National Service in the News for Thursday, March 16, 2017 through Monday, March 20, 2017.
Public Library, Parks Affected by Homeless
Population in Santa Barbara
The Noozhawk (CA), March 15, 2017
Activity involving homeless people at the Santa Barbara Central Public Library
and city parks and recreation facilities has city officials taking steps to
help make visitors feel safer. Library staff has seen an increase in the
homeless population using the restrooms for bathing and storing their
belongings in the facilities, according to Library Director Jessica Cadiente.
“The basic human needs that people who are homeless need every day continue to
occur at our libraries,” Cadiente said Wednesday afternoon at a special City
Council meeting. “The enforcement, clean up and custodial issues are a daily
occurrence for staff.”
Everyday Hero: Former foster child gives back to Haiti
My News 13 (FL), March 20, 2017
Foster kids can face some tough challenges early in life. But one former local foster child, an Everyday Hero, is using those challenges to help other children in Central Florida and around the world. Eveline Joachim says when she was just 7 years old, her mother moved back to Haiti and left her and siblings to fend for themselves. “It was definitely a sense of loneliness and feeling abandoned,” says Joachim. After years and years of bouncing around from foster home to foster home, Joachim eventually found her way.
When volunteering is all in the family
Forbes, March 20, 2017
Fiftysomething Linda Meadows, a volunteer with the AmeriCorps Reading Partners program, is tutoring students at the library of Cherry Hill Elementary in south Baltimore, a low-income, mostly African-American neighborhood. “I like to encourage young people. They need to be told they can do it,” she says. For Meadows, Reading Partners is a family affair. She convinced her 31-year-old son Michael Cobb to apply for the program when he moved from Connecticut with Meadows and her husband, an Episcopal minister. Cobb is now the Reading Partners site coordinator for volunteers at the Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy, a charter elementary school in west Baltimore.
LTE: Son’s year in AmeriCorps demonstrated
value
The East Bay Times (CA), March 16, 2017
In his year in AmeriCorps, my son worked on a fire-prevention project in a
national park, served as a teacher’s aide in an inner-city school, built trails
in state parks in two states and built low-income homes with Habitat for
Humanity. All for room and board, $13 a day spending money and a $5,000
education stipend if they complete their commitment.
Morris, two other Iowa College cagers to be
honored at Final Four
KCCI-TV (IA), March 15, 2017
Three Iowa college basketball players will be at the Final Four - even if their
team doesn't make it that far. ISU senior guard Monte Morris, Graceland College
junior Jeremy Deemer, and Northern Iowa senior Angie Davison have all been
named to the 2017 Allstate NABC Good Works Team. The teams will be honored at
Morris was chosen because of his dedication to community service efforts -
including last year's bottled water drive to benefit his hometown of Flint,
Michigan. Deemer contributed over 450 hours of community service through
AmeriCorps and worked as a summer league softball coach for fifth and sixth
graders.
Opinion:
AmeriCorps helps both servers and served
The Washington Post, March 19, 2017
I served in the Corporation for National and Community Service in the first two
classes of AmeriCorps volunteers in Denver, more than 20 years ago now. To say
it was life-changing would be an understatement. I wanted to serve our country,
but the military was not for me. AmeriCorps offered me the opportunity I was
looking for. I lived, worked and traveled with an extraordinary group of 18- to
24-year-olds from all walks of life and from all over the country. We learned
to work as a team, how to get along day to day and how to negotiate a trip to
the grocery store to satisfy the needs of 12 people all from very different
backgrounds.
Every
day I put on My Red City Year Jacket and Get to Work Serving Chicago Public Schools
Education Post, March 16, 2017
Every morning, I proudly put on my City Year red jacket to greet students at
Chicago’s Johnson School of Excellence. City Year AmeriCorps members give
morning high-fives every day to encourage students to be the best version of
themselves at the start of each school day. In return, their smiles remind me
of the importance of my role as a full-time tutor and mentor in Chicago Public
Schools. As someone who grew up in Chicago, it brings me joy and honor to serve
my community through mentorship and tutoring. AmeriCorps members, serve many
under-resourced schools, and at-risk students rely upon us to provide
assistance, including dropout prevention.
Axing AmeriCorps would mean loss of community
programs, leaders say
The Iowa Gazette (IA), March 15, 2107
Axing AmeriCorps, which has 1,500 people doing service work in Iowa this year,
would hurt environmental efforts, literacy programs, health services and
disaster relief, according to program coordinators across the state. The
Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers AmeriCorps,
is among federal programs reportedly on the chopping block in President Donald
Trump’s fiscal 2018 budget.
A
Reading Rainbow
The Mining Journal (MI), March 19, 2017
It was the day before St. Patrick’s Day, but youngsters still got a taste of
the Irish holiday while learning more about the written word Thursday at
“Reading Rainbow” Reading Night at the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum. Barb
Rhyneer performed Irish fiddle music throughout the museum, and the special
literacy night also included Erin Donovan, the 2015-16 Teacher of the Year for
Marquette Area Public Schools, reading from her favorite books. The museum
kitchen had green apples, corn and water for kids to make special treats, but
literacy was the focus of the evening.
Neosho
fishing event brings veterans together
The Joplin Globe (MO), March 18, 2017
Veterans from around the Joplin area gathered in Neosho on Saturday morning to
enjoy a solitary pursuit together. Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder around a 1-acre
pond, men and women cast hooks and bobs into a pond stocked with rainbow trout
by the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Called Rainbows for Veterans, the event
was put on by the hatchery to help veterans build relationships, not to mention
enjoy themselves. “A lot of these people have some heavy duty stuff on their
minds,” said Roderick May, director of the hatchery. “On this day, we hope they
have fun.” For many veterans, the event is one of the best opportunities of the
year for fishing and camaraderie.
School
leaders discuss bullying
The Journal (WV), March 20, 2017
According to school representatives, prevention is the best way to control
bullying in schools. Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson, superintendent of Jefferson County
Schools, and Elice Gregory, assistant director of student support services in
Berkeley County, explained what bullying looks like in the Eastern Panhandle
and what schools are doing to end it. In Berkeley County, 13 percent of
intermediate students report being bullied two or more times a month, which is
lower than the 20 percent national average. In middle school, 10 percent of
students reported being bullied more than two or three times a month, lower
than the 15 percent national average.
Jumpstart and Random House Children’s Books
Partner to Promote Early Learning Through Jumpstart’s Read for the Record
Campaign
Press Release, March 15, 2017
Random House Children’s Books, the world’s largest children’s trade book
publisher, has been selected as the official publisher for Jumpstart’s 12th
annual Read for the Record campaign. Read for the Record is a national effort
to raise awareness about the need for high-quality early learning for all
children while also raising funds to support the important work Jumpstart does
in communities across the United States.
This year’s book choice, Quackers, was written and illustrated by
first-time author Liz Wong. The book features a kitten who grows up thinking it
is a duck and highlights themes that are sure to resonate with young children
today, such as acceptance, fitting in, and embracing our differences.
Shaker Heights economic development team
gives update on Chagrin-Less corridor
Cleveland.com (OH), March 15, 2017
With the Van Aken District proving to be a study in "urban redesign,"
city officials are working more with the existing lay of the land along the
Chagrin-Lee corridor. That includes older, smaller properties along the
heavily-traveled thoroughfare, although one noteworthy exception is the former
car wash at 3630 Lee Road, where demolition could begin in the next week or so.
"That's significant, because this parcel is nearly an acre in an area
where there's really not a lot of remaining developable land," Shaker
Heights Development Corp. Executive Director Nick Fedor told City Council
Monday.
AmeriCorps,
still doing work in flood zone
The Charleston Gazette-Mail (WV), March 19, 2017
Arron Seams was a manager for a Lewisburg bar last summer when the flood hit. Seams’
Lewisburg home was spared from damage, but others in harder-hit areas like
White Sulphur Springs and Rupert were not as lucky. “Anyone that wasn’t
affected personally knew someone who was,” Seams said. “And a lot of folks
whose homes weren’t necessarily flooded, they still lost some income because
their job or place of income was closed for a few weeks.” Seams wanted to help,
but he was recovering from a knee injury and wasn’t able to crawl under houses
and do some of the other clean-out work needed at the time. “I felt bad for not
being able to help out more,” Seams said.
AmeriCorps
lends a hand
The Press Banner (CA), March 16, 2017
A group of college-age young people spent eight weeks in Ben Lomond, working on
a variety of community service projects in the San Lorenzo Valley through
AmeriCorps, the National Civilian Community Corps. They had high praise for
their mountain hosts. “Everybody worked together to give these activities
life,” said Justin Protentis of Massachusetts, a recent University of Vermont
graduate, majoring in psychology and sociology. All were from the Northeast
U.S., and several said they had come to California expecting a sunny respite
from the usually harsh winters back home.
Work
begins on Red Maple Swamp trail
The Chatham Wicked Local (MA), March 20, 2017
Break out the trail mix, binoculars and bug spray. The Red Maple Swamp Trail in
Eastham will be back in business . The popular local boardwalk through the
swamp at Fort Hill has been closed for five years by Cape Cod National Seashore
as it was unsafe and repair funds were lacking. While it is still not fully
operational, work is under way to make close to a full-mile of the trail
walkable, from Hemenway Landing to Fort Hill. It should be open by the summer.
The spur portion will be repaired at a later date. "This is a long time
coming," Seashore Superintendent George Price said last Friday morning at
a celebration at Salt Pond Visitors Center.
Notre
Dame students work with Grow Ohio Valley
WTOV-TV (WV), March 16, 2017
Students from the University of Notre Dame are on spring break, but instead of
going to a beach or other vacation, some are in Wheeling, working with Grow
Ohio Valley. It's part of a program where the students come and learn about the
region, urban farming, and the economy, including homelessness. On Thursday,
they were at Farm 18 in East Wheeling where they made worm compost to be used
in gardening and to grow fresh produce. That produce will be donated at the
mobile market. Northwood Health Systems is also helping to maintain the area.
SCOEDD faces federal funding cuts
The Herald and News (OR), March 16, 2017
Providing incentives and assistance for businesses in Klamath and Lake Counties
has been Betty Riley’s job since 2006, as executive director of the South
Central Oregon Economic Development District (SCOEDD). But contingent on the
budget proposal released today by President Donald Trump and appropriations
made for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) in the near future
by Congress, SCOEDD may be on the list of economic development districts considered
for major cuts or even elimination.
Here’s What Trump’s Proposed Budget Would
Do for Arizona
The Phoenix New Times, March 16, 2017
The federal budget cut would kill the AmeriCorps program in the United States,
said Ben Olson, director of the AmeriCorps program Arizona Serve in
Prescott. The civil-service program was created by President Bill Clinton in
1993 and employs more than 75,000 people in full- and part-time positions
nationwide. "This year, there are 2,056 AmeriCorps members serving with
433 schools, nonprofits, and public agencies across Arizona," Olsen said.
"
Sixth
annual Safety Day at the mall
The Marietta Times (GA), March 20, 2017
Hundreds of area families gathered at the Grand Central Mall in Vienna on
Saturday for the sixth annual Safety Day program, learning a variety of safety
lessons important for children and adults. About 20 local safety organizations
from throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley participated in the event, providing
information and lessons about fire safety, car safety, pedestrian safety and
many others through hands-on educational demonstrations.
Ultrasounds sensors developed in Norfolk
track water levels in real time
The Hampton Roads Business Journal (VA), March 14, 2017
Jim Gray sees clear skies ahead for tracking the rising water in Norfolk. Gray
is president and CEO of Gray8. Launched about two years ago, his company has
developed a $500 water level sensor that uses ultrasound to measure water
levels and deliver an accurate, real-time snapshot of flood conditions. If
testing goes well, scaling up to production status is just “months away,” Gray
said. The Gray8 – think “great” – data could be used to generate automatic high
water alerts, feed electronic signs that display water depth in flood prone
areas or even trigger automated gates to block flood prone areas, such as road
underpasses.
Trump’s Budget Would Kill the Beloved Volunteer Program AmeriCorps
Money, March 16, 2017
In the 23 years of AmeriCorps' history, more than one million people have served in its ranks full-time. They've taught children how to read, helped urban high schools improve graduation rates, developed programs to prevent opioid abuse, and mobilized relief efforts after national disasters, among other projects. Yet President Trump’s new budget would completely cut funding for the program—and with it, hundreds of thousands of dollars in college funding that AmeriCorps' provides to volunteers would disappear.
Chattin’
with Sal: Nurieh Glasgow earns 2017 Woman of Distinction award
The Casper Star Tribune (WY), March 19, 2017
Nurieh Glasgow, 40, is a daughter and sister, a wife and mother, and the 2017
Woman of Distinction, an award presented by four women’s groups in Casper. She
originally is from California’s Bay Area and has been in Casper for almost 15
years. My dad is a retired school psychologist from the Santa Clara School
District. He was raised in Oklahoma and spent most of his formative years in
Southern California. He is African-American. My mama is the love of my life.
She was raised in Southern California also. She has post-traumatic stress
disorder and I was raised by a single mom.
How
Federal Funding Cuts Could Impact Milwaukee’s School Volunteer Community
WUWM-FM (WI), March 16, 2017
There’s a lot of talk coming out of Washington these days, about what will
change under the new presidential administration. But many smaller programs
also face imminent change – including domestic projects that rely on federal
funds. One of those projects is AmeriCorps, a public service work program for
young people. The national initiative provides opportunities for nonprofit and community-based
organizations to "employ" service members in areas of work throughout
their local communities. Nonprofits apply to the federal government to contract
registered AmeriCorps members for a specific term of service.
Former educator and spouse of U.S. congressman joins Cristo Rey high school
The Advocate (LA), March 15, 2017
Cristo Rey Baton Rouge Franciscan High School announced Wednesday that it named Carissa Graves to oversee its students who hold part-time jobs with local employers as part of the school's signature work-study program. Graves is married to U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge. In its news release, Cristo Rey says only that she and “her husband, Garret, live in Baton Rouge and have three children." Joining Cristo Rey as its corporate work-study program director at Baton Rouge’s newest Catholic high school represents her return to the field of education, according to the news release.
Nationwide
nonprofit could lost major funding under Trump’s proposed budget
CBS Philly (PA), March 17, 2017
A nationwide nonprofit organization that helps low-income students prepare for
and succeed in college by providing mentoring and guidance said the president’s
proposed budget could be devastating for their program. College Possible uses
coaches registered with AmeriCorps, a federally-funded program that would be
eliminated under the proposed budget. Here in Philadelphia, College Possible
has 19 coaches that work directly with students starting in their junior year
of high school, according to executive director Wyneshia Foxworth. But those
coaches would be lost if AmeriCorps is cut, so they are asking for the public’s
help.
Jena
Ashby: ‘Restoring’ Muncie’s target area
The Star Press (IN), March 17, 2017
Nearly a month before it opened, volunteers and staff of the Greater Muncie
Habitat for Humanity were cleaning, painting and bringing in all the additions
and supplies for Habitat's new and larger ReStore location at 4640 W. Bethel Ave.
Of those leading the charge, Jena Ashby, program director for Habitat for the
last decade and co-lead for the 8twelve Coalition's Housing Action Team, was
making sure the 16,000 square-foot building was as clean and organized as it
could be. This included cleaning the new center's bathrooms while answering
phone calls and asking those around her if they had enough doughnuts and coffee
that she brought along that morning.
Trump
budget cuts would hit Texas education service programs hard
The Texas Tribune (TX), March 16, 2017
Mary Ellen Isaacs looks at the Trump Administration's proposed budget and sees
no federally-funded tutors for the 2,000 Austin students who pass through the
Literacy First program for extra reading help each year. Isaacs, the director
of the program, placed about 106 AmeriCorps volunteers to tutor in low-income
Austin schools this year, and received about $12,900 per full-time volunteer.
Next year, she might not see any of that money.
Incline Village news briefs: Project MANA
names new executive director
The Sierra Sun (CA), March 15, 2017
Project MANA recently announced that Deidre Ledford has been named as the
nonprofit's newest Executive Director. Originally from a small town nestled
deep in the Appalachian Mountains, Ledford received her BS from the University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her Master in Environmental Management
from Duke University. In 2011, she moved to Lake Tahoe and began working for
Project MANA as an AmeriCorps member through the Parasol Tahoe Community
Foundation AmeriCorps Program. She also previously served in four additional
staff roles within Project MANA.
Smart
Energy: Energy Trust now serving Avista customers in Douglas County
The News Review Today (OR), March 19, 2017
As of the new year, Energy Trust of Oregon’s full range of energy-efficiency
services and programs are available to help Avista residential and eligible
business customers in Douglas County save natural gas and lower utility bills.
Energy Trust now serves Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific
Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Southern Oregon customers of
Pacific Power already have access to cash incentives and expertise offered by
Energy Trust. To date, Energy Trust has worked with almost 14,000 business and
residential Pacific Power customer locations in Douglas County, helping them
save more than $8 million annually in utility bills.
Trump’s
budget could signal end of AmeriCorps
The Detroit Free Press (MI), March 17, 2017
Administrators in Detroit and East Lansing are reeling from President Donald
Trump’s budget proposal that would wipe out the AmeriCorps volunteer program,
including $62 million in Michigan. The president's budget eliminates the
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), which oversees the
AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps, created in 1994, recruits youth to public
service in underserved communities in exchange for financial aid and other
assistance. A sister program, Senior Corps, offers similar volunteer opportunities
to senior citizens.
RVC native is taking the walk of a lifetime
The Long Island Herald (NY), March 15, 2017
That’s some hike! Daniel Finnegan, a 23-year-old Rockville Centre native, and a
companion are currently walking across the United States in hopes of meeting
people and exchanging stories while raising money for JOIN, a charity that
focuses on helping the homeless. Accompanying Finnegan on his trip is
24-year-old Abby Bongaarts of St. Louis Park, Minn. The two became friends when
they lived as community mates in Gresham, Ore. They volunteered at AmeriCorps
and Jesuit Volunteer Corps NW before working at JOIN.
STATE/FEMA
Assistance to Mississippi Disaster Survivors Tops $3 Million
Press Release, March 16, 2017
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency
issued the following news release: Nearly two months since President Trump
declared a major disaster after the Jan. 21 severe storms and tornadoes in
Mississippi, more than $3 million in assistance to individuals and households
has been approved by MEMA and FEMA. This includes nearly $2.2 million in FEMA
housing assistance - grant money for repairing and rebuilding homes and
temporary rental assistance.
Manpower
donates $200k toward City Year’s work in MPS
On Milwaukee (WI), March 17, 2017
Just days after Meralis Hood took over as executive director, at City Year
Milwaukee, the AmeriCorps group of young people that works to help kids in
Milwaukee Public Schools succeed, Manpower has announced it is giving the group
$200,000 over the next four years. The contribution will help fuel City Year’s
Whole School, Whole Child (WSWC), which aims to boost the number of students
who stay in school and graduate from MPS. Currently, 100 City Year/AmeriCorps
members work in 11 MPS schools. The goal is to reach students in 38 schools.
CSG-hosted seminar examines women in
technology and computer science
The Michigan Daily (MI), March 15, 2017
While women are rising to equality in most fields, a seminar hosted by Central
Student Government Wednesday evening discussed the fact that women remain a
distinct minority within technology and the sciences. LSA junior Olivia
Luciani, one of two event organizers, alongside Engineering freshman Julia
O’Sullivan, expressed the importance of this topic and why she was inspired to
coordinate the event. “Visibility of women in technology and dialogues around
diversity in computer science are both very important, at Michigan and
nationwide,” Luciani said.
Churches
still helping Baton Rouge rally from rain
The Hometown Life (MI), March 16, 2017
A group representing the Southeast Michigan Association of Congregational
Churches returned last week from a week-long trip to Baton Rouge, La. The dozen men and women included members from
North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills and Meadowbrook Congregational
Church in Novi. This is the 10th year Congregationalists from Michigan have
traveled to Louisiana to help with reconstruction efforts. In prior years, the group traveled to New
Orleans to assist with ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina. This year the need was greater elsewhere.
Don’t
cut national service programs
The Oregonian (OR), March 18, 2017
The White House's fiscal year 2018 budget proposal eliminates the Corporation
for National and Community Service (CNCS) in an attempt to reduce federal
spending. Eliminating CNCS, and its core programs including AmeriCorps and
Senior Corps, would have a crippling impact on our community. National service
programs not only provide vital services to local residents here in Oregon (and
the rest of the country). These programs also provide a pathway to employment
for young Americans, including military veterans like myself. Through their
service, AmeriCorps members gain skills and experience, develop professional
networks, and earn an education award that can reduce the cost of college.
High
profile: Amanda Margaret Richardson
The Arkansas Gazette (AR), March 19, 2017
"Women daring greatly" is the 2016-17 Junior League of Little Rock
mantra, a call to its members to step outside their comfort zones and their own
close-knit worlds and make an impact on the community. With such a theme and
goal, it's appropriate that Amanda Richardson, 35, is at the helm. She has
spent her entire adult life challenging herself and moving forward, dedicating
herself fully to encouraging volunteer work through national service. As the
league president, she has made a conscious effort to improve the experience for
members. As Sabrina Lewellen, the 2017-18 president who is shadowing Richardson
this year, says, "We've benefited greatly from the fact that she chose to
dare greatly to serve in this capacity."
Nonprofit
View: RSVP fills transportation gap for older residents in rural, isolated
areas of Carroll County
The Carroll County Times (MD), March 19, 2017
What do you do if you had to get to a critical medical treatment three times
per week, but could no longer drive? Many older residents of Carroll County
live in rural or isolated areas, but need to get into a major city for cancer
treatments or to see a doctor. Other seniors need to get to the grocery store,
but if there is no public transportation, how can they get around? Without
nearby family members or friends who can assist, these seniors are often left
with no options.
Foster
grandparents step in WNC schools
The Citizen-Times (NC), March 19, 2017
The foster grandparents at Andrews Elementary have everyone’s back in a way
that only a grandparent could. Maybe it’s a snack for a child who could not
bring one, or encouragement on a tough reading lesson. Maybe it’s a hug, or
just someone to talk to. It is not uncommon to see a foster grandparent
rummaging through the spare clothes closet, bagging up items for a child to
take home, principal Melissa Godfrey said.
Old
doesn’t mean frail
The Messenger (IA), March 19, 2017
I am writing to respond to a recent letter questioning the wisdom of the
dress-up activity at Butler School on the 100th day of school. The writer
expressed concern that students were being encouraged to see older people only
as frail, silly and handicapped individuals. While I agree that this would be a
bad message to send to our children, I just want to share from personal
experience that this is definitely not the case at Butler School. As the
director of the Foster Grandparent Program I have the opportunity to recruit
and place wonderful and caring individuals as volunteers with the students at
Butler.
Big
Hearts. Abilene Senior Citizen Loves Foster Grandparenting
KTAB-TV (TX), March 16, 2017
An Abilene Senior Citizen has a lot of love to give. Cruz Jimenez is a great-grandmother
but she's also a foster grandparent too. "You're my baby, huh? I got lots
of babies now. I'm not lonely no more," Jimenez says as she hugs a child at
Sears Park. Jimenez shares a unique bond with a group of Abilene children. "We
just enjoy being around kids and we need to get out of the house," says
Jimenez. She loves every second spent volunteering, "At the end of the
day, it just gives me a big satisfaction that I was here helping the kids while
their mothers are working." She's not the one supervising, but she's an
extra set of eyes looking out for these youngsters. "I'm a hugger,"
Jimenez says. It's a warm embrace that means the world to Jimenez and the
children.
RSVP program help students learn to Speak
Up
The Messenger (IA), March 16, 2017
Getting up in front of a group and speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience.
According to retired teacher Mary Conrad, of Fort Dodge, there’s even a word
for it. “Glossophobia,” she said. “It’s a very common fear. It’s one of the top
10.” Conrad and fellow retired teacher Mary Rosburg, along with several other
retired instructors, are helping the fifth-grade students at St. Edmond
Catholic School practice their public speaking skills through the Retired and
Senior Volunteer Program Speak Up program. RSVP Coordinator Terri Laufersweiler
said the program has been offered, and has been very successful, in other Iowa
communities.
Generations:
There’s a lot Grandpa Nate can’t do, but there’s a lot he can do, too
The Herald Palladium, March 19, 2017
Nate Whitelow, or Grandpa Nate as neighborhood children know him, doesn’t let
what he cannot do interfere with what he can do. Grandpa Nate cannot change the
fact that 50 percent of third-graders in his community are not able to read at
a third-grade level. But he can volunteer four days a week at the Discovery
Center Preschool helping kids develop early learning skills so they’re prepared
to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed in school. Nate also cannot
alter the fact that 28 percent of students in Berrien and Cass counties do not
graduate on time. But he can spend summers at the Boys and Girls Club building
relationships with kids who need a positive role model and mentor.
Residents happy with free RSVP income tax
service
The Decatur Daily (AL), March 16, 2017
Benford Masterson was so happy with the free help he received from volunteer
income tax preparers at the Decatur Public Library last week that he returned
Wednesday with a plastic bag full of snacks for the six tax preparers. “This is
a free service,” Masterson said. “They don’t take any money. So, I tried to
help them a little bit.” Wayne Sandlin, program director for the Retired Senior
Volunteer Program tax service in Decatur, said the Internal Revenue Service
doesn’t allow the volunteer tax preparers to take money. “That’s the only thing
we can accept is cookies and goodies,” he said. Sandlin estimated the
volunteers will prepare income tax returns for 1,000 residents between Feb. 1
and the tax deadline April 15.
A
cause for crafting
The Washington Times Herald (IN), March 18, 2017
Each year, volunteers with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, or RSVP,
dedicate many hours to various projects in the community. From helping screen
children for eye exams to taking tickets at concerts and other community
events, the volunteers tackle projects both big and small. While many of the
volunteer hours are spent being seen in the community, there are also a few
projects, like the lap robes made for those in nursing homes, hats and mittens
for Head Start and Red Door students, baby booties for newborns and teddy bears
for sick children at Daviess Community Hospital, that often fly under the
radar.
There is always a need for more foster
grandparents
WLUC-TV (MI), March 15, 2017
For senior citizens looking to stay active in the community there may not be a
better option than foster grand parenting. The program allows those 55 and
older to be placed in a school to help with children's educations. The program
is currently active in Delta, Schoolcraft and Menominee counties but could be
expand elsewhere in the U.P. There are approximately 45 grandparents in the
program now. They go into schools to assist teachers but perhaps more importantly
to fill a social roll for the kids. Having a grandparent in the classroom often
allows children to have someone to talk to or confide in. And there are always
openings for more grandparents.
Volunteers
of America receives $20,000 grant
Your Hub, March 17, 2017
Volunteers of America Colorado again received a $20,000 grant through the
Colorado Rockies Charity Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund. The Grant will
support two volunteer programs focused on improving children’s literacy: the
Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). “We
are so grateful to the Colorado Rockies Charity Fund for their continued
support and commitment to our community, Volunteers of America and the Foster
Grandparent and Retired Senior Volunteer Programs and their volunteers,” said
RSVP Project Manager Cathy Law. “It is with such gratitude that we thank them
for their generosity and ongoing commitment.”
Seniors
donate to Transitions
The Daily Item (PA), March 19, 2017
Every January the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) of Central PA supports
programs that benefit children in the local communities as part of its annual
participation for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. The FGP selects a
local organization whose efforts support children in the community. This year
the Foster Grandparent volunteers donated art supplies to Transitions’ Rainbow
Room. The volunteers collected donations, which included construction paper,
crayons, glitter, glue and other craft supplies for Transitions’ Child Advocacy
Program. Transitions’ advocates provide services to children who live in homes
where domestic violence and/or sexual assault has occurred. Volunteers from White
Deer Elementary and Montandon Elementary met with staff and presented the items
that will be used for child advocacy and intervention.
The Clarence H. and Anna Elizabeth Lutz
Foundation supports Senior Companion Volunteer Program
The News and Reporter (SC), March 15, 2017
The Clarence H. and Anna Elizabeth Lutz Foundation supports the Senior
Companion Volunteer Program and has made it possible for Senior Services Inc.
of Chester County to help continue providing in home services to adults with
special needs, disabilities and caregiver respite services without fee to
clients. The program is designed to keep the elderly, disabled and special need
adults in their homes for as long as possible as well as providing much needed
respite care and support for caregivers who are caring for elderly parents, and
the terminally ill.
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