Annual Program

The Ann Arbor CIL AmeriCorps VISTA Program connects more than 25 individuals each year to meaningful volunteer service training opportunities that help people with disabilities around Michigan.  Part of the national AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Program, members work in community organizations to help others in need, and members gain valuable skills and experience to advance their careers.  Members receive a modest monthly stipend as well as options for educational scholarships, cash awards, and health insurance.  More than 60% of VISTA graduates are offered full-time employment by their host organizations.

Recent Host Organizations:

• Ann Arbor CIL
• Community EnCompass, Muskegon, Mi
• Capital Area Center for Independent Living, Lansing, Mi
• Disability Network/Northern Michigan, Traverse City, Mi
• Life Skills Center for Independent Living, Monroe, Mi
• ARC Michigan/Michigan Alliance for Families, Lansing, Mi
• The Disability Network, Flint, Mi
• Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Ann Arbor, Mi
• Community Action Network, Ann Arbor, Mi
• Disability Network Mid-Michigan, Midland, Mi
• Disability Network/Wayne County-Detroit, Detroit, Mi

VISTA members located at the Ann Arbor CIL work in various settings throughout the organization doing high quality work that makes an impact on the individuals we serve here in Ann Arbor.

Summer Program

The Ann Arbor CIL AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Employment Opportunity Program provides a 10-week full-time work-learning experience for 20 young adults in Washtenaw County.  Run in partnership with Michigan Works! and the Corporation for National and Community Service, it combines on-the-job work experiences at various non-profit organizations around the area with classroom-based learning at the CIL about career exploration and “real world” readiness.

Recent Host Organizations:

• Ann Arbor CIL
• Avalon Housing Inc.
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters
• Community Action Network
• Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
• EMU GEAR UP
• Literacy Coalition of Washtenaw County
• Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative
• Neutral Zone
• Ozone House
• SOS Community Services
• The Corner Health Center
• Washtenaw Intermediate School District/High Point School