2026 PlatFORM Group | Housing Action Corps | Development

The Youth Community Development & Leadership VISTA will serve with PlatFORM Group in Rockford, IL from September 2026-2027. PlatFORM Rockford is a part of Housing Action Corps, an AmeriCorps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois since 2010. Housing Action Corps members receive custom training, support, and networking opportunities in housing and community development, in addition to the traditional benefits of AmeriCorps VISTA. Learn more: housingactionil.org/americorps. PlatFORM Rockford is a nonprofit consortium of Community Development Corporations, serves the northwest (Northwest Christian Community Development Corp), west (Rockford Housing Development Corp dba the PlatFORM Group), and parts of southwest and southeast (ZION Development Corporation) Rockford neighborhoods. Collectively we are the PlatFORM Group. We leverage resources to make a greater impact. This position will pilot and develop programmatic architecture to sustain the Choppi Summer Youth Leadership and Community Development Program, which equips youth with knowledge, skills, and exposure to become future community leaders and escape poverty. This position will develop partnerships, build systems for recruitment, and create program manuals to ensure the sustainability of the program after the term of service ends. Our ideal candidate is excited to strengthen the broader ecosystem that supports long-term poverty reduction while reinforcing the program’s immediate youth outcomes. This includes delivering a structured curriculum, facilitating hands-on learning experiences (such as site visits and project-based activities), and connecting youth with mentors and professionals across housing, health, and education sectors. Experience with public speaking, teaching, youth engagement, communications, business development, and community engagement are all preferred, but not required. This position offers a $677 monthly supplemental benefit.Further help on this page can be found by clicking here .Member Duties : 1. Build sustained cross-sector partnerships with organizations in housing, healthcare, education, and food systems to expose youth to real-world career pathways and align community resources. 2. Increase youth access to mentorship and professional networks, particularly connecting participants to local leaders and practitioners in community and real estate development. 3. Enhance community awareness and engagement, positioning youth as contributors to neighborhood revitalization efforts through presentations, project work, or community-based activities. 4. Develop a scalable and replicable program model, including curriculum, partnerships, and evaluation tools that can be expanded across neighborhoods or cohorts. 5. Strengthen data collection and impact measurement, tracking changes in youth knowledge, skills, and aspirations while documenting connections to broader social determinants of health.Program Benefits : Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Childcare assistance if eligible , Health Coverage* , Training , Living Allowance , Relocation Allowance , $677 Monthly Housing Stipend .For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit https://americorpsvista.imglobal.com/ .TermsPermits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended , Permits attendance at school during off hours .Service AreasChildren/Youth , Community and Economic Development , Education , Housing , Neighborhood Revitalization , Community Outreach .SkillsPublic Speaking , Community Organization , Teaching/Tutoring , Youth Development , Communications , Computers/Technology , Education .Refine SearchSummaryProgram Type:AmeriCorps VISTAProgram2026 PlatFORM Group | Housing Action Corps | DevelopmentProgram Start/End Date09/08/2026 - 09/07/2027Work Schedule Full TimeEducation levelHigh school diploma/GEDAge RequirementMinimum: 18 Maximum: NoneProgram Locations ILLINOISAccepting ApplicationsFrom 05/01/2026 To 07/31/2026Contact VISTA Leader910 5th AvenueRockford IL 61104312-939-6074americorps@housingactionil.orghousingactionil.org/americorpsListing ID 129262