The Corporation for National and Community Service plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. They are a supporter for the ideal that every American has skills and talents to give. CNCS is the nation’s largest grant-maker supporting service and volunteering. Through their many programs, including the AmeriCorps, CNCS provides opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to address critical community needs.

VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), a program of the AmeriCorps, seek U.S. citizens 18 and over for a variety of national service, full-time assignments. These positions are Rhode Island-based and assist a variety of organizations throughout the state. Participants receive a living stipend as well as health benefits and an education award after the completion of a full term of service.

Women’s Center of RI in Providence seek a Men’s Program Coordinator to work with the Community Supervisor to engage a group of men interested in joining the fight against domestic violence. Contact Julie Rawlings at (401) 861-2761 or e-mail jrawlings@womenscenterri.org

Capitol Region RSVP in Providence needs a Veteran and Disability Outreach Coordinator to help recruit people and veterans with disabilities and assist them in finding appropriate life enhancing volunteer opportunities.. Contact Susan Contreras at (401) 421-4722 or e-mail susan@capitolregionrsvp.org.

The Blessing Way, a Providence-based organization whose mission is to reduce relapse and recidivism for men and women in transition from prison or drug treatment, have positions available in marketing and communications and a prisoner reentry project. Contact the Rev. Joyce Penfield at (401) 350-0021 or e-mail blessingwayinfo@yahoo.com.

Meals on Wheels RI seek a community outreach coordinator to provide support and coordination to the emergency food pantry program, assist with home delivered meal program and pet food program. Contact Sandy Centazzo at (401) 351-6700.

American Red Cross RI Chapter seeks two participants to serve as volunteer managers. Managers will be engaged in the recruitment of volunteers, the development of volunteer forms and handbooks and the development of volunteer management systems and procedures. Contact Marisa Albanese at (401) 831-7700 ext. 101 or e-mail albanesem@riredcross.org.

Providence Assembly of God Learning Center needs a Drop-in Center Coordinator to develop and implement the expansion of the center’s weekly soup kitchen program. Contact Jean Marrapodi at (401) 461-7210 or e-mail rejoicer@aol.com.

Meshanticut Park Church seeks a faith-based outreach coordinator to provide administrative support to the senior pastor and building committee in developing the community center building project. Contact the Rev. Dr. Robert Lancia at (401) 942-4616 or e-mail revdrbob@mpcri.org.

The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island seeks two participants to fill faith-based outreach and VOAD community disaster planning positions. Contact Jennifer Styles at (401-421-6547 or e-mail jstyles@vcri.org.

For more information on the AmeriCorps, VISTA or CNCS please visit www.nationalservice.org.. For more information on the opportunities listed or to volunteer in your community, please call (401) 421-6547 or visit www.vcri.org.

Volunteer opportunities are provided by the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island. To list a volunteer opportunity, call (401) 421-6547 or (800) VOLUNTEER; to search volunteer opportunities, go to www.vcri.org.

—MARY BETH WOODWARD