VISTA and the Senior Volunteer Service Corps: Description and Funding Levels

Publication Date: June 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Social conditions

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Abstract:

The Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program and the National Senior Volunteer Corps are authorized under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, as amended (DVSA), and are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), an independent agency.1 The purpose of DVSA is to foster and expand voluntary citizen service in communities throughout the Nation in activities designed to help the poor, the disadvantaged, the vulnerable, and the elderly. The Senior Corps consists of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the Foster Grandparent Program, the Senior Companion Program, and the Senior Demonstration Program. Funding for both VISTA and the Senior Corps, is contained in the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act.2 This report provides a brief summary of each of the DVSA programs, including the FY2005 appropriations (P.L. 108-447) and the President's FY2006 budget request.3