AmeriCorps VISTA Site Violated Program Requirements by Employing a VISTA Member

The AmeriCorps Office of Inspector General (AmeriCorps OIG) investigated allegations that AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) members were paid as employees of the Mississippi Center for Re-Entry (MSCRE) while simultaneously receiving an AmeriCorps living allowance for service at the organization, and that MSCRE’s founder instructed VISTA members to not disclose their employment relationship to AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps OIG’s investigation confirmed that one VISTA member was required to perform duties both within and outside their VISTA Assignment Description (VAD), while simultaneously receiving living allowance payments from AmeriCorps and paychecks from MSCRE. AmeriCorps OIG also confirmed that MSCRE’s founder directed VISTA members to not disclose their employment relationships with the organization to AmeriCorps.