AmeriCorps VISTA Celebrates 50th Anniversary in 2015!!

AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) was founded in 1965 as a national service program to fight poverty in America. With passion, commitment, and hard work, VISTA members create or expand programs designed to bring individuals and communities out of poverty.  AmeriCorps VISTA utilizes the skills, talents and passion of more than 7,000 members annually to support community efforts to assist the more than 46 million Americans living in poverty. AmeriCorps VISTA members primarily provide indirect service, building the capacity of organizations to be able to provide direct service.

AmeriCorps State – another valuable and related branch of the AmeriCorps program – members are involved in direct service: face to face service which directly benefits the recipient. AmeriCorps State members are in service focusing on areas such as education, public safety, health, and the environment to address unmet needs in the communities they serve. Both AmeriCorps VISTA and State members make a year-long, full- or part-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization and, for their service, receive a modest living allowance.

GRID Alternatives has been fortunate to enlist the help of numerous AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps State members over the years to bring the benefits and financial savings of solar energy to low-income families across the country. Here on the Central Coast, we work with three amazing AmeriCorps State members who contribute an incredible amount of talent and hard work to help us achieve our mission to make renewable energy technology and job training accessible to underserved communities. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of AmeriCorps VISTA, we would like to recognize and appreciate the tremendous efforts contributed by these passionate individuals who are truly making a difference in the lives of individuals living in poverty.

Kaly Moore –

Kaly first learned about the AmeriCorps program while searching for a job on Craigslist to support herself and her mom. She was seeking a way to increase her education while earning a steady paycheck. Her first impression of GRID Alternatives was that it was “Too good to be true”. She found that through GRID and the AmeriCorps program, “Any opportunity that I wanted to make happen for myself was already made accessible.” Kaly believes that with her experience as a second year AmeriCorps member she has been given the opportunity to develop invaluable skills that will shape her future and that she has expanded herself as an individual through her interaction with community volunteers, low-income homeowners, and her GRID teammates. When asked what she would tell someone who was thinking about becoming an AmeriCorps member, Kaly said, “Do It!!! Don’t hesitate. It is worth it. For betterment of self, community, and where we are going as a Human Race.” Thank you, Kaly for your service and dedication to GRID Alternatives Central Coast! And, for all those smiles!

Jeremiah Bennett-

Jeremiah started volunteering on solar installation projects with GRID as a student at the Center for Employment Training (CET) in Soledad, CA. When working with GRID on his first install in King City, he remembers thinking, “I gotta be here, this is the stuff!” It was an incredible time for Jeremiah and he started to see an idea coming to life. After volunteering with GRID for 7 months and putting in 143 hours, Jeremiah learned about the AmeriCorps position at GRID Alternatives Central Coast and jumped right in. He remembers feeling that, “AmeriCorps was the icing on the cake! It provides learning and I get to know the solar industry on a deeper level than volunteering.” AmeriCorps gave Jeremiah a new perspective on life and the opportunity to do something he otherwise would not have been able to do. Jeremiah sees himself working in the electrical field in the future, but his experience with AmeriCorps and GRID Alternatives has helped him understand how important it is to continue to serve the people. “People need a break. Bringing new technology to homeowners is huge. It helps people provide for their families.” Even after his service year is complete, Jeremiah plans to continue to contribute to GRID for years to come. His favorite moment since beginning his AmeriCorps service? “Getting my offer letter. This is IT! Knowing I am part of the team.” And we sure are glad to have you! Thank you, Jeremiah!

 Patrick Home –

Patrick got involved with GRID Alternatives through an invitation to install solar while visiting his good friend, Michael O’Connell, current GRID Alternatives Central Coast Workforce Development and Volunteer Coordinator. Patrick thoroughly enjoyed participation in this solar installation and signed up to volunteer back home with GRID Alternatives’ San Diego and Inland Empire offices. “I did quite a few installs in those areas. Those offices had large installs with many volunteers.” After logging 110 hours with GRID, he decided to apply for a three month summer internship while continuing to volunteer. “I was looking for a job opportunity so I applied for the AmeriCorps position with a one year contract.” A graduate in Liberal Studies with a minor in Sustainability from California State University Northridge, Patrick “appreciated the environmental justice, socio-economic impact, and sustainability” aspects found at GRID Alternatives. He is also grateful for the opportunity to receive exposure to the field of renewable energy and to work in a nonprofit environment. Patrick’s favorite part of working as an AmeriCorps member with GRID Alternatives: “It is exciting when you start to grasp concepts. It’s fun to realize you are learning something!” Patrick, you are such an incredible asset to our GRID Central Coast team! Your service is greatly appreciated!