Homesless Education Project Member Handbook
Center for Public and Nonprofit Management School of Public Administration
Table of Contents WELCOME TO THE CPNM! ...………………………………………………………………… 3 VISTA PROJECT PERSONNEL ……………………………………………………………… 4 HOUSING …………………………….. ………………………………………………………… 5 I. VISTA Housing Policies II. CPNM Housing Assistance Policy ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE …………………………………………………… 6 THE WORK ……….. ……………………………………………………………………………. 7 I. Your VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) II. Supervision III. Weekly Schedule IV. Friday Service Activities V. Special Service Projects WORK RESRICTIONS ………………………. ………………………………………………. 9 I. Direct Service HOLIDAY SCHEDULE/LEAVE TIME POLICIES …………………………………………… 10 I. Leave Time RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS …………………………………………………….. . 11 I. Weekly/Monthly VISTA Reports II. How to Submit Your Report BOOK CLUB LISTING ………………………………………………………………………… 12 SITE LOCATION DIRECTORY ………………………………………………………….…… 13
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Welcome to the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management
Thank you for choosing to serve with the University of Central Florida’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Management (CPNM)! We know there are many organizations you could have chosen to work with, so we appreciate your interest in our mission. If this is your first time working with the CPNM, you are in for a new and exciting experience. Even those who have worked with us before will have a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It is our goal to match your skills, knowledge, and interest with the most appropriate service opportunity. Your first week of service with the CPNM, you will participate in an orientation with one of our program directors. We’ve developed this orientation and this handbook to provide information about the CPNM’s responsibilities, expectations, policies, procedures, and service positions. We hope you will utilize this information throughout your service year! We wish you well and thank you for joining the team! Ray Noah CPNM VISTA Leader
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VISTA Project Personel Dr. Thomas Bryer
Center of Public and Nonprofit Management Director
Tim Pehkle
Assistant Director of Special Projects
Ray Noah
AmeriCorps VISTA Leader
Kelsey Burr
Brevard County Homeless Resources Coordinator
Renae Evans
Brevard County Resource Center Liaison
Rickey Myers
Brevard County Homeless Student Liaison
Elise Walsh
Brevard County Resource Center Liaison
Lauren Cantrell UCF Homeless Student Resource Liaison
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Shardy Camargo
Orange County Community Resource Coordinator
Stacy Raymonville
Orange County Community Engagement Coordinator
Trenessa Williams
Orange County School Liaison
Samantha Mcdonald
Idignity Homeless Student Liaison
Bryan McCullar
Seminole County Community Education & Training
Katie Inman
Seminole County Community Outreach Coordinator
Nikolai Mon
Seminole County Resource Development and Marketing VISTA Christine Brown Seminole County Student Involvement and Tutoring VISTA
Housing As an AmeriCorps VISTA, the Corporation for National & Community Service provides you with a support or living allowance to cover the cost of housing, food, and other basic necessities during service. Amounts are low as VISTAs are expected to live at approximately the same economic level as the people they are serving. In certain cases, VISTA’s may also be eligible for a settling-in-allowance. The settling-in allowance is intended to help VISTAs with initial settling in expenses such as rental and utility deposits. The allocation cannot exceed $550. The amount you are awarded is determined by the state office director, and will be included with your first living allowance payment. Federal taxes will be withheld at the time of payment.
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VISTA Housing Policies
One of the three fundamental assumptions of AmeriCorps VISTA is that the skills and energies of AmeriCorps VISTA members are used most effectively when they live and work with those whom they are serving. In keeping with this philosophy, you are expected to secure housing using your living allowance, which is provided to cover the basic costs of food, housing, and utilities. You should look for housing within the community to which you are assigned. Because members’ living allowances are limited, you are allowed to accept offers of free or low-cost housing made by community members, local organizations, educational institutions, or host organizations.
Some examples of housing that you may accept include:
• A community resident offers unused free housing space to you because he or she is proud to have an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the community. • A local business wants to offer a vacant apartment over the shop area. • A national housing company offers reduced-rate housing for volunteers who are serving in a given community and you meet the eligibility requirements. • A local, state, or federal government agency provides free or low-cost housing in areas with limited housing opportunities. • A sponsoring organization rents housing space on your behalf. • A sponsoring organization allows you to occupy a portion of existing space the sponsor already owns or rents.
Under no circumstances may you accept money directly from your sponsoring organization or host organization to supplement your living allowance or pay for rent. Accepting free or reduced-cost housing may increase the amount of your reportable income for tax purposes.
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Housing Continued CPNM Housing Assistance In the event that you cannot find affordable housing, the CPNM staff will provide reasonable assistance in locating housing through community residents, board members, local businesses, etc. However, as outlined by the Corporation for National & Community Service VISTA member Handbook, VISTAs are expected to secure housing using their living allowance and sponsoring organizations are prohibited from providing direct monetary assistance to AmeriCorps VISTA members for housing. CPNM and the Corporation assumes no financial responsibility for a member other than the allowances and benefits provided to a member as discussed in this handbook or as determined by the Corporation.
. . . . . . . Eligibility for Public Assistance (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, etc) AmeriCorps VISTA members who are eligible to receive assistance or services (i.e., benefits) under any governmental program (e.g., Temporary Aid to Needy Families [TANF], Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income) prior to enrollment as a member or who are receiving such assistance or services during AmeriCorps VISTA service shall not be denied such benefits or given a decreased benefit because of the member’s failure or refusal to register for, seek, or accept employment or training during the period of service. This protection of benefits, provided at 42 U.S.C. § 5044, applies to any governmental program, including federal, state, and local programs. The CPNM encourages applicants to apply for public services prior to their service start date. As an AmeriCorps VISTA your living allowance may not be factored into your eligibility for public assistance if you apply prior to your service year. You can apply for public assistance through the Access Florida website.
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The Work As an AmeriCorps VISTA, you make a full-time, one-year commitment to alleviate poverty in the community you serve. Throughout your service year you will mobilize your community’s resources, increase the capacity of the community to achieve its goals, and ensure that the activities you initiate or expand as VISTA are able to be sustained by the community when you leave. You serve as a catalyst/change agent, assisting in creating or expanding programs and mobilizing community resources.
VISTA Assignment Description’s (VAD’s) The VISTA Assignment Description (VAD) is your road-map to service year. Specifically, your VAD outlines: • The overall goals of your project • The activities to accomplish during your service year • The steps to take to accomplish your activities
Supervision As your sponsoring organization, the UCF CPNM has designated a local supervisor to oversee your work on the AmeriCorps VISTA project. Your supervisor provides day-to-day direction and guides your work as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. You do not, however, have an employment relationship with the sponsoring organization. You are an AmeriCorps VISTA member and are accountable to the AmeriCorps VISTA program. You are, nonetheless, required to act in a professional manner and conduct yourself with utmost decorum in accordance with the sponsoring organization’s workplace policies and procedures. It is not uncommon for AmeriCorps VISTA supervisors to have significant job responsibilities other than those related to AmeriCorps VISTA. Part-time supervision still results in successful projects and member experiences, but, at the same time, it is critical that you and your supervisor are clear regarding oversight, communication, and operating expectations. The opportune time to address this issue is during On-Site Orientation and Training. In preparing to support you in your role as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, your supervisor should consider all aspects of your assignment, including:
• Your day-to-day tasks on the project • The relationship of your tasks to the work of staff members of the sponsoring organization • The sponsoring organization staff ‘s understanding of your role • The target community’s expectations of you and for the project • The resources, facilities (e.g., reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities), and supplies needed for your assignment. • Appropriate dress (business casual, professional, etc.)
It is also important to remember that as a VISTA, your duties cannot supplant those of paid staff or existing volunteers! Your role as an AmeriCorps VISTA member in the project should be made clear to community members and sponsoring organization staff well before your arrival. Much of your supervisor’s role is to anticipate your needs and reactions, as well as those with whom you come in contact while working on the project. Your supervisor is responsible for structuring assignments so that your health and safety are not jeopardized during your AmeriCorps VISTA service.
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The Work Weekly Schedule AmeriCorps VISTA’s are expected to work full-time in support of nonprofit organizations and public agencies that are working to fight poverty. CPNM VISTAs typically work from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday-Thursday. In some cases, service site partners may require VISTA’s to work a different set of hours. - Special Circumstances: In the event your site is closed during our Monday-Thursday work week, you will report to the CPNM’s office at the Institute of Government (unless the CPNM is also closed)
Friday Service Activities Every Friday, the CPNM VISTA team takes time to engage either in a community service activity, professional development training, educational training, or some form of community outreach. VISTAs will typically meet on the UCF campus or another predetermined location to carry out their weekly Friday training between the hours of 9:00am-12:30pm. On some occasions, we may engage in full-day activities. Fridays are reserved for the CPNM, site supervisors must obtain permission from the CPNM before committing a VISTA to serve on a Friday.
Special Service Projects - National Days of Service: CPNM VISTAs observe National Days of Service as identified by the Corporation for National & Community Service. On these days, VISTAs will meet at a predetermined location to participate in the National Day of Service. VISTAs will be reimbursed for travel to National Days of Service projects. - Monthly Service Projects: In addition to National Days of Service, the CPNM will engage in monthly service projects throughout the Central Florida region. These projects serve as an opportunity to engage our local community and build fellowship amongst our fellow VISTAs! VISTAs will be rei bursed for travel to monthly service projects.
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Work Restrictions Direct Service An AmeriCorps VISTA member is prohibited from performing, “direct service,� or activities more appropriately performed by the sponsoring organizations administrative or support staff, except in very limited circumstances. Limited circumstances include situations in which:
(1) A brief period of direct service is necessary to understand the service elements of the sponsoring organization, (2) Direct service is incidental to the time and effort in carrying out the primary responsibilities of the member assignment, or (3) Direct service is necessary to train direct-service providers.
Your duties cannot supplant those of paid staff or existing volunteers!
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The Work AmeriCorps VISTA members enjoy the national holidays that are recognized by their sponsoring organization (UCF CPNM) and are given as time off to the rest of the organization’s personnel. Members are required to serve during federal holidays that are not recognized by their sponsoring organization. For example, if the CPNM does not give its staff time off for President’s Day, you are also expected to work unless you request and receive approval for one day of personal leave. Additionally, if you want the day off for a religious observance, you should request a day of personal leave. If your project site provides its staff additional “floating holidays,” “spring breaks,” “summer recesses,” etc., you are expected to continue to serve on your assignment unless authorized to take the time off as part of your personal leave. Your work plan should spell out the assignments expected of you during these periods. If it does not, consult with your supervisor.
. . . . . . . Leave Time As a VISTA, you are entitled 10 days of personal leave, and 10 days of medical leave. You must request and receive approval in advance from your site supervisor and VISTA Leader for all personal leave, specifying the dates of leave requested. During personal leave, all regular member allowances are continued. CNCS does not pay travel expenses for personal leave.
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Record Keeping Requirements The Corporation for National and Community Service requires that all AmeriCorps VISTA sponsoring organizations complete regular project progress reports. Corporation personnel use the reports to track project accomplishments, challenges, resources generated, project sustainability, and support provided to AmeriCorps*VISTA members.
Weekly/Monthly VISTA Reports As CPNM VISTAS, you are expected to complete weekly and monthly progress reports to track your project accomplishments, challenges, resources generated, project sustainability, and support provided. These will assist the CPNM in meeting its mandatory reporting requirements to the Corporation for National and Community Service. The weekly/monthly reports are also an important resource for the CPNM as it seeks to stay informed about the work going on at each VISTA site and to better support and publicize your work. The purpose of weekly/monthly reporting is to:
• Document progress toward achieving project goals and objectives; • Provide a self-assessment tool to VISTA projects to promote continuous improvement; • Identify technical assistance needs • Help the CPNM to track and better support the work ongoing at its sites; and • Collect information for distribution to the public
How to Submit Your Report All weekly/monthly Reports should arrive in the VISTA Leader’s e-mailbox by no later than 5pm EST on the report deadline. If you have extenuating circumstances that lead you to require an extension on a report, please contact the VISTA Leader at least three days in advance of the deadline Please e-mail the following complete documents to your VISTA Leader:
1. A short weekly narrative report of activities, successes, and challenges at your VISTA site 2. Completed monthly reporting template 3. Any attachments in relation to the monthly report- press releases, mailer, flyer, etc. 4. Any photos that are relevant for that reporting month
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Book Club List February 27 March 20 April 24 May 29 June 26 July 31
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Book Club – Launching the War on Poverty Book Club – Those Who Work … Book Club – Confronting Suburban Poverty Book Club – Off the Books Book Club – Ain’t No Makin It: Part I Book Club - Ain’t No Makin It: Part II
gnisuoH Sub-Site Contact List
CPNM Contact List Center for Public and Nonprofit Management 12443 Research Parkway, Suite 402 Orlando, FL 32826-3282 Dr. Thomas Bryer Director, Center for Public and Nonprofit Management 407-823-0410 Thomas.Bryer@ucf.edu Tim Pehlke VISTA Supervisor 407-823-4785 timothy.pehlke@ucf.edu Ray Noah VISTA Team Leader 407-823-3705 Rnoah@knights.ucf.edu
Brevard County Public Schools 2700 Judge Fran Jamieson Way Viera, FL 32940-6601 Supervisor: Sally Shinn (321) 633-1000 , ext 366 sally.shinn@brevardschools.org Idignity 424 E. Central Blvd. #199 Orlando, FL 32801 Supervisor: Jessie Figueroa (407) 792-1374 , ext 14 jessie@idignity.org Orange County Public Schools 445 W. Amelia Street Orlando, FL 32801-1129 Supervisor: Christina Savino (407) 317-3200 , ext 2771 christina.savino@ocps.net Seminole County Families in Transition 840 Orange Ave Longwood, FL 32750 Supervisor: Beth Davalos (407) 620-0869 beth_davalos@scps.k12.fl.us
Noah, R. (2015). Homeless education project member handbook. Orlando, FL: Center for Public and Nonprofit Management. The CPNM Homeless Education VISTA Project enhances educational support services for homeless students by partnering with school districts and community agencies. We are a program of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management in the School of Public Administration at the University of Central Florida. For more information visit www.cohpa.ucf.edu/cpnm/.
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The mission of the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management at the University of Central Florida is to strengthen the management and leadership of public and nonprofit organizations through relevant research and capacity-building services.