Julie Horton fills Americorps/VISTA position at UW-M/WC

Julie Horton has been sworn in as a member of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), the national service program dedicated to helping fight poverty in the United States.   She has been assigned to the UW-Marshfield/Wood County Continuing Education Program. 

Horton will be assisting in the development of educational and volunteer programs in partnership with Marshfield community agencies.  A 25-year resident of Marshfield, she has volunteered with several area organizations including the Literacy Council of Wood County, Meals on Wheels, Soup or Socks, Marshfield Public Library, School District of Marshfield and The University Foundation at UW-Marshfield/Wood County.

As a VISTA member, Horton will be assessing needs and helping agencies deal with poverty in the area.

“I hope to use my knowledge of the community and my experience in education to promote and develop an ongoing program so that the University can expand its community outreach,” Horton said.

She will spend a year as a VISTA member serving at UW-Marshfield/Wood County.  Horton will receive a modest living allowance, training and travel expenses.  VISTA also provides either a $1,200 stipend or an award of $4,725 for further education.

For 40 years, VISTA has been helping bring communities and individuals out of poverty.  Today, more than 7,000 VISTA members serve in hundreds of non-profit organizations and public agencies throughout the United States, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, increase housing opportunities or bridge the digital divide. 

For more information, call Horton at 715-389-6555.