Established in 1965, VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) is one of the three primary programs within AmeriCorps, dedicated to capacity building within local governments, non-profits, and community-based organizations. Agencies such as the International Rescue Committee (IRC) can host VISTA members, who serve in office-style roles to enhance their host organizations' ability to serve the community. Throughout their service, VISTA members create resources, develop programs, and support staff, thereby expanding the organization's reach and effectiveness. A typical VISTA term lasts one year, with opportunities for extensions in leadership-focused roles. The VISTA Leader program enables experienced members to take on managerial responsibilities, guiding new VISTA members.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Blake, the Economic Empowerment VISTA at the IRC in Denver, as she approaches the end of her term. 

Q: What drew you to a VISTA opportunity with the IRC in Denver?

A: I studied public policy and sustainability at the University of Maryland. This gave me exposure to international policy, immigration, and refugee issues. As my senior year approached, I started wondering, "What should I do with my life?" I decided to apply to service programs like Peace Corps and AmeriCorps because I really wanted to learn in a non-traditional setting and have the opportunity to address actual human needs.

I was specifically drawn to the IRC in Denver’s VISTA openings because I wanted to understand how U.S. federal policies affect migrants and international populations. I wanted to support these very legitimate policy issues and the people who are recipients of what the government decides to do, whether it's related to environmental management, refugee resettlement restrictions, or really anything. This type of service work really stood out to me because it offered exposure to international issues on a domestic scale. I also really wanted to move to Colorado!

Q: Could you share some of the most memorable projects you worked on during your VISTA service term?

A. VISTAs have a lot of management over their own work, and it’s possible to be involved in multiple projects during their time here. My major projects have addressed the organization's urgent needs and gaps in existing programming. 

One significant project focused on the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), a federal law funding career and workforce development. During my time here, I discovered that resettlement often emphasizes initial employment and getting clients the first job they can find. We have a lot of clients that are very highly skilled, and very highly educated, and once they are financially self-sufficient enough, they're interested in something that's more career-aligned or an opportunity to develop their career in the US. I researched how to make workforce development funds accessible to new American clients, enabling them to engage in work-based training and apprenticeships in their fields. This project aimed at higher-level career development and secondary employment opportunities. In August, I had the opportunity to present my research and findings to a group of stakeholders who work in the refugee employment sphere in Colorado, organized by the Colorado Refugee Services program, which was both terrifying and rewarding!

Another memorable project I was heavily involved with was the New Roots program. The Denver office relaunched the New Roots program in 2024, specifically the Seeds of Change Project, which started in May. I really wanted to support this program because I studied environmental policy and wanted to learn about agriculture and environmental education and how we are providing these opportunities to clients. So I was like, “Put me in, Coach!”

Q: What is the New Roots program?

A: We assigned garden plots to nearly 20 clients (upwards of 80 indirect beneficiaries), offering training in agriculture, food security, and environmental education. This program helps clients learn urban agriculture, grow food in Denver's climate, and find nutritious ways to feed their families. Many of our clients were farmers back home, so this connection to agriculture helps them become more self-sufficient and find peace, literally connecting them back to their roots. Our clients say the garden is where they're happiest and most at peace, and when they're out at their plots, they feel like themselves again. So, it's been extremely rewarding to work with them and be involved in this project.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a VISTA service position?

A: My main advice is if you're curious about doing service, whether domestic or international, don't ignore that urge! It means you'll be enthusiastic about your assignments. Be articulate about what you hope to get out of the service and what you want to do with your time. One year is very fleeting, so really capitalize on your time, and don't be afraid to say yes to things!

“VISTA with the IRC in Denver has allowed me to learn from others who are sheerly dedicated to their work of supporting international communities to navigate their new homes and create dignified realities for themselves. This program has been such a valuable opportunity for my learning, and I couldn't recommend it enough for others to apply.” 

IRC Denver is actively recruiting for 3 new VISTA opportunities. To learn more, contact [email protected]! 

Written by the IRC in Denver's Communications Intern Mariam Naibi.