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LITTLE FALLS - Through a partnership with the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) program, the Initiative Foundation is seeking 25 full-time national service members to "Fight Poverty with Passion" in project sites across central Minnesota.

VISTA is a national service program, similar to the Peace Corps, that places qualified candidates in local nonprofit organizations and government agencies to help strengthen and develop their efforts to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.

The Initiative Foundation is seeking VISTAs to serve in: Bemidji, Braham, Brainerd, Brook Park, Cambridge, Cold Spring, Crosby, Hackensack, Isle-Wahkon, Little Falls, Pine City, Pine River, St. Cloud, and Staples.[[In-content Ad]]Projects for these organizations are varied, focusing on:

• Local foods

• Family literacy

•Youth development / youth mentoring

•Job Training

•Support for homeless families

•Work with the elderly

• Solar energy

• Access to technology

•Volunteer development

•Mentoring of low income

•Free tax clinics

•Refugee & immigrant services

While the program is coordinated by the Initiative Foundation, each project site interviews and selects its own VISTA, who must commit to a one-year, full-time community service leadership position. Benefits include training, a monthly living allowance of $891, basic medical coverage, child care assistance (if eligible) and a $5,350 education award or end-of-service stipend of $1,500.

"Whether you're a recent college graduate looking for professional experience, a casualty of downsizing wanting to try a new career direction, or someone recently retired seeking to 'give back', this is a great opportunity to gain new skills and learn about nonprofits while making a real difference in a central MN community," said Chris Fastner, Initiative Foundation VISTA Program Manager.

Interested persons can visit the Initiative Foundation website at www.ifound.org for more details on these positions or contact Chris Fastner at (877) 632-9255 toll-free or [email protected].

Applications are currently being accepted until all of the positions are filled or June 1, 2010.

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