VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) began in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty. It sent volunteers to help improve life in poor communities, much like the Peace Corps did overseas.

West Virginia welcomed its first VISTA workers in 1965. Many were young people from middle-class families who wanted to make a difference. They worked on education, job, and environmental issues, especially in rural areas. The most prominent VISTA worker was future governor and U.S. senator Jay Rockefeller.

Some locals viewed them as outsiders and clashed with them. By 1969, Governor Arch Moore required state approval for all VISTA placements.

Despite early controversy, many VISTA volunteers stayed and made lasting contributions to the state, such as starting co-ops and environmental groups. Now part of AmeriCorps, VISTA continues to serve communities across West Virginia today.