VISTAs Join United Way

Two AmeriCorps VISTA members joined United Way of Madison County June 21 to complete one year of volunteer service.  VISTA members are volunteers who receive a small stipend (set at local poverty level of $891/month) while working full time to help build the capacity of human services organizations.

Katharine (Kate) Buenger just completed a certificate in peace studies in the University of Wisconsin. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Religion from the University of Wisconsin. Kate has been involved in service work in the United States as a volunteer tutor for adult learners and as a community organizer. She has also served with a non profit legal organization in Ethiopia, assisting with grant writing and other support services.  Kate has a relative who works for United Way and she wants to help people “who are unsure or unaware of their options.” She is especially interested in working with young people and will be filling the Millennial Engagement position. Kate stated, “Madison County has really welcomed Liz and me into the community.  We are excited to help this community grow and prosper.  We look forward to a productive and meaningful year of service with the United Way of Madison County.”

Elizabeth (Liz) Ford just received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in interior design.  She designed an exterior option for Habitat for Humanity in Bloomington as a service project. She has also been active as a volunteer at an after school program for girls, a literacy and education program for prisoners, and in a nursing home, among other activities. She has also held leadership positions with several organizations. She likes working with youth, but also has a particular interest in the business community and developing “a nurturing, socially responsible community.” Liz said, "I am really looking forward to this year of service at the United Way of Madison County and am excited to get to know the families and communities that sustain the Madison County area. I am extremely grateful for the community's help and grand welcoming."

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years.  VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a non profit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups, and much more.  For more information about AmeriCorps VISTA, visit www.americorps.gov.