The Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and the Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) have joined together to provide MCADSV member programs with the opportunity to have a VISTA member provide one year of volunteer service at Member programs.   MLSA will provide training, supervision and some travel reimbursement (MLSA will cover any travel reimbursement for trainings required by MLSA or the Corporation for National and Community Service at the state rate).  The Member program must provide on-site supervision, any additional travel reimbursement, work space and project guidance.  AmeriCorps*VISTA members may be used for capacity building projects for your program, such as resource development, program development, and volunteer recruitment.  AmeriCorps*VISTA members cannot provide direct services to clients.  Direct service includes answering phones, completing intakes or clerical work that is not specifically related to the VISTA project.  If you have specific questions on what types of activities fall under “direct service” please contact us.

Note that all VISTA projects are designed to be three year projects. Coalition members will have the option to apply for a second and third year VISTA through MLSA. A cost share may be required for second and third year VISTAs. Please contact MLSA if you have questions.

To download an application click here.

The MLSA Asset Development Projects utilize VISTA members to expand the capacity of community organizations to develop wealth creation strategies for low-income Montanans. The goal of the project is to develop asset creation strategies that will enable Montana’s impoverished families and individuals to increase their financial assets in order to get out and stay out of poverty.

To download an application click here.

The MLSA Poverty Law VISTA Projects maintain MLSA’s emphasis on addressing the legal needs of Montana’s low-income population. MLSA utilizes VISTA volunteers to increase the capacity of the justice community to deliver services to low-income individuals in Montana, whether through the development of community education materials, the recruitment of pro bono attorneys or the expansion of resources available to MLSA and other access to justice agencies. MLSA also uses members to increase the capacity of the Court system to provide access to justice for Montanans in poverty. MLSA’s Poverty Law Projects are MLSA’s proactive approach to empowering Montanans to prevent the legal problems that keep Montana’s low-income population in poverty.

To download an application click here.