WesleyLife Meals on Wheels is the only not-for-profit organization in Polk County combatting food insecurity by delivering hot, nutritious meals and safety checks to our clients daily. AmeriCorps members are deploying across the state to provide added support and resources to help meet the needs of Iowans.

SERVICE DATES
January 2023 – August 2023*

• End date depends on member start date. Our final 24-week enrollment is March 13 which would end on August 25.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
February 24, 2023*

• TO APPLY (follow this link): https://forms.office.com/r/MPDa1rFHqR [forms.office.com]
• Successful applicants will complete the application, host site interview, and background check (including FBI
  fingerprinting, state of IA check, NSOPW & driving record), and workplace health assessment (including TB & COVID-19 tests).

LOCATION Wesley Life Meals on Wheels, 944 18th St. Des Moines, IA 50314

POSITION DESCRIPTION
AmeriCorps members will deliver support to meet the basic needs of Iowans, lending a hand to organizations that are experiencing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AmeriCorps members may address three key needs: (1) food insecurity, (2) volunteer management, (3) economic opportunities.

The AmeriCorps member will serve with WesleyLife Meals on Wheels to build capacity for intergenerational and social connection programs in Polk and Dallas Counties through the following service activities.

Assist in managing the Meals on Wheels America Social Connections Pilot Program Grant project

• Recruit 25 clients and 5 volunteers to participate in the Social Connections research project.
• Implement data collection among volunteers and participants, including the 13 point Upscale Social Isolation Risk Factor Survey (USIRS) among program participants at the 0, 3-month, and 6-month grant periods.
• Facilitate training of volunteers for the Social Connection Pilot Program
• Act as a point of contact for grant program participants

Develop and pilot intergenerational programming for WesleyLife Meals on Wheels

• Research and report on organizations that have implemented intergenerational programming in their communities.
• Identify various activities/courses/events to incorporate into intergenerational programming, and develop a program calendar.
• Develop an outreach plan to educate and recruit participants for intergenerational programming.
• Pilot one community activity to launch the program.

Member may participate in additional service activities that are not included in the member position description but that align with approved grant activities. Volunteers recruited by, instructed by, and/or supported by the member will not participate in prohibited activities as outlined by the grant.

LIVING ALLOWANCE
AmeriCorps members will provide 450 hours of service over 24 weeks. A living allowance of $5,085 will be paid to help meet the necessary living expenses incurred while serving. The living allowance will be divided evenly across the term of service and paid every two weeks via direct deposit.

AmeriCorps is considered a training opportunity and therefore does not interfere with a member’s ability to continue to receive unemployment benefits.

UNIQUE BENEFITS
At the end of a successful term of service, the AmeriCorps member will receive a Segal Education award of $1,718.25.

AmeriCorps members age 55 or older at the start of service can transfer the award to a child or grandchild. Student loan support is available and health insurance and childcare assistance are extended to qualifying individuals.

Depending on household resources, AmeriCorps members may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• A citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent
• Pass a mandatory pre-service background check
• Members must have a clean driving record and be willing to drive WesleyLife Meals on Wheels fleet vehicles to make food deliveries, which may include driving throughout our service area of Polk and portions of Dallas Counties.
• Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or be willing to receive your vaccination

CONTACT INFORMATION
Erin Hardigree, MOW Volunteer Coordinator
515-699-3241
ehardigree@wesleylife.org

Experience

• AmeriCorps members must: (1) be at least 18 years of age, (2) a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States, (3) have a high school diploma or equivalent, or be in process of completion and, (4) pass mandatory pre-service background checks. (5) Show proof of COVID-19 vaccination