Over the last few months, three VISTAs (Volunteers in Service to America) have joined Habitat. VISTA is an Americorps program that places volunteers in nonprofit organizations that help to reduce poverty in the United States. VISTAs generally serve for a one year term, and have the goal of building capacity to allow easier fulfillment of their role after they leave.

VISTA Dane DeVetter started in April and has been working on recruiting and organizing volunteers, as well as building a new ReStore website. Dane grew up near La Crosse in La Crescent, Minnesota, and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. VISTAs Kayla Dietz and John Hunter joined Habitat in May. Kayla is working on analyzing data on ReStore sales and donations to help the ReStore staff make the best decisions about advertising and publicity.  She grew up in Reedsburg, and graduated from UW-Madison as well. John started in May and is working on the development of this newsletter, as well as marketing efforts to increase Mauston Habitat ReStore donations. He grew up in Madison and graduated last year from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These VISTA members have been an important addition as our efforts in Juneau and Adams Counties continue to grow.