Fight poverty, join AmeriCorps VISTA Anew public service campaign has been launched to enlist New Jersey residents in joining Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), the AmeriCorps program that fights poverty. The campaign draws attention to the 37 million Americans who live in poverty and to the changing face of poverty, which today is often hidden and found within working families. VISTA was founded in 1964 as part of the War on Poverty. Since then, more than 177,000 Americans have answered VISTA's call to devote a year of full-time service, living and working in low-income communities to help eradicate poverty. Made part of AmeriCorps in 1993, VISTA provides 6,500 opportunities each year for individuals to create and expand programs that fight illiteracy, improve health services, foster business and economic development, increase housing opportunities and otherwise help low-income individuals and communities toward self-sufficiency. "VISTAs live and serve in some of New Jersey's poorest urban and rural areas mobilizing local resources and giving people in poverty the tools they need to help themselves," said Gloria Sokolowski, director of the N.J. State Office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps VISTA. Nearly 37 million Americans - including 13 million children - live in poverty. In New Jersey, an estimated 762,000 residents live below the poverty line. That means nearly more than one in 10 New Jersey residents may be forced to choose between eating dinner, obtaining a vital prescription or paying the monthly heating bill. VISTA volunteers tackle poverty by improving the ability of organizations to alleviate poverty in their communities by raising funds, recruiting community volunteers and designing sustainable programs that get to the heart of the problem. They serve with large national nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity and Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as with small community and faithbased organizations. In New Jersey, more than 90 Ameri- Corps VISTA members serve through 15 organizations including Community Planning & Advocacy Council, Camden, the New Jersey State Parole Board, Homefront, Trenton, Newark Emergency Services for Families Inc., Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians and others. VISTA members are helping to alleviate poverty in a variety of ways including helping parolees get re-integrated into society, mentoring children of incarcerated parents, supporting after-school programs and helping homeless families get back on the feet. Overall, VISTA members in New Jersey raised well over $300,000 in cash and in-kind resources for their anti-poverty projects and recruited and managed hundreds of community volunteers. One example of how VISTA is addressing poverty in New Jersey is through the N.J. Parole Board. They recently conducted their first job fair in Newark. Over 500 parolees attended. Potential employers, various social service agencies and health care providers were all present in an attempt to educate the parolees to what they need to do to re-integrate into society. Parolees are matched with job opportunities and housing opportunities to get started on the right track. "A VISTA is a catalyst for change. VISTAs identify resources and engage people in the community to expand access to education, housing, jobs, credit, technology and more," said VISTA Director Jean Whaley. "VISTAs channel their ideals and energy into becoming poverty fighters who build successful and sustainable programs that help people and communities lift themselves out of poverty." In return for a year of service, VISTAs receive a variety of benefits, including a modest living allowance, health care and relocation expenses. At the completion of their term of service, VISTAs also receive an award of $4,725 to use toward college or to pay off qualified student loans, or VISTAs can choose to receive a stipend of $1,200. AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that also oversees Senior Corps and Learn and Serve America. The mission of the corporation is to improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement though volunteering and service. For more information or to apply, visit nationalservice.gov or call 800-942-2677.