<p>ERC Greenhouse Initiative Development Coordinator VISTA</p> <p>The Elizabeth Richardson Center serves many of the over 100,000 adults with intellectual disabilities residing in Northwest Arkansas. Across the state, approximately 18% of adults have an intellectual disability. Additionally, these individuals experience poorer health, shorter lifespans, have unmet healthcare needs, are more likely to be victimized, and face difficulties finding willing healthcare providers. Our community is culturally diverse, and our clients reflect the diversity of the NWA population. ERC serves adults with intellectual disabilities by means of adult day treatment programs, intermediate care facilities, and community living supports. This VISTA project will work to reduce poverty and its effects in our community by creating an opportunity for clients to harvest and eat their own fresh food through a sustainable gardening program. By increasing opportunities for nutritious meals, we will aim to increase levels of health and address food insecurity. The program will also teach valuable skills to our clients who will be able to experience the meaning of harvesting their own food. Eventually, our clients will also be able to share their produce with the community. It is a full-time position and will require between 38-40 hours per week, generally between the hours of 8am-4pm. The VISTA will serve at our Life Skills day program property in Springdale, Arkansas where the garden and greenhouse are located. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.</p> <p>Member Duties : The ERC Greenhouse Initiative Development Coordinator VISTA will participate in a variety of activities including identifying what to plant by season, developing a plan and schedule for maintaining the garden and greenhouse, identifying necessary equipment, and establishing the programmatic elements of operating the garden. The VISTA will also develop an educational curriculum related to the garden and greenhouse, appropriate for individuals with developmental disabilities, that includes aspects of both science and nutrition and establish training schedules for staff, clients, and volunteers on the basics of operating and maintaining the garden and the greenhouse. ERC will offer the VISTA trainings on working with adults with intellectual disabilities through an online platform known as Relias. These include but are not limited to: Understanding Intellectual Disability, Intellectual Disabilities: Interventions, Supports and Outcomes, and An Overview of Different Types of Disabilities.</p> <p>Program Benefits : Relocation Allowance , Childcare assistance if eligible , Education award upon successful completion of service , Health Coverage* , Living Allowance , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Training .</p> <p>Terms :</p> <p>Permits attendance at school during off hours , Permits working at another job during off hours , Car recommended .</p> <p>Service Areas :</p> <p>Community and Economic Development , Hunger , Education , Entrepreneur/Business , Health .</p> <p>Skills :</p> <p>Writing/Editing , Social Services , Education , Horticulture experience , Teaching/Tutoring , Community Organization .</p>