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Facts About the Senior Corps 2004
September 17, 2004
Senior Corps is a network of programs that tap the
experience, skills, and talents of more than 500,000 Americans age 55
and older to meet a wide range of community needs through three
programs: RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions.
RSVP
RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), one of
the largest volunteer efforts in the nation, engages people age 55 and
older 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 a myriad of other ways. Through RSVP, more than
480,000 volunteers serve 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 older to serve as extended family
members to children and youth with exceptional needs. Foster
Grandparents serve from 15 to 40 hours a week in schools, hospitals,
correctional institutions, day-care 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 and 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 transportation, 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 older to provide assistance and
friendship to adults who have difficulty with daily living tasks, such
as grocery shopping and bill paying. Senior Companions spend from 15 to
40 hours a week helping two to four adult clients live independently in
their own homes. Senior Companions provide relief to caregivers and
alert doctors and family members to potential problems. In return for
their service, Senior Companions receive a stipend of $2.65 an hour,
accident and liability insurance and meals while on duty, reimbursement
for transportation, and monthly training. Approximately 15,000 Senior
Companions tend to the needs of more than 60,000 adults each year.
SENIOR SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Senior Corps administers a comprehensive online
service to connect seniors with volunteer opportunities in their
communities. Accessible through the www.seniorcorps.org website,
it not only contains information about opportunities at every RSVP,
Senior Companion, and Foster Grandparent project in the country, but
also lists volunteer opportunities for seniors at a wide number of
nonprofit groups across the nation. This feature reflects the
Corporations goal of promoting service and volunteerism throughout the
lifetime of every citizen, whether through a national service program or
through other volunteer networks and organizations.
CORPORATION FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Senior Corps is administered by the Corporation for
National and Community Service, which also oversees AmeriCorps and Learn
and Serve America. Together, the programs of the Corporation provide
opportunities for Americans of all ages and backgrounds to serve their
communities and country.
USA FREEDOM CORPS
The Corporation is part of USA Freedom Corps, a
White House initiative to foster a culture of citizenship, service, and
responsibility, and help all Americans answer the Presidents Call to
Service.
MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about Senior Corps, visit
www.seniorcorps.org or call 800-424-8867 or TTY 800-833-3722.
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