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VISTA PROJECT NEWS
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WINTER 2014 |
| With most VISTA members reaching the halfway point in their projects - it's hard to believe that it's already time to think about recruiting for the next round of VISTAs! If you know of anyone who might be interested in serving, encourage them to apply today! |
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VISTA Leader Notes
I am very excited about sharing with you all the work the VISTA members have been able to do so far. In return for their efforts, I am pleased to say that the Center for Community Partnerships has been able to offer many professional development opportunities including the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program. VISTA members are receiving training on a variety of topics including grant writing, marketing and communications for nonprofits, evaluation and outcome measurement, and more. The VISTA members were also able to attend the Nonprofit Leadership Conference held at UW-Parkside in November where they learned and networked with leaders in the local nonprofit sector.
I hope you enjoy reading about the impact the VISTAs are having in our community. If you'd like to learn more about the program, or what the VISTAs are doing, don't hesitate to contact me.
Sabrina Kliman
UW-Parkside AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
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Point in Time - A Survey of the Homeless in Racine
On the cold winter night of January 29, 2014, “John” was sleeping in a 24-hour laundromat. Without a place to call his own, he was approached by a street outreach team and offered shelter. He accepted and was transported to HALO, a local homeless shelter, where he was safe from the cold.
“John” and ten other unsheltered homeless individuals were found as a part of Point in Time, a homeless census organized twice per year by the Continuum of Care for the City and County of Racine (CoC). In addition to Point in Time, this coalition of nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders is responsible for strategic planning and resource development to prevent and end homelessness in Racine County. To achieve this goal, the CoC facilitates cooperation among service providers so that homeless and at-risk individuals are provided the resources they need to address the root causes of homelessness, not just an immediate lack of housing.
With the help of Demetri Vincze, an AmeriCorps VISTA member, the CoC is taking steps to make its work more financially sustainable.“Demetri has been very involved in the [Point in Time] and Continuum of Care NOFA application process,” says Gai Lorenzen, president of the organization.“Both of these activities are essential pieces to the strategic plan and overall goals of the CoC.”
As well as supporting the Continuum of Care’s application for federal grant funding—which is made available through a Notice of Funding Availability, or NOFA—Demetri is applying for 501(c)(3) status with the I.R.S for the CoC. Having this status will allow the group to supplement federal grant funds it already receives with private support that will stabilize funding for its critical and sometimes life-saving programs. With its 501(c)3 status the CoC will move toward its goal of ending homelessness within the boundaries of Racine County.
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Using Community-Based Learning
Human Capital Development Corporation, Inc recently implemented a new database and looked to Professor Kuruvilla’s operations management Community-Based Learning (CBL) class to help streamline their intake and administrative forms. VISTA Shebria Small was the primary contact for the CBL class and provided all feedback needed to improve the results of the project. The students did a great job analyzing the processes and making all the forms consistent. The class streamlined the intake process by reducing the number of forms given to clients by 40% and shortened others by eliminating repetitive questions. The class also brainstormed ideas about how to better reach clients for follow-up surveys and tracking. Staff loved the idea of having online surveys, which may generate more response from program graduates. After some minor adjustments, the new forms have been implemented and Shebria is now working on implementing an online survey for students.
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Upcoming VISTA Events
March 1-2: Racine Home Expo
March 19: SEED Event: Grow Your Local Food Business- Marketing Strategies Workshop
March 21: Food Entrepreneur Lecture Series 1: Considerations & First Steps
March 25: Coalition for Financial Fitness Meeting
March 28: Food Entrepreneur Lecure 2: Licensing, Labeling & Distribution
April 1: Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service
See all upcoming events. |
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VISTA In the News
Financial Literacy Program at Racine Literacy Council
Point in Time Homeless Count |
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