AmeriCorps seeks applicants for VARO outreach program

AmeriCorps Programs is accepting applications for its Victim Advocates Reaching Out, or VARO, program. 

It requires a total 900 service hours with a minimum of 80 hours per month, according to Sarah Taitano, program director for AmeriCorps VARO Outreach. 

More: Getting appliances fixed during pandemic a challenge on Guam

The program focuses on: 

• education for K-12 grade mentoring and homework assistance;
• education for post-secondary student supportive services;
• economic opportunity for work-readiness skills and financial literacy resources; and
• capacity building for volunteer recruitment, nonprofit organization assistance and disaster recovery.

Am eligible candidate must be 17, and a citizen, national, or lawful permanent alien of the United States. They must pass criminal background checks. 

It's not employment but a volunteer service position with benefits — a stipend of $528, excluding taxes, for each month served, and an exit Segal Education Award of $3,047.50 after 900 hours of service.

Applicants can fill out the application form at https://serveguam.com/americorps/apply and submit it via email to ac.varo.outreach@gmail.com, the Serve Guam Commission website, or the commission's office in Suite 205 of the GCIC Building.

Deadline is Dec. 31, but the program runs on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reach reporter Anne Wen at awen@guampdn.com. 

This article originally appeared on Pacific Daily News: AmeriCorps seeks applicants for VARO outreach program