The Economic Mobility AmeriCorps VISTA will help increase the capacity of local United Ways to implement three statewide economic mobility projects: 1) SaverLife Connecticut, a matched savings program 2) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) which provides free tax preparation to low-income taxpayers and 3) Your Money, Your Goals which provides financial empowerment tools for social service staff working with low/moderate-income clients. Duties include but are not limited to: create systems and practices that improve outreach and participation in economic mobility programs; develop a statewide system for connecting VITA taxpayers to savings products and research other opportunities that build financial capability; assist local United Ways in training partner agency staff in using financial empowerment tools; and security; establish statewide standards and measures for success for identifies programs.
AmeriCorps VISTA members receive a modest, monthly living allowance to help cover the basic necessities. VISTA members who successfully complete a term of service are also eligible to receive either a Segal AmeriCorps Economic Mobility Award of $5,815 to pay for college or to pay off student loans, or an end-of-service cash stipend of $1,500. AmeriCorps VISTA offers Childcare assistance if eligible, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend upon successful completion of service, Health Coverage, Living Allowance, Relocation Allowance, and training.