Welcome to the virtual home of the Communities for Children and Youth AmeriCorps*VISTA Project

This project is a collaborative initiative of Maine's Children's Cabinet, USM's Muskie School of Public Service, and The Corporation for National and Community Service.  It's purpose is to support community, regional and state-wide efforts to improve the live's of Maine's most vulnerable, children and youth.  Specifically we seek to positively impact children, youth and families by supporting initiatives that adress the following priorities:

• Community Organizing: Youth in Transitions

To increase Maine’s capacity to support youth transitioning between (and from) schools and other systems of care;

• Community Organizing:  Early Childhood Development

To strengthen community efforts to meet the developmental needs of young children through planning, coalition building, and resource development;

• Youth Development Programming

To improve the quality, participation rates, and long-term sustainability of youth development programs that serve those at an increased risk of poverty; and

• Parent Support and Education

To strengthen Maine’s capacity to provide effective support and education to parents and families of vulnerable children.

AmeriCorps*VISTA members are individuals who donate a year of their lives to serve full-time with non-profit organizations or government agencies.  Created in 1964 and modeled after the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps*VISTA’s mission is to start, strengthen, or expand programs, systems, or services that help people move out of poverty.