Community Collaboration VISTA Member Catholic Charities WVa

Position Overview

Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center (CCNC) is seeking a Community Collaboration VISTA Member to strengthen community partnerships, expand outreach efforts, and support the development of sustainable programs that address poverty in the Wheeling area.

This role focuses on building connections across the community—working with partner organizations, developing collaborative programs, and improving systems that increase access to services such as addiction recovery supports, food security initiatives, and community engagement opportunities.

This is not a direct service role. The VISTA Member will not provide direct assistance to individuals, but will instead focus on facilitating partnerships, enhancing programming, and building systems that support long‑term impact.

Community Outreach

• Develop outreach strategies to increase awareness of CCNC services
• Represent CCNC at community meetings, events, and coalition groups
• Identify unmet needs within the community

Partnership Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with addiction recovery organizations (AA, NA, treatment providers)
• Faith‑based organizations and ministries (including Bible study collaborations)
• Schools and youth‑serving agencies (including backpack food programs)
• Local nonprofits, healthcare, and social service providers
• Maintain and expand a network of community partners

Program Development

• Assist in developing and expanding collaborative programming, including recovery support access and referral pathways
• Faith‑based engagement opportunities
• Food security initiatives and youth‑focused programs
• Community‑based activities within CCNC
• Help design program structures, processes, and sustainability plans

Collaboration & Coordination

• Support joint initiatives with partner organizations
• Help organize community events such as resource fairs and outreach activities
• Improve coordination and communication between agencies

Systems & Capacity Building

• Create systems to track partnerships, outreach efforts, and program outcomes
• Develop resource guides and referral tools
• Help build sustainable processes that continue after the VISTA term

• Hands‑on experience in community outreach and partnership development
• Skills in program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Experience working within a nonprofit and collaborative service network
• Opportunities to engage in community‑based problem solving

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Organized, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
• Passion for community development and serving vulnerable populations
• Interest in nonprofit work, outreach, or program development

Preferred:

• Experience or interest in community outreach, partnerships, or social services
• Familiarity with addiction recovery systems, faith‑based work, or food programs

This is a capacity‑building position, not a direct service role

• The VISTA Member will:
  Not provide direct services, case management, or counseling
  , Not lead AA/NA or other support groups
  , Not replace staff or volunteers
  , Focus is on building programs, partnerships, and systems

• Full‑time, 1‑year Ameri Corps VISTA commitment
• Location:
  
  Wheeling, WV
• Some evening or weekend hours for outreach/events

Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center provides support and resources to individuals and families in need through community‑based programming, outreach, and partnerships. The center is committed to building a stronger, more connected community through collaboration and service.