Commission on Volunteers Celebrates National Senior Corps Week

Commission on Volunteers Celebrates National Senior Corps Week
Seniors Take the Lead in Volunteerism

SALT LAKE CITY -The Utah Commission on Volunteers, in partnership with the State office of the Corporation for National and Community Service, will join the second annual nationwide celebration of Senior Corps Week, September 19-23, 2011, shining the spotlight on the impact of Senior Corps Programs in Utah.

More than 6,700 seniors in Utah contributed 1,218,985 hours of service in one of three Senior Corps programs last year: RSVP with 689,785 hours, Senior Companions with 237,514 hours, and Foster Grandparents with 291,686 hours. This age group provides the highest percentage of volunteer hours, helping keepUtah#1 in volunteerism in the nation.

“This second annual Senior Corps Week gives us the opportunity to say thank you and shine the spotlight on our 55 and older adults,” said Jake Murakami, State Director for the Corporation for National and Community Service said. “These volunteers continue to make an enormous impact in our communities throughout our state.”

Senior Corps works through existing organizations – RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program), Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions – to engage age 55 and older volunteers in service to meet critical needs. RSVP volunteers provided services, such as safety patrols for local police and tutoring for youth, to more than 670 groups across Utah. Foster Grandparents served one-on-one as tutors and mentors to14,000 special needs young people. Senior Companions helped 1,300 homebound seniors and other adults maintain independence in their own homes.

“We are proud to be part of Senior Corps and grateful for the service they give to their communities,” Dwight Rasmussen, Program Manager for Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion of Salt Lake Aging Service said. “Older adults in Utah provide solutions to some of our communities most needy individuals. The services these members provide are not only critical to Utah’s economy, but also in setting the example for the next generation on the benefits and joys of volunteering.”

To mark Senior Corps Week, the Utah Commission on Volunteers is celebrating the efforts of senior volunteers across the state. Volunteers like Joe McQueen, 92 and Deanna Ince, 66, are examples of Senior Corps members making a difference in their communities.

Joe McQueen lives in Ogden and will celebrate 12 years as a Senior Companion on September 8^th. His kind and easy going manner puts his clients at ease and his thoroughness keeps them on schedule. You can spot Joe daily at Wal-Mart, either taking someone shopping or doing it for them. He helps folks get to doctor and hair appointments and especially likes taking them to his favorite fresh spring water well. Joe says what he does is not earth shattering, he just simply likes “doing for people who need help.” He truly believes it’s the small things that make a difference. He serves his clients with grace, humility and style, and through his service, helps them continue living in their own homes.

Deanna Ince is a Foster Grandparent in Sandy, and “grandma” to many of the at-risk children she serves at the FamilySupportVillage. She has worked with over 500 at-risk children, providing emotional support to children who are often victims or have been witnesses to domestic violence or abuse in their homes. She gives the children, and the parents, a sense of stability because they recognize and know they are leaving their children with a familiar and caring adult. Deanna organizes crafts, reads and plays with the children. Everyone is always excited to see “grandma Deanna” with her cheerful attitude and infectious laugh.

In addition to Senior Corps programs, there are numerous opportunities for older adults to serve their communities. In commemoration of the 10^thAnniversary of 9/11, we are asking seniors to join Utahns across the state and people throughout the country by serving and thanking our active soldiers, military families, veterans, and first responders in the week leading up to and culminating on September 11, 2011. Opportunities and ideas are posted on the Utah Commission for Volunteers website www.volunteers.utah.gov.

 “Every community has critical social needs that can become opportunities for older adults to serve,” said Lt. Governor Greg Bell. “Their valuable life experience and skills can directly help someone in need and make a significant impact in our communities.”

For more information on Senior Corps programs visit www.seniorcorps.gov or contact Jake Murakami at 801.524.5411. For statewide volunteer opportunities visit www.volunteers.utah.gov or contact your local volunteer center.

The mission of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, an office of the Lieutenant Governor, is to improve communities through service and volunteering. It furthers its mission by administering federal funds for AmeriCorps and National Service programs and increasing volunteerism by promoting community collaboration, volunteer recognition, youth and older adult service and providing training and resources for those working with volunteers. For more information or to find volunteering opportunities around the state, log ontowww.volunteers.utah.gov.