The VISTA program has been around almost as long as United Way of Utah County. It was created in 1964 as one of several programs designed at that time to combat poverty in the United States. Thirty years later, it was incorporated into the newly created AmeriCorps organization, which remains the federal agency for national and community service to this day. Since its inception, the VISTA program has helped thousands of people get engaged in their communities.

The basic premise of the VISTA program is simple: spend one year supporting a local organization to alleviate poverty for individuals and families in the community. VISTAs are provided with a monthly living stipend, professional development opportunities, and local as well as national support as they fulfill their assignments. The responsibilities of each VISTA assignment are different, since each assignment has been designed by a local organization in accordance with its mission. However, each assignment is intended to expand the capacity of the organization to alleviate poverty and ensure that local communities have access to the resources they need.

Here at United Way, our VISTAs do everything from managing programming at the South Franklin Community Center, to promoting digital access through our Digital Inclusion programming, to supporting new parents through the Welcome Baby program. Each of our VISTAs is an essential member of our team, and they work tirelessly to make sure that our community members have access to the support they need to thrive. It is amazing to me to see how much impact each VISTA can have during one short year of service.

In fact, many of our former VISTAs have gone on to full-time positions here at United Way and have become crucial members of our executive team. Our chief operating officer, Shannon McCarty, first joined our team as a VISTA member. Our senior director of corporate engagement, Janie Brigman, and our senior director of EveryDay Strong, Michaelann Gardner, also began their careers at United Way as VISTAs. As VISTAs, each of these leaders demonstrated early on the compassion and creativity that continues to inform their work at United Way. Thanks to their leadership, our programs have improved and expanded exponentially, and thousands of families benefit each year from their tireless efforts.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County

McCarty said about the program, “I became a VISTA because I thought it was a great way to get some real-world work experience and see how I liked working in a nonprofit environment. I loved the team and I loved the mission of United Way, which is why I stayed. It is great working somewhere where you can feel like you are contributing to the community. One of our biggest strengths at United Way is brining people together to be able to create a bigger impact.”

The VISTA program is an invaluable resource for us here at United Way. VISTA members lead volunteers, collaborate with community organizations and increase our capacity to serve our community. But the VISTA program doesn’t just benefit United Way; it provides an excellent introduction into the nonprofit field, increases professional networks and allows VISTA members to develop important skills that can transfer into many different careers.

Gardner said, “I really wanted to make a difference for kids in poverty, and I knew that education and language development were a really important part of that. I thought I would just try out the ‘nonprofit thing’ for a summer as an EveryDay Learners VISTA and go on to get a Ph.D. in communications disorders. But here I am, 10 years later! I stayed because I always had new opportunities to learn something and to grow.”

And Brigman said, “Being a VISTA was a great chance for me to try working in the nonprofit industry after I finished college and as I transitioned into working full time. I met incredible volunteers across the country who were volunteering in their own communities. I am now senior director of corporate engagement and love working with incredible businesses and donors who are doing amazing things in our community.”

The VISTAs here in Utah County are truly exceptional. Thanks to them, families in our community can access the resources they need to take advantage of educational opportunities, live healthy lives and find financial stability. If you are interested in learning more about the VISTA program and how to get involved, please call 801-374-2588.

Courtesy United Way of Utah County