AmeriCorps Service Opportunities with Healthy Acadia

For Immediate Release Please

Release Date: December 1, 2022

Program Contact: Katie Freedman, katie@healthyacadia.org  

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, tracey@healthyacadia.org or (207) 667-7171 Ext. 112 

AmeriCorps Service Opportunities with Healthy Acadia

Healthy Acadia is partnering with Hunger Free America to recruit two, full-time AmeriCorps VISTA service members to amplify efforts to increase access to healthy food for people living in Hancock and Washington counties, Maine. 

The VISTA members will serve with Healthy Acadia for a period of one year, starting in January 2023, and will address food insecurity by building partnerships between local farms and food assistance programs, supporting community gardens, increasing participation in nutrition benefit programs at farmers’ markets and farm stands, organizing county-wide food drives and fundraising events, recruiting volunteers, and more. The Washington County VISTA service position will be based in Machias; the Hancock County position, in Ellsworth. 

AmeriCorps VISTA service members receive a bi-weekly living allowance, health benefits, the potential to forbear or defer student loans while in service, relocation assistance, child care assistance, one-year non-competitive status for federal government positions, and a network of over 180,000 AmeriCorps VISTA members and alums. Upon successful completion of their one-year service term, VISTA members also receive an education award that may be used toward student loan repayment or for furthering their education; or they can instead choose to receive a cash payout.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn about the local food system while experiencing the best of all four seasons in beautiful Downeast Maine. AmeriCorps VISTA service members will gain a wide range of skill sets unique to nonprofit organizations and develop professional relationships with local, regional, and statewide partners in multiple sectors, including local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and institutions.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to full-time hours. There is some flexibility with the start date, so candidates that may need to start sooner or later than January 2023 are strongly encouraged to apply.

To schedule an interview, please send your resume and cover letter to Katie Freedman at Katie@HealthyAcadia.org. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis until suitable candidates are found.

Healthy Acadia is a 501(C)(3) community health organization building vibrant communities and making it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s health and wellness programs and services, visit healthyacadia.org.

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