NAMI Dubuque Building Health VISTA

The Ameri Corps VISTA program at NAMI Dubuque strengthens the organization's capacity to expand access to mental and brain health resources throughout Eastern Iowa. VISTA members serve behind the scenes to build sustainable systems that support long-term community impact rather than providing direct services. Members collaborate with staff and community partners to develop outreach strategies, strengthen volunteer engagement, coordinate community education efforts, enhance fundraising and resource development, improve data collection and program evaluation, and build partnerships that increase access to services.

Their work helps reduce barriers to care, increase awareness of mental health and peer support, and connect individuals and families with valuable community resources. Through capacity-building initiatives, the Ameri Corps VISTA program helps ensure NAMI Dubuque can continue growing its peer-led programs, educational opportunities, and community partnerships, creating lasting solutions that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the region.

• Organizing facilitator resources.
• Developing program materials and training opportunities.
• Supporting quality of data accuracy by refining data process.
• Assisting in development of volunteer recruitment to support women's programs.
• Developing partnerships and outreach opportunities that enhance continuity of care before and after incarceration.
• Identifying community resources that strengthen reentry planning.
• Creating stronger connections between correctional programming and community-based supports.

• Training
• Childcare assistance if eligible
• Mileage
• Technology assistance
• Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend

• Community Organization
• Communications
• Conflict Resolution
• Public Speaking
• Recruitment