Senior Volunteer Program Receives Funding
A Triton College-sponsored program that actively engages individuals 55 years of age and over in volunteer opportunities, was awarded a $49,416 grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to help the program continue its volunteer efforts.
As a federal agency that engages more than 5 million Americans in service through its core programs -- Senior Corps, AmeriCorps, and the Social Innovation Fund --CNCS leads President Obama’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve according to its website.
As the nation’s largest grant maker for service and volunteering, CNCS plays a critical role in strengthening America’s nonprofit sector and addressing our nation’s challenges through service.
The award was part of a competitive grant process for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of West Suburban Cook and Southern DuPage counties, one of three Senior Corps programs administered by CNCS.
“This grant award demonstrates the dedication of Triton College in serving its community and the valuable service that our volunteers provide every day,” said Director of RSVP, Kay Frey. “With the continued support of Triton College, I look forward to continuing the great work of RSVP and serving the community.”
Established in 1971, RSVP engages older Americans in volunteer opportunities across the country where volunteers have been a critical resource for nationwide response efforts in everything – from hunger prevention to natural disasters, including Hurricane Sandy.
In existence since 1983, the RSVP of West Suburban Cook and Southern DuPage counties recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with volunteers serving in many capacities, including assisting other senior citizens in filing their income tax returns, as well as working with English as a Second Language, students with practice on their conversational English-speaking skills.
RSVP also works with public agencies, secular and faith-based private non-profit organizations and proprietary health care organizations in recruiting volunteers who are 55 and older who want to volunteer in their communities.
“By working with students, providing job training, and helping veterans transition into civilian life, volunteers age 55 and over are helping to transform the lives of the people they serve, ” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Our communities need the talents and skills of all Americans as we continue moving this nation forward. The dedication of RSVP volunteers shows that service benefits not only organizations, but those who serve as well.”
The grant is one of 175 RSVP awards provided to volunteer organizations across the country to support senior volunteer activities in areas including education and veterans and military families.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the growth of the older population (65+) is increasing at an unprecedented rate in U.S. history. Improved medical care and prevention efforts are resulting in longer life spans. The aging of baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) is also contributing significantly to this demographic trend.
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