AmeriCorps*VISTA helps individuals and communities implement grassroots solutions designed to alleviate poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America in 1965,the program places individuals at nonprofit organizations and public agencies that are fighting illiteracy, improving health services, reducing unemployment,increasing housing opportunities, reducing recidivism, and expanding access to technology for those living in rural and urban areas of poverty across America. Among other activities, AmeriCorps*VISTA members, who serve full time for a year, recruit community volunteers, raise funds, help manage projects, and otherwise build the capacity of non- profit organizations to become sustainable. Since the program began, more than 177,000 Individuals have served as VISTA volunteers, and they continue to give back to their country in a myriad of ways.