Since 1965. more than 8.000 men and women from all walks of life and all ages have joined the VISTA Program and dedicated a year or more of their lives to helping those less fortunate. Nearly 2.000 volunteers have served in Ohio alone and countless Ohioans have served as VISTA volunteers nationwide. All agreed to serve around the clock for poverty level allowar.ces in urban neighborhoods. rural communities. on Indian reservations. in migrant fields. in the hollows of Appalachia. and in the streets of New York Cityand all strived to improve the lives of our most disadvantaged citizens. Based on VISTAs track record in my home State. I can attest to the fact that VISTA Volunteers and VISTA projects have been successful in developing shelter for the homeless. food for the hungry. health clinics for those unable to afford health care. literacy programs for those unable to read. and new jobs for the unemployed. In most cases. these much needed resources did not exist prior to the VISTAs work. VISTA has left its imprint and tracks of success in nearly every major area of concern to the poor in Ohio from nutrition to mental health. from prison reform to housing. from legal services to education. from juvenile justice to refugee resettlement. and from nursing home reform to crime prevention. I deeply regret that today there are fewer than 70 volunteers currently assigned to 15 projects throughout the State. In 1979. 110 VISTAs were working with 30 community based antipoverty groups in Ohio.
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