William Penn Life, 2003 (38. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2003-09-01 / 9. szám
Senior _orps Amassing a nationwide army of volunteers age 55 and over Washington, D.C. — In a nationwide search for 100,000 volunteers age 55 and over, Senior Corps and the Corporation for National and Community Service recently launched "Ask a Friend, Share Your Volunteer Spirit," a campaign to recruit volunteers for activities that help support and strengthen their communities. "People age 55 and over have much to offer through their work and personal life experiences. We want them to put those valuable skills and experiences to good use in tackling some of the serious social problems in their communities," said Tess Scannell, Director of Senior Corps. "Through this campaign we're asking current volunteers to get their friends involved and asking nonvolunteers to just get involved." Scannell said that they're seeking 100,000 volunteers in response to a challenge to Senior Corps from President Bush in his Call to Service message to all Americans. Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the experience, skills, and talents of older citizens to meet community challenges. Through its three programs—Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions, and RSVP (the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program)~more than half Charity Links To learn more about volunteer opportunities for seniors age 55 and over, call Senior Corps tollfree at: 1-800-424-8867 Or, visit the Senior Corps website: '.seniorcorps.org a million Americans age 55 and over assist local nonprofits, public agencies and faithbased organizations in carrying out their missions. Senior Corps, part of the USA Freedom Corps, is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that also oversees AmeriCorps and Learn and Serve America.Together these programs engage more than 2 million Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year. RSVP RSVP, one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation, engages people 55 and over in a diverse range of volunteer activities. Volunteers organize neighborhood watch programs, tutor children, renovate homes, teach English to immigrants, assist victims of natural disasters and serve their communities in myriad other ways. In fiscal year 2001, approximately 480,000 volunteers served a few hours a week to nearly full time at an estimated 65,000 local and national nonprofit groups, places of worship and government agencies. Volunteers are not paid, but sponsoring organizations may reimburse them for some costs incurred during service, including meals and transportation. Foster Grandparents The Foster Grandparent Program provides a way for limited-income people age 60 and over to serve as extended family members to children and youth with exceptional needs. Foster grandparents serve 15 to 40 hours a week in schools, hospitals, correctional institutions, daycare facilities and Head Start centers. They help children who have been abused or neglected, mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers and care for premature infants or children with physical disabilities. In return for their service, foster grandparents receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour, accident and liability insurance and meals while on duty, reimbursement for tranportation and monthly training. More than 30,000 foster grandparents tend to the needs of 275,000 young children and teenagers each year. Senior Companions The Senior Companion Program provides a way for limited-income people age 60 and over to provide assistance and friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such as grocery shopping and bill paying. Senior companions spend 15 to 40 hours a week helping two to four adult clients live independently in their own homes. Senior Companions receive monthly training, provide relief to caregivers, and alert doctors and family members to potential problems. About 15,000 senior companions attend to the needs of more than 60,000 adults each year. Senior companions receive the same stipend and benefits as foster grandparents. |H|| | 8 IVilliain Penn Life, September 2003
