opportunities for individuals and families in our community. If you’re looking to help build resilience in a close-knit, rural community, while gaining valuable experience in nonprofit capacity building, this is the role for you!

Read More & Apply →

Kulshan Community Land Trust – Homeownership Education & Stewardship VISTA (In-person or Hybrid)

Application Deadline: July 2nd, 2025

Kulshan Community Land Trust (KCLT) is a nonprofit organization based in Whatcom County, Washington, working to make homeownership permanently affordable for low- to moderate-income individuals and families. Since 1999, KCLT has supported first-time homebuyers through education, access to affordable homes, and stewardship services that ensure long-term housing stability. With our homeownership program slated for rapid growth over the next three years, KCLT seeks an AmeriCorps VISTA member to help build the foundation for a Homeownership Education and Outreach Program and a comprehensive Stewardship Program. The VISTA member will develop culturally responsive outreach strategies to engage more diverse individuals and families and create educational materials and workshops that prepare homebuyers for successful ownership.

Read More & Apply →

For Partner Agencies

How to Apply:

  • Step 1: Complete the Concept Paper Narrative
    • This paper introduces your organization and summarizes the proposed project.

Once Accepted:

  • Step 2: Complete the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)
    • This will break down the goals you have for the project and the activities that comprise each goal.

Program Costs: The total cost for 1 year is $7,404.79. The non-refundable payment includes $5,704.79 which covers the living stipend reimbursement and an administrative fee equal to $1,700.00 for the project year. Costs are subject to change and are based on fees charged to the Opportunity Council from the Corporation for National & Community Service.

For more information or to receive application materials contact: VISTA Program Specialist, Celine Parton, celine_parton@oppco.org