For Immediate Release

Ability Alliance of West Alabama has received a VISTA Project from the
Corporation for National and Community Service, the Alabama State Office.
The project title is Stronger Together. The project is a result of collaborative
efforts among community, state and national organizations associated with
the Tuscaloosa, Bibb and Pickens counties. These organizations include
Indian Rivers, People First of Alabama, Tuscaloosa One Place, Self Advocates
Becoming Empowered and Ability Alliance of West Alabama. Other supporting
agencies are UCP of West Alabama, Arc of Tuscaloosa, and Easter Seals of
West Alabama.

We are in process of recruitment of five VISTA members to work on the

following grassroots organizing projects in our area:

• the development and implementation of a plan that addresses

strategies around shared and or coordinated functions between
non-profits such as fund raising, grants, records management,
administration, management, training, payroll, data management
etc

• the development and implementation of strategies to promote

volunteering and employment of individuals with disabilities as a
method of reducing the need for more intensive services and
supports through the Medicaid waiver

• the development, training and implementation of a volunteer Corp

to support empowerment skills development for individuals with
disabilities with People First of Alabama

• Development and implementation of an administrative structure to

support the Children’s Policy Council in Tuscaloosa

• Development and implementation of a co-op for individuals and

families who are hiring their own support staff

Recommended skills and Qualification may include:

• An interest in promoting inclusion of children, families and adults who
have disabilities or who are at risk of poverty in the fabric of the
community
• An interest in systems development in the area of non-profits
administration and management to include fund raising, grants,
records management , training
• Excellent writing and organizational skills
• Experience coordinating a project
 • Knowledge and practice in teaching and promoting self advocacy and
empowerment strategies for disenfranchised groups
• Volunteer recruitment experience
• Ability to travel in the community, state and nationally as indicated

Benefits:

By serving through VISTA, members gain new skills, friends, and experiences
—plus the member will get the satisfaction that comes from helping others.
During your service, a person also receives a modest living allowance, health
care, and other benefits. In Alabama, this is $10,296.00 and, upon
completing your service, you can choose to receive either an education
award worth $4,725 to pay for college, or $1,200 in cash

Members will be reimbursed mileage and other travel expenses or provided

transportation by the collaborative partners. There is a requirement that
members be able to travel in the project area and in the state and nationally
as directed. There may also be the need to provide transportation for
individuals served by the collaborative agency.

Preferences may be given to Veterans, individuals with disabilities and

retirees.

Please contact:

Vicki Hicks Turnage

Ability Alliance of West Alabama 205-333-1577 Ext. 219
Or E-mail interest to vturnage@abilityalliance.info

Deadline: Until Filled