Circles of Troup County currently taking applications for two Vista volunteers to help boost its efforts to end poverty in the area.

 

The Vista program is federally sponsored and stands for Volunteers in Service to America.

 

“It’s the domestic version of the Peace Corps,” said Sherri Brown, director of Circles of Troup County.

 

There’s not been a Vista volunteer in west Georgia for many years, although the county is home to another volunteer program, the Foster Grandparents.

 

Vista volunteers receive a living stipend and receive a healthcare stipend while they’re in the program. At the end of their year of service, they receive an educational award of $5,800, which can be used to enroll in school or pay off loans. They also receive priority status if applying for a federal job.

 

Brown is looking for two Vista volunteers to help with Circles programs, one to expand the organization’s children’s programs and the other to work on fundraising.

 

Brown said she’s always wanted to build up the children’s program to be more than just childcare provided during Circles meetings.

 

“We’d like to teach the children the same skills we’re teaching their parents, like goal setting and money management (on a child’s level),” but we’ve never had a curriculum,” she said.

 

The second volunteer will work on fundraising for the four-year-old organization. Circles used to receive funding from several local governments and organizations around town, but now relies on its own efforts to raise money.

 

While many Vista volunteers are young, the program is open to those of any age.

 

“It’s a great opportunity and experience, especially if you’re young,” Brown said.

 

All applications are taken online at vistacampus.gov. Search for Circles of Troup County on that page and apply by Dec. 30 for consideration.