For 35 years, AmeriCorps*VISTA, a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, has been helping bring communities and individuals out of poverty.  Today, nearly 6,000 AmeriCorps*VISTA members serve in hundreds of nonprofit organizations and public agencies throughout the country - working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities, or bridge the digital divide.  In August of 2003, the ERCPCP VISTA Project was formed, allowing ERCPCP to serve as a base for VISTA members being assigned to help build capacity through ERCPCP’s programs as well as the programs of four partner organizations.   Since then, five to ten VISTA members have consistently been serving and blessing our local communities.

Following are the ERCPCP VISTA Project partners:

• ERCPCP – VISTA members focus on resource development and partner building, mentoring, and program development within our Benning Terrace, Ballou High School, Re-Entry, and Woodland Terrace programs. 
   
• Points of Light Foundation – Members serve to promote volunteerism within communities in the local area and across the nation by supporting training delivery and event management activities, helping faith based organizations, youth, and nonprofit organizations effectively engage volunteers in “seasons of service” activities, such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of service. In addition, members work closely with the Foundation’s Volunteer Center National Network to provide technical assistance, resources and training tools. 
   
• Southeast Whitehouse – Members focus on partner building around community service, the development of mentoring programs, and life skills programming for community youth and adults in neighborhoods in and near Anacostia.   
   
• Little Lights – VISTA members serve this organization by developing fund raising and development strategies and tools, strengthening sustainability for after school and summer programming in the Potomac Gardens public housing community. 
   
• 859 – Members serve the Carver Terrace community in NE Washington, DC by  building and enhancing holistic youth programs; partnering with local schools, churches, and non-profits; and developing resources to increase sustainability.