HHS - Community Outreach
AmeriCorps VISTA Program
The AmeriCorps is a domestic volunteer program which administers the programs offered at the community resource centers. There are currently 6 AmeriCorps Volunteers In Service to America (VISTA) members. The volunteer members focus on encouraging citizen participation and community self-help. The county’s Health and Human Services Department is a program site sponsored by the non-profit SER de New Mexico, and under the leadership of the Corporation for National and Community Service. Contact Eric Bransford for more information at (575) 525-5833 or ericb@donaanacounty.org
The community centers are the outlet by which the VISTA program can serve the county and connect residents to its partners. In addition to the subsequently listed services, two major celebrations are scheduled annually: Día del niño in April, and Winter Celebrations in December. There are five community centers located throughout the county that can be contacted by phone or mail. Look for further developments as the centers are brought online.
Provided through each of the centers, the AmeriCorps VISTAs offer- Health and nutritional education,
- English as a second language courses,
- Graduate Equivalency Degree coursework (GED),
- Monthly visits by the community nurse,
- Senior meals and commodities (Doña Ana)
- Income support services such as enrollment food stamp distribution programs. Contact the community center closest to you for information about taking advantage of any of these services, becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, or volunteering independently.
