Local nonprofits are reeling this week following the abrupt cancellation of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, a federal initiative that placed full-time volunteers at community organizations to fight poverty.

The decision, announced on Friday and implemented without warning on Monday, leaves Oxford-based groups without key team members and forces them to reevaluate their operations mid-year.

The cut stems from a directive by the Department of Government Efficiency, under the Trump administration, ordering AmeriCorps to slash nearly $400 million from its budget. The funding elimination includes 30,000 volunteers being let go across the U.S., including several in Oxford.

The loss of the program not only affects the nonprofits but also the volunteers, many of whom worked full-time for poverty-level wages in exchange for experience, a stipend and the opportunity to serve.

Mary Margaret Andrews, director of Doors of Hope, said the nonprofit was notified Monday afternoon that its VISTA member, Mai Gooch, had been immediately terminated.

“He was told to pack up and go home—no prior notice,” Mary Margaret said.

Gooch will be paid through May 19, but is no longer allowed to work or complete any outstanding projects. He is not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Doors of Hope, which operates with just two part-time staff, has relied on AmeriCorps VISTA support for the past eight years.

“Mai and the vistas before him have answered the phones, written community grants, created financial literacy programs, researched and found partners for donation drives for household goods for our clients, helped distribute food to our clients, helped identify speakers for our STEP 2 program, created children’s programs, onboarding administrative tasks for new applicants, and helped with our annual fundraiser, everything from designing marketing materials, social media, distributing posters and working the day of for the Holiday House Tour,” Mary Margaret said. “This program will be greatly missed and will impact Doors of Hope.”

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is facing similar challenges. Director Wayne Andrews said their VISTA members, Jonathan Clayton and Carrie White, were also terminated Monday.

“These two work year-round to help fellow Mississippians,” he said.

Clayton supported small businesses by helping them access grants and mentorships, while White managed a statewide artist grant program, distributing over $160,000 in funding.

“The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council has to figure out how to carry on these programs and fulfill the promise made to community partners while two staff members short,” Wayne said.

Other local groups affected include the Oxford Community Market and the Boys & Girls Club, which also relied on VISTA members to support operations and expand services.