Catholic Charities of Chicago 2Gen Initiative Coordinator AmeriCorps VISTA
Catholic Charities is implementing a 2Gen approach throughout our programs that serve children, youth and families to interrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty and help our clients achieve self-sufficiency. This approach emphasizes serving adults and children simultaneously, and creating strong community-based partnerships that align systems providing early childhood development, post-secondary and employment pathways, health and wellbeing services, economic assets and social capital. VISTA will work closely with other staff to create a solid infrastructure that aligns these systems within our own agency, and engage in outreach efforts to develop strong partnerships with other community-based organizations who can provide additional services to clients. Member’s primary location will be the St. Mary of Celle Family Strengthening Center in Berwyn, IL. The center strives to improve outcomes for the whole family by promoting an individual's intellectual, emotional, and physical wellbeing via a robust array of classes and special programs. The center primarily serves Latinx immigrants who need a safe space to build community, classes to strengthen professional skills, and opportunities to connect with medical professionals, participate in support groups, and engage in cultural and enrichment activities. The VISTA will build relationships with additional partners, grow our volunteer and intern base, develop new programs, and work with our Community Advisory Council to ensure current services meet patrons’ needs. This VISTA position is a part of Catholic Charities USA’s Family Strengthening Program, a national intermediary project. As a member, you will meet virtually with VISTA Leaders and other VISTAs serving throughout the country, all focused on alleviating poverty.
Member Duties : VISTA works collaboratively with staff to implement the strategic plan that clarifies the center’s mission, more effectively engages the community, and identifies opportunities to develop innovative programs and partnerships. They will facilitate client focus groups to identify areas for growth; engage in community outreach to help us build new partnerships and raise the community’s awareness of the center; coordinate outreach and marketing, recruit and train new volunteers/leaders who can help us continue doing this work; develop curriculums on early childhood education, college applications, job readiness, financial literacy and other 2Gen topics; and assist with grant writing to launch new programs and ensure sustainability.
Benefits:
- End of Service Education Award: $6,895 for student loans and future education
- OR End of Service Cash Stipend: $1,800
- Healthcare Benefits
- Child Care
- Relocation allowance (when relocating more than 50 miles)
- Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal employment
- Full list of benefits here