Energy Communities AmeriCorps VISTA- WV Region 1

Region I serves six counties in southern WV. Our spectacular team writes grants and does project administration for water, sewer, broadband, and economic development projects for our lovely communities. We also have an advanced GIS shop and share transportation and broadband planning activities with our partner PDC. The VISTA worker will serve McDowell, Monroe, Mercer, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties in southern West Virginia. These rural communities face significant socio-economic challenges, including high poverty, unemployment, and limited access to services due to the decline of coal mining. Despite these difficulties, they are resilient with strong community bonds. The VISTA worker will help alleviate poverty, improve access to services, and support sustainable development initiatives in these areas. The VISTA will contribute to poverty alleviation by enhancing the capacity of local organizations, facilitating grant writing and fundraising efforts, and coordinating workforce development programs. They will also lead community outreach initiatives, recruit and manage volunteers, and support economic development projects. By building strategic partnerships and sustainable systems, the VISTA worker will empower communities to effectively address poverty and foster long-term resilience.

Region I affords the opportunity for remote meeting attendance and work as necessary.