MTCC AmeriCorps VISTA - Moving Mountains Foundation Disabilities Empowerment Coordinator

Moving Mountains Foundation (MMF) is dedicated to improving the quality of lives of children and adults with developmental and acquired disabilities by supporting improved access to skilled services (occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and mental health) in the individual’s natural environment, improving awareness and the community’s understanding of disability, and supporting access to needed supplies and materials to improve independence in their activities of daily living.

This VISTA project seeks to build the capabilities and capacity of local organizations to provide care and early intervention for children with disabilities, with a special focus on increasing school readiness among children from low-income backgrounds. These goals will be primarily accomplished through the development of in-service trainings for childcare providers, and the creation of a practicum program through the University of Montana to engage more college students in fieldwork related disability services.

Montana Campus Compact (MTCC) serves as the intermediary for this project. MTCC is a CEO-led coalition of colleges and universities that support civic engagement, service learning, and volunteerism across the state. Every year we place cohorts of full-time, part-time, and summer AmeriCorps members with schools, colleges, nonprofits, and government agencies in Montana. The AmeriCorps projects we facilitate increase educational equity, break down barriers between higher education and community organizations, and address the root causes of poverty in communities across the state.

The AmeriCorps VISTA will ensure vulnerable populations’ needs are met through education programs, in-services, access to skilled services, early intervention screenings and increased community awareness of diverse populations. The VISTA member will build capacity through program development, outreach, and coordinating projects with campus and community partners. These projects will serve people with disabilities, with a focus on children. The member will support the creation of a service learning program with a community partner, and coordinate college student mentorship through the University of Montana. The member will help to develop dual-enrollment options for high school students with disabilities. The member will contribute to the completion of grant proposals. Learn more by visiting https://mtcompact.org/available-positions/