National Service in the News for Saturday, April 8, 2017 through Monday, April 10, 2017
Mayor
Recognizes Work of Volunteers
The Intelligencer (WV), April 8, 2017
During the Tuesday City Council meeting, Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott
recognized six volunteer groups. “Service to others is a hallmark to American
character, and central to how we met our challenges” Elliott said, reading from
his proclamation for Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service, “a
public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages
non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on
taxpayer dollars.”
Worland
mayor recognizes service of AmeriCorps, Senior Corps volunteers
Northern Wyoming Daily News (WY), April 8, 2017
Tuesday marked a Day of Recognition for National Service and the City of
Worland joined more than 4,000 city, county, and tribal leaders across the
country recognizing the impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps on addressing the
most challenging needs of their communities, according to a press release from
Serve Wyoming, the governor's commission on national and community service. Several
Senior Corps and AmeriCorps volunteers were in attendance at Tuesday's council
meeting for the proclamation and to discuss their programs. Two foster
grandparents were in attendance Tuesday - Betty King, who serves at Head Start;
and Geneva Gilmore, who serves at South Side.
Recognizing
volunteerism
Stow Sentry (OH), April 9, 2017
Munroe Falls residents who volunteer on behalf of the city by serving on boards
and commissions were honored at City Council's April 4 meeting. In attendance
were, from left, Charter Review Commission Chairman Brad Sisak and member Mike
Serafin, planning commission member Bob Pitz, Mayor James Armstrong, City
Councilor Jennie Markovich, parks and recreation board member Sarah Jewett and
charter review commission member Yvonne Cherkala. Armstrong read a proclamation
honoring the volunteers and Markovich organized the event.
Council
presents two proclamations during April 4 meeting
The Neosho Daily News (MO), April 8, 2017
Mayor Charles Collinsworth issued two proclamations for the month of April. The
first designated Casey’s Road and Race as the Business/Employer of the Month
for April. The second recognizes April 10, 2017 as National Service Recognition
Day. Collinsworth joins with cities, mayors, and counties nationwide to
recognize that service is a hallmark of the American character. The national
day recognizes the positive impact of the national service in our country as
well as thanks those who serve and find ways to give back to the community.
Special recognition was given to members of both AmeriCorps and Senior Corps.
Volunteering at Clean Valley Recycling
The La Junta Tribune Democrat (CO), April 7, 2017
Tuesday was National Volunteer Recognition Day, celebrated in La Junat by a Mayor and COunty Recognition Day tour at the Clean Valley Recyling warehouse. The CVR is run almost entirely by volunteers with any moeny made going into the purchase of new equipment to help with the recyling. There are only one and half paid employees, a truck driver and an assistment manager.
Poughkeepsie
Recognizes AmeriCorps National Day of Service
The Hudson Valley News Network (NY), April 7, 2017
Mayor Rob Rolison, this week, recognized National Service Recognition Day with
a proclamation ceremony before a group of young AmeriCorps members from the
Nubian Directions. AmeriCorps is a national service program supported by the
U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors engaging
young adults in public service work with a goal of “helping others and meeting
critical needs in the community.” AmeriCorps members acquire workforce skills
that lead to new job opportunities.
Thumbs up for our volutneers
The Public Opinion (SD), April 7, 2017
Wednesday’s Public Opinion featured two items about people who volunteer in South Dakota. First, there was a photo from Recognition Day for National Service honoring volunteers from RSVP, foster grandparents and senior companions. There was also a column from Jan DeBerg of the Watertown Area Community Foundation seeking nominations for its Celebrate! Award, given to a local volunteer. South Dakota is one of the top states in the U.S. for volunteering, with more than a third of its residents donating 23.3 million hours.
City Hall employees celebrate national day
of service
The Call (RI), April 7, 2017
On April 4, Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt joined nearly 5,000 city and county
leaders across the country in a day of recognition to highlight the positive
impact of AmeriCorps and Senior Corps in the community. Baldelli-Hunt
celebrated the Day of Recognition for National Service at a 2 p.m. ceremony in
historic Harris Hall. “National service is a vital resource for our community,”
said Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt. “AmeriCorps members and Senior Corps volunteers
contribute time and energy to causes that positively impact the people of
Woonsocket. I am grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of these citizens,
who are helping to make our City a better place to live.”
Mayor Landrieu Recognizes National Service
Participants for Contributions in New Orleans
Biz New Orleans (LA), April 7, 2017
On Tuesday, April 4, as part of the fifth annual Mayors and County Day of
Recognition for National Service, Mayor Mitch Landrieu highlighted the value of
national service and the positive impact of local AmeriCorps and Senior Corps
members in the New Orleans community at the Joseph Massenburg Memorial Award
Presentation at City Hall. Additionally, Mayor Landrieu discussed the impact of
proposed federal budget cuts on AmeriCorps’ and Senior Corps’ service to
America. Mayor Landrieu recognized four national service participants for their
dedication and sacrifice as members of local AmeriCorps and Senior Corps
programs. Each recipient was presented with the Joseph Massenburg Memorial
Award for Excellence in National Service.
AmeriCorps program helps Juneau County
schools
The Star Times (WI), April 7, 2017
The AmeriCorps Farm to School Program has become a vital component in rural
communities, but the program’s efforts sometimes go unnoticed. On April 4, as
part of nationwide effort to raise awareness of Farm to School and the work of
AmeriCorps vistas the program teamed up with teachers, students and community
members to plant fresh vegetables at Mauston High School. Students and
AmeriCorps vistas got their hands dirty, planting tomato seeds inside the
school’s greenhouse. The AmeriCorps Vista Program is concerned about cuts
through the proposed federal budget. Community officials across the country
have recently voiced support for the program, including Mauston Mayor Brian
McGuire, who attended the April 4 event. McGuire said AmeriCorps programs do a
lot for local communities through volunteer efforts.
American news scrapbook for April 10, 2017
The Baerdeen News (SD), April 10, 2017
Aberdeen Mayor Mike Levsen read a proclamation at the April 3 City Council meeting proclaiming April 4 as the fifth annual Mayor's Day Recognition for National Service. On April 4, Mayor Levsen read "Effie's Image," a story about a Foster Grandparent, to first- and second-graders at C.C. Lee Elementary School. Foster Grandparent Audrey Kann participated by showing pictures in the book as he read.
Takeaways from Tallahassee — Pinwheels, and putting the pieces back together
Saint Peters Blog (FL), April 8, 2017
Mike Carroll sounded tired as he took to the mic during this week’s Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention kickoff at the Governor’s Mansion. The secretary of the Department of the Children and Families again has had to deal with high-profile deaths, including, most recently, Naika Venant and Lauryn Martin-Everett. Both were ‘system’ kids; both had hanged themselves. First Lady Ann Scott, entertaining a group of little kids from Tallahassee’s Bethel Christian Academy, had tried to keep it light.
Commish
praise local groups
The
Cody Enterprise (WY), April 5, 2017
Tuesday’s meeting of the Park County Commissioners was a hodgepodge of affairs.
Commissioners met new Shoshone National Forest Supervisor Craig Trulock, voted
to move ahead with the vacation of Viking Drive, and recognized the efforts of
AmeriCorps volunteers and area University of Wyoming Extension School
educators. Susan Stresser, District Ranger for the Shoshone National Forest
introduced Trulock, who was raised in the Black Hills but attended school in
Powell and was also a ranger in Pinedale. Trulock will be Acting Forest
Supervisor through at least June while the Service searches for a permanent
replacement for former Supervisor Joe Alexander, who transferred to Missoula.
City
to court high-rollers for eclipse
The Argus Observer (OR), April 9, 2017
Who would have thought that a single weekend of RV parking in Payette could
ever command a thousand-dollar price? And, yes, that’s $1,000 for a single
space, not for an entire lot. The key here is that the weekend in question is
extra-special indeed, culminating in the total eclipse of the sun on Aug. 21. “We
may sell none of them, but we may sell six or eight,” Scott Masingill,
president of the golf course’s board of directors, said during a Payette City
Council work session earlier this week. All 90 minutes of the work session were
devoted to one topic: local plans and preparations for the Aug. 21 eclipse,
which is already shaping up to become the most crowded single event in the
history of Payette’s neighbor to the north, Weiser.
AmeriCorps
is a pathway from prison to success
The Post and Courier (SC), April 8, 2017
As an AmeriCorps alumnus, I am deeply concerned about the president’s proposal
to eliminate AmeriCorps. Simply put, AmeriCorps changed my life and has helped
provide a pathway out of poverty for countless other young people like me. I
share my story in hopes that, when it comes time to vote on a budget, Sen.
Lindsey Graham, Sen. Tim Scott, and Rep. James Clyburn recognize that cutting
this patriotic program would be an enormous blow to some of our most at-risk
youth and communities. I grew up admiring those who supported their fast
lifestyles with illicit activities. Despite exposure to this world, I became
the first man in two generations of my family to graduate high school and
enroll in college. However, the party scene caught up with me: before the age
of 20, I was sent to jail on drug and gun charges. It was toward the end of my
32-month incarceration that I first met J.R. and learned about AmeriCorps.
Seeds
of Success for Wheeling’s Grow Ohio Valley
The Intelligencer (WV), April 9, 2017
As Grow Ohio Valley continues to provide easier access to fresh and nutritious
food options for area residents, a lot of preparation and hard work are
required to keep the program flourishing as they begin their third growing
season in the Friendly City. With several urban farming sites already
established in the East Wheeling area, Grow Ohio Valley continues to ramp up
their efforts to expand their program. Currently, they are establishing two
more large growing sites in two separate meadows separated by Grandview Street
high above the East Wheeling. With two large “high tunnel” greenhouses
already built on the west side of the hill where the former Lincoln Homes use
to be located, crews with both Grow Ohio Valley and the federal AmeriCorps
program are still landscaping and establishing a drainage system on the nearly
3-acre site that Grow Ohio Valley leases from the Wheeling Housing Authority.
Located on the opposite side of the hill, crews are installing a fence around a
hilly 3-acre orchard that is being prepared to grow fruit trees and bushes.
Broome County Receives $15K Towards New
Opioid Prevention Pilot Project
WICZ-TV (NY), April 7, 2017
The Care Compass Network has given Broome County's Opioid Abuse Council $15,000
to help in the fight against the county's opioid crisis. The money will be used
towards an Opioid Prevention Pilot Project. The project will focus on linking
community members battling addiction, and their families, with resources to
help them. It will also aim to keep
others away from drugs. Officials are recruiting AmeriCorps members to work
with agencies including the Rural Health Network of South Central New York,
UHS, Lourdes, and the Southern Tier Aids Program (STAP). The participating
AmeriCorps members will provide direct (non-clinical) services through
outreach, such as linking people to prevention education and guiding
individuals to treatment.
AmeriCorps Members Serve on the Front Lines
The Business Journal (OH), April 7, 2017
Eight young people from Vinton, Iowa, arrived in Youngstown March 15 to help the
Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. fight blight in the inner city.
Within 24 hours of arriving, the team, known as Maple 7, was busy in the YNDC
workshop on the West Side measuring, sawing and preparing boards to cover
vacant houses. A day later, they boarded up seven abandoned houses at the
corner of Garland and Valley streets on the East Side. Their ages range from 18
to 24 and they’re part of AmeriCorps here to take on the backlog of vacant
houses, trash-laden lots and overgrown sidewalks in troubled neighborhoods.
Such work isn’t new for Jamie Coladonato, team leader of Maple 7. “I was an
AmeriCorps NCCC team member last year,” she says, “and I came back this year as
a team leader.”
How the Opioid Prevention Pilot Project
will assist people in Broome County
WBNG-TV (NY), April 7, 2017
The Broome County Executive's Office and Opioid Abuse Council on Friday
announced a newly funded initiative to better assist local individuals and
families that suffer with substance abuse disorders. A $15,000 award from Care
Compass Network will help aid the fight the opioid crisis. The money will be
used to fund an Opioid Prevention Pilot Project, specifically in rural areas.
It involves AmeriCorps members, who will be providing non-clinical services.
"Our work is really helping people access health services and to overcome
a lot of the barriers that are in the way whether it's lack of information,
distance, whatever it might be," Jack Salo of Rural Health Network of
Central New York said.
Nonprofits would feel pinch if feds ax
service agency
The Spartanburg Journal Herald (SC), April 8, 2017
For the past eight months, Urvi Patel has looked forward to working full-time
as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Hope Center for Children in Spartanburg. Every day,
she helps the nonprofit, from managing the hours and schedules of 150
volunteers to organizing marketing materials like blue pinwheels for National
Child Abuse Prevention Month. Patel’s favorite part of working with Hope Center
for Children is championing a mission she’s passionate about. “I delve deeply
into volunteer engagement, grant writing, fundraising and things like that.
It’s something I’ve been enjoying a lot,” Patel said. “I have grown
exponentially in terms of my professional life, my social connections and my
future career endeavors.”
Almost Heaven Hunting and Fishing Expo
proves to be popular
The Inter-Mountain (WV), April 10, 2017
A new event designed for outdoor enthusiasts proved to be a success, as it
attracted about 1,000 people Saturday and Sunday to the Phil Gainer Community
Center in Elkins. The Almost Heaven Hunting and Fishing Expo featured a variety
of vendors offering sporting products, nonprofit agencies, family-friendly
activities, speakers, a silent auction and door prize. Designed to highlight
the region’s hunting and fishing culture, the event also served as a successful
fundraiser for the Community Center, which is operated by the Elkins Parks and
Recreation Commission, said Community Center Manager Chris Lee.
Where will all that waters from 200,000 at
the NFL draft in Philadelphia go?
The Philadelphia Inquirer (PA), April 10, 2017
The NFL draft could draw up to 200,000 fans to Philadelphia this month for a
three-day football gorge fest along the Ben Franklin Parkway. And, because this
is Philadelphia, they’ll want sandwiches and snacks. And, because it’s
football, they’ll want beer. That means thousands of pounds of food, thousands
of gallons of drink — along with containers and cups to wrap and carry it all
in— all sold by vendors lining the Parkway.
About 168,000 fans were registered to attend as of March 31. So where
will all the waste go? And will the
unsold food just get tossed? The NFL says the Philly event will feature an
ambitious amount of recycling, not only of trash but also of unused food and
materials.
Gateway House celebrate 25 years of service
The Morehead News (KY), April 7, 2017
Gateway House, serving Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan and Rowan counties,
held an open house Wednesday to celebrate 25 years of service to the community.
“Our 25th anniversary open house celebration was well attended and this was an
opportunity for community partners and friends of Gateway House to see what we
do and tour the shelter. We are very proud of the shelter and I enjoyed seeing
so many smiling faces,” says Marilyn Smith, executive director. Located in
Morehead, Gateway House offers housing to men, women, and children in need. “We
are a 'family friendly' shelter. We do not split families but try to house them
in the same room during their stay, says Assistant Director Paul Semisch.
Tim Gunn to speak at Providence Children’s
Museum
WLWC-TV (RI), April 7, 2017
Providence Children’s Museum’s Annual Meeting will feature Tim Gunn, author and
design mentor of Project Runway Jr., in conversation with Executive Director
Caroline Payson about encouraging children’s innate creativity. Following a
brief business meeting, the Children’s Museum kicks off its 40th anniversary
year with these two design professionals exploring ways to foster kids’
creative confidence. Gunn and Payson, longtime friends, share the idea that
childhood matters as a time to engage in the world in one’s own way, and that
young people have much to offer. Gunn says, “When I was teaching, I was the
least important person in the room as far as I was concerned--my students'
points of view mattered most. I wanted to learn who they were and teach them to
respect one another's perspectives.”
Ashburn residents begins terms of service
with FEMA Corps
The Loudoun Times-Mirror (VA), April 7, 2017
Valerian LeMelle, 23, recently began a 10-month term of national service in
FEMA Corps, an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program. Valerian
LeMelle arrived at the AmeriCorps NCCC Pacific Region campus on Feb. 24 and
completed four weeks of specialized training in teamwork, leadership
development, communication, service learning, and in public assistance. LeMelle
and her team began their first project on March 27. During her 10-month term of
service, LeMelle will assist citizens and communities that have been affected
by disasters, as well as provide administrative and logistical support to the
nation’s emergency management system.
New signs point to protecting the River
Raisin watershed
The Daily Telegram (MI), April 7, 2017
The River Raisin is signing up as a way to raise awareness. Motorists and
Lenawee County residents are going to see more signs popping up around the
county, specifically near the River Raisin. These signs carry a logo and ask
readers to protect, preserve and enhance the River Raisin watershed. “There’s been
little to no identification of the River Raisin watershed, so by placing these
signs in different locations we are trying to bring more awareness to it and
its place in our community,” said Steve May, executive director of the River
Raisin Watershed Council. So far signs have been placed by the Michigan
Department of Transportation, the Lenawee County Road Commission and city of
Adrian. They will be placed in such areas as bridges and other river crossings.
The signs are part of a grant program through Connecting Lenawee, which
includes signs for the Kiwanis Trail.
Social services in Nye could face cuts
under Trump plan
The Pahrump Valley Times (NV), April 7, 2017
President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts could have a serious impact on
Nye County’s social services, officials said. Nye County was among thousands of
rural counties across the country that showed strong support for Trump during
the presidential election and primaries. Officials, however, are worried that
his proposed budget could be devastating for social services that serve the
elderly and low-income residents of Nye. Shaun Griffin is director of Community
Chest, which provides youth and services from health care to early childhood
education to counties, including Storey, Lyon and Mineral, along with areas in
northern Nye County.
United Way recruiting eight new AmeriCorps
VISTAs
The South Side News (OH), April 7, 2017
United Way of Summit County (UW) has begun a search to fill eight new local
AmeriCorps VISTA positions for 2017. They will serve a collective 16,000 hours
over the course of a year on three different service projects throughout the
Greater Akron community, according to UW officials. Started in 1965, the
AmeriCorps VISTA program engages more than 7,000 Americans in more than 1,000
service projects annually. VISTAs work to fight poverty in the United States by
partnering with schools, public agencies, faith-based groups and nonprofit
organizations. Locally, five new VISTAs will work with Akron Public Schools
(APS) as part of UW’s iC.A.R.E. in-school mentoring program.
Arkansas
man pledges 10 months of service to AmeriCorps program
The Texarkana Gazette (TX), April 9, 2017
Jamonica Shoals of Foreman, Ark., has pledged to perform 10 months of national
service as part of the Atlantic Region's 23rd class of the National Civilian
Community Corps, an AmeriCorps
program. Shoals is one of 126 men and women in this class. During her term of
service, she and her team will work on a variety of projects and service areas,
focusing on infrastructure improvement, urban and rural development, energy
conservation, disaster response and recovery efforts and environmental work.
While fulfilling her obligation, she may work with organizations such as Habitat
for Humanity, American Red Cross, The National Park Service and various state
agencies and nonprofit organizations.
A day of agriculture
and fun
Benito Link (CA), April 8, 2017
Children and parents were welcomed on Saturday to the San Benito High School ag
barn to learn about various aspects of agriculture, from growing
plants to raising animals at Community Farm Day. The third annual event
was stated by Hollister Future Farmers of America (FFA) as a community
service project to educate the community about agriculture and have fun at
the same time. Ag teacher and FFA Advisor Kelly Bianchi said the event for the
past two years has teamed up with the San Benito County Special Education
Local Plan Area (SELPA), and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to incorporate
a special needs resource round-up into the event. “It’s a joint consortium of
all San Benito County School Districts,” said Gwen Baquiran, Project Specialist
for SELPA.
Community
gardens need support in online grant competition
The Daily Item (PA), April 8, 2017
Community gardens in Lewisburg and Selinsgrove look to grow support throughout
the Valley in quests for up to $25,000 in grant money. Both the Lewisburg
Community Garden and the East Snyder Community Garden are among more than 500
gardens nationwide registered in the grant program offered by organic seed
company Seeds of Change. The company is offering $155,000 in grant money to 12
community gardens — two $25,000 prizes and 10 prizes of $10,500. Search “Lewisburg” and “Selinsgrove” to find each local garden. The top 50
vote-getters move on to a formal grant competition, with winners to be
announced May 8. Supporters can vote just once daily for Lewisburg and
Selinsgrove from a specific electronic device. Votes from different devices
mean additional votes for the community gardens.
D&E tour
a lesson in architecture
The Inter Mountain (WV), April 10, 2017
The Kump Education Center STREAM mentoring program includes a local field trip
with hands-on activities each year. This spring we decided to take our North
Elementary School students to Davis & Elkins College because AmeriCorps
mentor Kylie Antoline is a 2016 graduate of D&E, where she majored in art
education. She particularly wanted students to see the art department and
library. When AmeriCorps Mentor Jeanne Johnson and I began talking about what
students could do for an art activity on the college tour, we realized that
D&E College is a wonderful place to see samples of great architecture. Jeanne
thought 9- and 10-year olds would have fun drawing the “castles,” and
I thought they might discover beauty in several modern buildings on campus.
Volunteer
opportunities in the Cayuga County area: Habitat for Humanity and more
The Auburn Pub (NY), April 8, 2017
Cayuga County Habitat for Humanity seeks volunteers to help in its mission of
building and rehabilitating homes for people working their way out of poverty.
Additionally, the organization will support Pay it Forward Day Friday, April
28. Habitat welcomes volunteers to its current construction site between 8 a.m.
and noon Friday and Saturday, April 28 and 29, to help out. No construction
experience is necessary, and tools/materials will be provided. Coffee and
refreshments will also be served. For more information, or to learn more about
the site location and volunteering,
call (315) 252-1427.
Montana
made food the focus of HMS Harvest of the Month Program
The Independent Record (MT), April 7, 2017
Helena Middle School students got a Montana beef-centered treat Friday,
concocted and served by their peers. The beef was provided thanks to a
mini-grant the school recently received from the Montana Harvest of the Month
Program through the Montana State University Extension. Students in sixth and
seventh grades and staff members lined up for a sample of “Pinwheel Tacos” made
with beef purchased by Sodexo Food Service, said Kim Lloyd, extension agent for
Montana State University Extension. The Montana Harvest of the Month Program
showcases Montana grown foods in Montana schools and communities. Each month,
participating K-12 schools and after school programs focus on promoting one
locally grown item by serving it in at least one meal or snack, offering taste
tests to students, and doing educational lessons and activities.
Mid
West Music Fest returns to La Crosse with two-day lineup
The Lacrosse Tribune (WI), April 10, 2017
Last year’s debut of the Mid West Music Fest in La Crosse had a solid
beginning. Blessed with a sunny 70-degree day, the festival drew an estimated
1,000 people to see musical acts in six venues. It wasn’t an unbelievably
spectacular start, but it was very good, encouraging enough that this year’s
running of MWMF in La Crosse will go two days, just like in Winona, Minn.,
where it began in 2010. “Last year went so well for the venues,” festival
director Parker Forsell said of La Crosse’s MWMF debut. “Some of them had the
best business day they ever had.” This year’s festival, which runs April 14-15
in La Crosse and April 28-29 in Winona, boasting more than 400 performers in
130 musical acts in 14 venues.
City, library to be commended for restoring
Waldomore
The Exponent Telegram (WV), April 9, 2017
This spring, Clarksburg residents will get to see a new and vastly improved
Waldomore, a mansion built almost 20 years prior to the Civil War. Over the
generations, it served as a private residence until it was turned over to the
city in 1931 by May Lowndes Goff to be used as a library and museum. As you
might imagine, a structure that old needs a lot of care. Hundreds of thousands
of dollars have been spent in recent years to restore Waldomore, and the
results have been stunning. Under the direction of Waldomore manager Catherine
Clevenger and the Clarksburg Harrison Library board, Preserve West Virginia
AmeriCorps has been performing a “labor of love” to bring the old mansion up to
code and to bring it back to its early 19th-century elegance.
Man who
was homeless gives back to help others
The Augusta Free Press (VA), April 9, 2017
Last winter, when Jody Blankenship found himself homeless, To Our House
– a New River Community Action program providing overnight winter shelter
for area men – gave him a new life, and a new outlook on life. Now,
Blankenship, 41, is giving back to help others who need it like he did. After
losing his job and subsequently his apartment and all his possessions following
a drug possession charge, Blankenship, then a Giles County resident, sought
help from To Our House. As a To Our House (TOH) guest, Blankenship was
transported each night to a warm church set up with blanketed cots; offered a
hot meal by a cadre of dedicated volunteers; given the opportunity for showers
and company, entertainment or just sleep; and provided with information on
housing, employment, and other available resources to help him get back on his
feet.
Affordable
Housing: Second chances & better processes
The Gazette (IA), April 9, 2017
Elected officials don’t often get second chances, or clear-cut strategies for
complex problems. Right now Cedar Rapids City Council members have both. Minnesota-based
nonprofit CommonBond Communities has submitted an updated plan for Crestwood
Ridge, a northwest side housing project that fell shy of supermajority support
last fall amid outcry from neighborhood residents. Awarded $8 million in
federal tax credits through the Iowa Finance Authority to develop alongside
Edgewood and Crestwood roads, Crestwood Ridge included a mix of market rate and
affordable apartments, including five supportive housing units. Staff from
Willis Dady was tapped to provide case management for those five tenants.
History
Space: HomeShare Vermont marks 35 years
The Burlington Free Press (VT), April 9, 2017
For 35 years, HomeShare Vermont has helped people stay in their homes by
matching them with people seeking affordable housing and, in true Vermont
spirit, those wishing to help others. What began as a program to match elders
to elders has expanded to a model of sustainability, open to people of all ages
and income. Homeshare is an old fashioned bartering arrangement. Traditionally,
someone with a spare room in their home (HomeShare host) is matched with
someone looking for an affordable place to live (HomeShare guest) who may offer
help around the home. Services might include help with meals, yardwork or
simply a protective presence. Rental income and help with utilities can also be
a part of the exchange.
Little store making
big impact
The Great Bend Tribune (KS), April 8, 2017
While shopping abounds in Barton County, there are a handful of shops that do
more than simply make a profit. These stores give back to the community, and in
Hoisington, the RSVP Thrift Store has been doing just that for the past 15
years Selma Webb has been involved with the thrift store since it’s conception
back in 2002. She and every other volunteer that has ever worked at the store
never receives a paycheck, opting instead for the feeling that comes from
giving of themselves. Because of this,
the store has been a quiet but powerful tool for promotion and support of a
variety of volunteer efforts in the county, from the organization of Meal on
Wheels to providing handyman services and medical transportation. These
services Selma never tires of pointing out.
‘Grandma Wanda’ a big help in Alcott
classrooms
The Hastings Tribune (NE), April 7, 2017
Walking down the hallway, Wanda Barlett is surrounded by children calling out
“Grandma Wanda” and giving her hugs. She is not related to any of the children,
but they all consider her to be their grandma. Barlett smiles and crouches down
to talk to students about everything from what they did over the weekend to
activities on the playground. In the classroom, Grandma Wanda helps students
with their reading, spelling, tackling a difficult math problem or anything
else they may need. “One thing I do is if they make a mistake and they’re upset
about it, I say, ‘It’s OK. I make mistakes, too,’” she said.
Foster Grandparents making a difference
The Morning News (ID), April 7, 2017
Foster grandparent Pearl Galbraith, also known as Grandma Pearl to the students at Ridge Crest Elementary, was honored in March for her man years of service to the students at Ridge Crest. Galbraith began volunteering at the school in 1998 after retiring from the State Hospital South, where she worked for many years as a nurse.
Albuquerque woman honored for being a foster grandparent for 20 years
KRQE-TV (NV), April 7, 2017
An Albuquerque woman who has spent more than two decades as a foster grandparent was honored Friday. Rupertita Tafoya began volunteering in 1994. That's on top of having 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren of her own. The may presented her with a plaque Friday name her the city of Albuquerque's volunteer of the month.
Living Treasure turns 100
The Garden Island (HI), April 7, 2017
Masao Tamura still volunteers with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. “He
comes with his daughter Winnie when she teaches tai chi,” said Grace Delos
Reyes of the Agency on Elderly Affairs. “He doesn’t come all the time, but when
he is able to, he’s there with Winnie.” This was the case on Saturday when
Masao sat quietly as he watched Winnie lead the seated tai chi demonstration
during “Diabetes 101: A Healthier You,” hosted by the Wilcox Health. Tamura was
honored with a luncheon celebrating his 100th birthday Thursday by a small
group of family and close friends at the Emmalani Court poolside party room.
Non-Profit
Consortium celebrates six years
The Oneida Dispatch (NY), April 8, 2017
The “Non-Profit Consortium” celebrated its sixth anniversary on Wednesday,
April 6, highlighting collaboration between dozens of local non-profit and
community service organizations. Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater
Tri-Valley, created the entity when he served as volunteer President of the
Board of Directors of the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce and continues to
chair the energetic group going forward. “Back in 2011, when our chamber board
was recruiting businesses to participate in the membership, I asked leaders
from our local non-profits to come together and talk about how we could enhance
the quality of life in the Oneida and surrounding communities; it has grown
tremendously since then. We now have agencies coming from three counties,” said
Leo.
Two
groups seek to get word out about services for seniors
The Monroe News (MI), April 9, 2017
The Monroe County Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Commission on Aging are
striving to make senior citizens aware of vital information and services that
are available. Making seniors aware of the resources was one of the major
findings of the 2015 Monroe County Older Adult Needs Assessment, said Joe
Grifka, director of RSVP. Results of the 280-page assessment have been helpful
in planning future services. “Eleven recommendations came out of that study and
some real action has taken place,” Mr. Grifka told the board. “This isn’t
sitting on a shelf.” “One primary concern of seniors and their caregivers is
the lack of awareness of services that are available,” Mr. Grifka told the
Monroe County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night. “Our major project for RSVP
is getting the word out that as a community, we need to reach out to our
seniors.”
Seniors find
companionship, jobs through program
The Belleville News Democrat (IL), April 9, 2017
May Grandcolas, 90, and Kathy Rainbolt, 70, have been trekking to Belleville
senior dances for a year, but neither has quite gotten onto the dance floor
yet. May loves dancing, but is slowed by an arthritic knee and Kathy is just a
little too shy, but now the two meet up twice a week after getting acquainted
with help from the Senior Companion Program. The Senior Companion Program is
just one of many at the Programs and Services for Older Persons center in
Belleville. May’s husband and jitterbug partner Orville died six years ago and
last year her daughter reached out to the Senior Companion Program to help keep
her active and ward off loneliness. Now the two visit, bake, play cards and
sometimes just get out of the house.
Women feted at senior
center luncheon and awards program
Essex News Daily (NJ), April 9, 2017
Mayor Tony Vauss and the Irvington Senior Citizens Community Center’s second
Women’s History Luncheon and Awards Program was held in the facility on
Springfield Avenue on Friday, March 24. The event was attended by Health
Department Director Monique S. Griffith and at large Councilwoman October
Hudley, who is also the media specialist at the Grove Street School Library.
Griffith was present in her roles of organizer, facilitator and presenter,
while Hudley was one of the four women of distinction being honored. The other
three honorees were South Ward Councilwoman Sandy Jones, 1 Linden Avenue
Tenants Association President Mary Terrell and East Ward District Leader and
Democratic Committee President Sallie Oliver.
Volunteer
Spends Over 20 Years as Foster Grandparent
The City of Albuquerque (NM), April 7, 2017
Today, Mayor Richard J. Berry recognized Rupertita “Rupe” Tafoya as the
City of Albuquerque’s Volunteer of the Month for serving 23 years as a Foster
Grandparent. In 1994, Tafoya began volunteering in the Foster Grandparent
Program, sponsored by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs,
at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. Specialists with the Foster Grandparent
Program match individuals who are 55 years and older, who would like to
volunteer their time. After receiving proper training, the Foster Grandparent
engages in a meaningful way with children identified by their school’s
specialized instructional support personnel or daycare staff. Foster
Grandparents play an influential role because of the assistance they provide to
children with special circumstances including those who have an incarcerated
parent, have been placed in the foster care system, or have a developmental
disability.
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