What is VISTA?

AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) was created by President John F. Kennedy as a domestic counterpart to the Peace Corps. It is a national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Every year, 8,000 VISTA members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project. 

 Lake Effect Leaders aims to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools to collaboratively address issues related to poverty in Northwestern Pennsylvania.  

Every year, LEL hires dedicated, passionate service members to serve in Erie and Crawford County and work on projects related to areas of education, health, the opioid crisis, neighborhood revitalization, homelessness, refugees/New Americans, and more.