A Year for National Service

The VISTA Summer Associate (VSA) Program and AmeriCorps State and National Program at CRC were both a direct response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and would not exist otherwise.

In order to help Colorado to reopen safely, the state of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) had an unexpected need to scale up their contact tracing workforce quickly. This provided the opportunity for a unique collaboration and partnership between the state, private sector, and AmeriCorps. The overall success of using service members as short-term surge capacity proved national service is a cost effective, flexible, viable option to tackle other pressing challenges in the country.

Copy of Annual Report CCRC Timeline Infographic (2)

21,098

estimated people served by the COVID Containment Response Corps

VSA members were offered employment in the COVID Containment Response Corps after completing their term of service

100%

of VSA members felt their work made a difference in the Colorado COVID-19 response

“Being able to provide accurate information about COVID-19 and educate close contacts and cases about the virus has been fulfilling. I am glad to have the opportunity to educate others on how to keep themselves and their communities safe in hopes of curbing the spread of the virus.“

Phyllis Elliot

COVID Containment Response Corps

“My world has been widened from this experience in terms of personal growth. There is a tremendous good in people. When we show up to serve another, it transforms us. For me, it’s been a light in the dark of this pandemic.”

Pattea Carpenter

COVID Containment Response Corps

“I enjoy connecting with cases and contacts by hearing their stories and trying to address their needs. It is really fulfilling when I reach those who were hard to contact and build rapport with those that I call, no matter their background and language.“

William Ware

COVID Containment Response Corps

Our Rural Capacity Building VISTA Project was more important than ever in 2020.

Due the economic downturn and increased job insecurity, VISTA has been a vital resource for individuals looking for paid volunteer opportunities. Members serving with CRC’s Rural Capacity VISTA Project were able to provide continued capacity and support to their host organizations and communities during these difficult times.

AmeriCorps VISTA members served in 2020

48,603

served by VISTA Members participating in CRC’s Rural Capacity Building VISTA Project

host sites CRC partnered with to provide cost-effective people power in 2020

“To improve our entire society, we must lift each other up and make sure more people are empowered to fully participate. Serving is my way of encouraging people to eat local, give back to their community, and remember what is truly important in life.”

Ally Jean Arnold

SLV Local Foods Coalition Outreach and Engagement VISTA

“I am serving to better develop my professional skills within the field of education; and to have a greater understanding of diverse student populations and the needs that are required to better serve them.”

Matthew Zittrish

Education Foundation Serving Eagle County Administrative and Events Associate VISTA

“I am bothered by the fact that nonprofit organizations fill critical gaps that systems and institutions fail to address, yet they often lack the capacity to do so as effectively or efficiently as they wish. By serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, I can help to build this capacity, thus improving my community.”

Falon McGinty

Good Food Collective Food Security, Communication, Engagement and Development VISTA

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Table of Contents

Home Page

A Message From Our CEO

Civic Engagement

National Service

Tools and Trainings

Rural Capacity Building

Financial Overview

Our Staff and Board

Our Supporters