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AmeriCorps Seniors
Oct. 15, 2024
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Notes From the Director's Desk:
October Edition
 The dedication and kindness of our AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers brighten the fall season, spreading warmth and hope to those in need.
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Dear colleagues,
The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton serves as a powerful reminder of how vulnerable we are to nature’s forces. In times like these, it becomes clear just how crucial volunteer and service work are. The compassion and collective effort of people coming together in service to help those in need is what truly makes a difference in rebuilding communities. I’ve heard from some of you impacted or in states impacted by the hurricanes, and the spirit of service is strong in your communities. For those that have been impacted, but also for everyone, I encourage you to review the AmeriCorps Seniors Disaster and Emergency Response guidance that is included in Appendix A. 21 of each program’s handbook, located on each program’s page on the AmeriCorps website (Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP, Senior Companion Program, and Senior Demonstration Program). If you have been impacted, please let your portfolio manager and regional team know if you need anything, and AmeriCorps Seniors will work with them to support you as best we can.
Ageism Awareness Day was observed on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and although the day has passed, I wanted to acknowledge the importance of the day so we can continue to reframe how we talk about aging in our society. Ageism leads to negative perceptions of older adults as frail, dependent, or out of touch. This discrimination can lead to social isolation and reduced self-worth for older adults, as they may feel marginalized or undervalued in their communities. AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers confront misconceptions about aging every day by sharing their skills, wisdom, and experience within the communities they serve.
Volunteering offers a powerful response to ageism, as older adults engage in activities that positively impact those around them. By taking on these roles, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers demonstrate the immeasurable contributions older adults bring to their communities and disprove misconceptions about aging. It’s important for us to keep the conversation going about ageism and to continue to shine a light on the value of older adults.
As a reminder, AmeriCorps Seniors is currently conducting a COVID-19 Effects Study to gather information on how our programs adapted to serve through the pandemic, to better understand what has worked and what could be improved. We thank those directors and grantees that are actively engaged in collecting data, but we still need more participation to make this study a success. JBS International has been reaching out to select programs to collect information for the study. Program participation is essential to complete this study, so I thank you in advance for your time and engagement in helping us complete this important research. Please let JBS know if you have any questions or need any assistance, they are here to help.
I regularly share the positive impact that AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have on communities across the country as I travel for speaking engagements or media interviews, in a weekly agency report to the White House, and with our CEO, agency leadership, and staff. If you have any stories or thoughts on how your volunteer work is making a difference in your community, please, share them with us!
In service,
Atalaya Sergi, Director
AmeriCorps Seniors
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Training Corner
Register for the AmeriCorps Seniors COVID Effects Study Update Webinar
AmeriCorps Seniors is engaging in a study to gather information on how AmeriCorps programs adapted to serve through the pandemic and the lessons learned related to programming and operations. We hope to understand innovations in programming, effective recruitment and retention strategies, what support volunteers need to continue to serve in challenging times, and the impact volunteers have on grantees meeting their goals in their communities. More information regarding the study can be found here.
Join AmeriCorps Seniors, the Office of Research and Evaluation, and JBS International on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. ET to learn more about the research objectives, study milestones, and upcoming activities.
Grantee Essentials Training and Technical Assistance Calls
Each month, we dive into specific technical assistance topics to help you build your skills while managing your AmeriCorps Seniors grant.
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Introduction to Monitoring, Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. ET
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Monitoring Self-Assessment Debrief, Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m. ET
Register for the Grantee Essentials TTA Calls
Missed our last Grantee Essentials TTA call? Check out the Grantee Essentials TTA learning path in Litmos. This learning path includes webinar recordings, presentations, and other materials.
Cultural Learning Community
AmeriCorps' Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility has launched the Cultural Learning Community – a monthly course to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for all our valued partners. These courses will provide an invaluable opportunity to deepen understanding, enhance skills, and increase partner engagement.
View the training schedule and register for upcoming events.
Monthly Spotlight on Training Resources
This month, we are highlighting Grantee Resources from the September 2024 Grantee Essentials Training and Technical Assistance call.
This call shared helpful tips for navigating the collection of grantee resources available on the AmeriCorps website and the Litmos, AmeriCorps’ learning management system. During this call we explored real-life scenarios you may experience as a grantee and how to use available resources to understand requirements and address challenges.
Note: If you are using the direct link, you must first log in to Litmos, then click the link to the course.
For technical support, to request access, or if you need assistance accessing these pages using assistive technology, email: serviceresources@americorps.gov.
Data in Action
Every year, AmeriCorps Seniors collects key data on project and volunteers through the Progress Report Supplement. This year, AmeriCorps Seniors has continued our commitment to reducing administrative burden on grantees by eliminating several questions. You can read the updated guidance here. Trainings and step by step instructions will be available in the fall before the Progress Report Supplement deadline of Saturday, Nov. 30.
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AmeriCorps Seniors Disaster and Emergency Response
Hurricane Helene has left a destructive path across several states, and we know the clean-up and recovery will take years. We also know that this natural disaster may have significantly impacted grantees in the area and displaced volunteers. While the safety of grantees, volunteers and community members is our first priority, we want to ensure all grantees are aware of the AmeriCorps Seniors Disaster and Emergency Response that is included in Appendix A. 21 of each program's handbook, which can be located on the program pages of the AmeriCorps website (Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP, Senior Companion Program, and Senior Demonstration Program). We encourage all grantees to review as this guidance not only outlines what program operations in the affected area should consider, but also how projects in non-affected areas can help.
National Veterans Wheelchair Games
AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, with the New Orleans Council on Aging, joined AmeriCorps for the 43rd National Veterans Wheelchair Games in New Orleans this past July. Volunteers participated in the signing of the memorandum of understanding between AmeriCorps and the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Thanks to the efforts of directors and volunteers, we created new volunteer videos. Below are the first previews.
If your program would like to participate in future events and video shoots, please keep an eye out in the Notes from the Director’s Desk and any inquiries from AmeriCorps Seniors staff.
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Elder Justice Corner
From our colleagues at the Federal Trade Commission.
Hurricane Recovery Scams
Recovery from the recent hurricanes will take time, but scammers won’t wait. As recovery efforts continue, learn how to spot and avoid scams.
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Imposter Scams: Scammers may pose as officials or inspectors asking for money or personal info. Always ask for ID and verify their credentials.
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FEMA Scams: FEMA doesn’t charge for applications. If someone asks for money to help you qualify for funds, it’s a scam. Use the FEMA Mobile App for legitimate information.
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Home Repair Scams: Be wary of unlicensed contractors demanding upfront cash or refusing to provide written contracts, licenses, or insurance details.
For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
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Program Updates and Requirements
AmeriCorps Seniors Final Rule
Rule went into effect Tuesday, Oct. 1.
AmeriCorps has implemented a final rule to modernize AmeriCorps Seniors. These new changes make it easier for older adults to volunteer and help their communities. The final regulations include:
- Modernized Income Calculation
- Stipend Continuation During Administrative Leave
- Supplementing Stipends
- Consistency in Match Requirements
Please see the AmeriCorps Seniors Final Rule fact sheet for additional information on these changes.
Additional Resources: Attend or watch the recording of the October Grantee TTA Call. Read the Operations Handbook update that will be posted Thursday, Oct. 31.
Operations Handbook Updates: On Thursday, Oct. 31, AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent, RSVP, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration Operations Handbooks will be posted with the key update of the fiscal year 2025 Final Rule.
Reporting Requirements
For reporting deadlines, review your grant's program-specific terms and conditions (see the section titled “Reporting Requirements”):
Reports will be made available in eGrants 90 days before the due date. If the option to enter report data is not available in eGrants, please reach out to your portfolio manager.
Current Reports Due:
AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration Program Quarter Three Grants Realigned to Quarter Four (those with a 15-month budget):
- Federal Financial Report Final (for 21SF, 21SC, or 21SD grant numbers) Due: Monday, Oct. 28 (Note: this Federal Financial Report covers the period of April 1, through June 30, 2024)
AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and Senior Demonstration Program Quarter Four Grants:
- Federal Financial Report Final (for 21SF, 21SC, or 21SD grant numbers) Due: Monday, Oct. 28
AmeriCorps Seniors American Rescue Plan Phase Two (July) and Phase Three Grants:
- Federal Financial Report Final Due: Monday, Oct. 28
Additional Resources
For instructions on the project progress report and federal financial report, visit your program's grantee resources section, select “submit a progress report” or “submit a Federal Financial Report” as the action, then click “apply” to show the resources.
AmeriCorps Seniors Operations Handbooks
Litmos Trainings for Reporting
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