Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Empowering Pacific Island Communities, Inc. (EPIC) is pleased to announce that its AmeriCorps VISTA application for federal assistance has been approved, authorizing three AmeriCorps VISTA members to strengthen organizational and community capacity and expand economic opportunity for low-income individuals and families throughout American Samoa.

The approved project, Empowering Pacific Island Communities, will operate from August 23, 2026 through August 7, 2027 under Project Grant #26VSIAS001.The initiative supports EPIC’s Comprehensive Economic Self- Sufficiency Model by strengthening workforce development, education, caregiver workforce development, community partnerships, outreach, data systems, and long-term organizational sustainability.

EPIC is also pleased to announce the selection of Gina Coffin as its Community Outreach & Public Communication VISTA. Gina brings a background in Health Communications and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health from New Mexico Highlands University. She will strengthen EPIC’s outreach and communication systems, develop culturally responsive awareness materials and campaigns, enhance social media and stakeholder communications, and expand awareness of workforce, education, caregiver training, and economic self- sufficiency opportunities throughout American Samoa.