In partnership with the Bonner Foundations and Rutgers University, the Center is leading a team of 12 VISTA workers who are working on various anti-poverty projects. Locally, TCNJ Bonner secured a no-cost employee for four community partners (Isles, TASK, PEI Kids, Rescue Mission); each employee will develop alternative and sustainable revenue streams that will help them create jobs for their program participants.

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed to specifically fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years. VISTA Members commit to serve full-time for a year at a community based organization or institution working to fight poverty.

Bonner VISTA – Economic and Community Development 

Several VISTA members will work out of the Bonner Center office. Members will look at the spending practices of anchor institutions, such as the College, and what local producers exist in the city. One goal is to see if there are opportunities to connect local institutions and companies in a way to create jobs for patrons of our anti-poverty community partner sites. Other VISTA members will take stock of the emerging jobs, training programs linked to those jobs, and again, how local Bonner partner program participants can access both.

VISTA members will also address economic and employment development, nutrition, volunteer development, and local policy in the Trenton area. Our AmeriCorps VISTA positions offer an excellent opportunity to develop concrete working skills and knowledge, while networking with top executives in the non-profit, government and for-profit sectors.