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Through the Community Builder Program, the VISTA Community Outreach Capacity Building Member will serve Stepping Stone Ministries’ by strengthening its capacity by developing a marketing plan to spread awareness of the services that SSM provides, develop their social media platforms, assist with fundraising, and develop a volunteer program.

Essential Duties Include:
✅ Develop & execute a marketing plan to raise awareness of BFMP’s mentorship programs and services.
✅ Expand & enhance social media platforms to engage the community and attract volunteers.
✅ Assist with fundraising efforts by creating compelling campaigns and outreach strategies.
✅ Build & strengthen a volunteer program to recruit, train, and retain dedicated mentors.

Benefits include: living stipend, housing stipend, optional healthcare coverage, relocation assistance, and an education award.

About the Host Site:
Stepping Stone Ministries (SSM) Medical Respite Center is a new non-profit founded to provide transitional care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill to return to the streets or shelters but no longer require, or qualify for, acute care or other healthcare destinations in the Bismarck/Mandan area. Their goals are to provide a safe and healing environment during recovery and, in collaboration with our community partners, to foster community connections that will promote access to stable housing, access to recovery services, access to healthcare, increase independence, and help to end the cycle of homelessness. They know that unhoused individuals experience higher levels of many chronic health conditions, including mental health and substance abuse challenges. These conditions are exacerbated by lack of shelter, sleep, access to food and access to health care. They believe that by providing a safe environment in which to recover from illness, while providing assistance to access other essential services, we will be building capacity for the unmet needs of an underserved, vulnerable population, and improve the overall health of the community we serve.

Through the Community Builder Program, the AmeriCorps Community Outreach Capacity Building Member will play a key role in supporting the Minot Area Recovery Community Organization's (MARCO) mission by strengthening community outreach efforts. By collaborating with local schools, organizations, businesses, and residents, the member will help build and sustain relationships that are vital to the organization's mission of supporting those in recovery. The member will assist in the creation and implementation of outreach strategies, provide logistical support for community events, and promote programs that foster healing and connection. Additionally, they will help cultivate partnerships that align with the organization's values, contributing to a supportive and engaged recovery community.

Benefits include a monthly living stipend, grocery/rent assistance stipend, and an education award.

About the Host Site:
The Minot Area Recovery Community Organization (MARCO) is committed to building a strong, supportive recovery community where individuals seeking recovery can find connection, hope, and long-term healing. MARCO fosters a stigma-free environment where people in recovery, their families, and allies can access peer support, resources, and sober social opportunities.

By promoting a culture of acceptance and empowerment, MARCO helps individuals navigate their recovery journey with the support of a compassionate network. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with community partners, MARCO works to reduce barriers to recovery and increase awareness of substance use disorder.

MARCO believes that recovery is more than just sobriety—it’s about rebuilding lives, restoring relationships, and strengthening communities. By providing a safe space for engagement, mentorship, and personal growth, MARCO helps individuals find purpose, connection, and sustained recovery.

Through the Community Builder Program, the Residential Peer Support Member will play a vital role in providing direct support to medically fragile individuals experiencing homelessness in a residential medical respite facility. This position is responsible for assisting residents with daily living activities, providing peer support, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment, and maintaining accurate records. The ideal candidate will have a compassionate approach, strong organizational skills, and the ability to foster a supportive and inclusive community.

Essential Duties Include:
Resident Support & Engagement

· Provide compassionate peer support, encouragement, and mentorship to residents.

· Foster a welcoming and supportive living environment through meaningful engagement and relationship-building.

· Assist residents in developing independent living skills, including personal care routines and daily responsibilities.

· Mediate conflicts and facilitate positive, respectful communication among residents to strengthen community connections.

Transportation Assistance

· Support residents in accessing essential services by providing safe and reliable transportation using an agency-approved vehicle.

Meal Planning & Preparation

· Assist with meal planning and preparation, ensuring alignment with residents’ dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions.

· Promote nutrition education and healthy eating habits among residents.

· Maintain cleanliness, sanitation, and organization in kitchen and dining areas.

Facility Maintenance & Housekeeping

· Contribute to a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment by assisting with routine housekeeping and facility upkeep.

· Support residents in completing household tasks and maintaining personal living spaces.

· Assist with laundry services as needed.

· Monitor and report supply needs to ensure adequate inventory for daily operations.

Data Entry & Documentation

· Accurately document resident interactions, support services provided, and any incidents in accordance with program guidelines.

· Assist with data collection for program evaluation, grant reporting, and service impact assessments.

· Uphold confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA and other regulatory compliance standards.

Member will complete all required training, professional development, and Days of Service as determined by Souris Basin Planning Council.

***Three members will be recruited under this service opportunity. Two 900-hour commitments and one 675-hour commitment. Service hours will include some nights and weekends.

Benefits include a monthly living stipend, grocery/rent assistance stipend, and an education award.

About the Host Site: Stepping Stone Ministries (SSM) Medical Respite Center is a new non-profit founded to provide transitional care for people experiencing homelessness who are too ill to return to the streets or shelters but no longer require, or qualify for, acute care or other healthcare destinations in the Bismarck/Mandan area. Their goals are to provide a safe and healing environment during recovery and, in collaboration with our community partners, to foster community connections that will promote access to stable housing, access to recovery services, access to healthcare, increase independence, and help to end the cycle of homelessness. SSM knows that unhoused individuals experience higher levels of many chronic health conditions, including mental health and substance abuse challenges. These conditions are exacerbated by lack of shelter, sleep, access to food and access to health care. They believe that by providing a safe environment in which to recover from illness, while providing assistance to access other essential services, we will be building capacity for the unmet needs of an underserved, vulnerable population, and improve the overall health of the community we serve.

Through the Community Builder Program, the Marketing and Communications VISTA will help increase the capacity of the Best Friends Mentoring Program by helping to grow and improve the current volunteer program, raise awareness of the organizations and its programs, and develop and strengthen new and existing partnerships.

Essential Duties Include:
-Reviewing and updating Western Wellness Foundation’s marketing plan strategies to build brand and program awareness.
-Redesigning and optimizing Best Friends Mentoring Program’s website to enhance user experience and engagement to increase website traffic as well as volunteer or donor sign-ups
-Revamping and standardizing all digital and print marketing materials to align with the organization’s branding and messaging to increase engagement and inquiries.
-Developing and implementing a comprehensive event marketing strategy that increases event attendance and enhances community engagement through targeted outreach and promotional activities.

Benefits include: living stipend, housing stipend, optional healthcare coverage, relocation assistance, and an education award.