Seven years ago, Linda Nicole Stringfellow of Greenwood, took her master’s degree into the job market, but without relevant work experience, she quickly ran into a problem – she could not find a job. She then turned to AmeriCorps, a national service program, which placed her with the Greenwood-Leflore Communities in Schools (CIS), and the two years of work with Greenwood and Leflore County school children changed her life forever.
“I was transformed,” Stringfellow said. “They put me in a very responsible position – coordinating student programs with CIS, networking in the community, recruiting and managing volunteer tutors. Giving back to my community in a positive way and the satisfaction that comes with making a difference in people’s lives was well worth the experience.”
Now, Stringfellow is the Director for the Mississippi Delta Service Corps/AmeriCorps*VISTA Program (MDSC/A*VISTA) at Delta State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development.
A Criminal Justice major and Mississippi Valley State University graduate, Stringfellow received a post-service education award of over $9,000 to help with her student loans.
Beronica Wilder of Benoit found herself in a similar dilemma; she had the education, but could not find a job. She joined AmeriCorps and was placed as a tutor with the America Reads Mississippi AmeriCorps Program. After serving two years in Greenville and Washington County, she was on her way. Wilder then gained the opportunity to serve as a Volunteer In Service To America (VISTA) with Lower Mississippi Delta Service Corps, Inc. in Cleveland, and went on to develop their Bolivar County Volunteer Center. This achievement was pivotal for her.
She is now the Program Associate for Field Services for the Mississippi Delta Service Corps/AmeriCorps*VISTA Program (MDSC/A*VISTA) at Delta State University’s Center for Community and Economic Development. Wilder a Business Administration major at Delta State University also received an educational stipend valued at more than $9,000.
The AmeriCorps*VISTA program provides a monthly living allowance, health insurance, and child care benefits (for qualified applicants). Additionally, a post-service education award of $5,350 is available to repay student loans or to finance college, graduate school or vocational training.
“The benefits to a member are great,” says Stringfellow. “Health insurance is valuable to everyone, and many do not have the opportunity to pay $5,350 towards their student loans and/or education in one year. AmeriCorps*VISTA has become popular to many who are looking for an opportunity to serve their community. Furthermore, the non-profit organizations, which are finding their grant funds decreased, are also turning to the program as an affordable way to staff their agencies and to provide much needed services to the communities.”
MDSC/AmeriCorps*VISTA has openings for VISTA members throughoutthe Delta with a community development organization and a career development organization.
Those who are interested in applying for the service opportunitiesMUST complete an on-line application by going to www.americorps.org. Under the column “For Individuals” click on “I’m Ready to Serve” and complete the information, including reference forms.
For more information, contact Mrs. Muriel Lucas at (662) 846-4806 or e-mail at mlucas@deltastate.edu.
