Volunteering that heals hearts, bank accounts
For Life After 50
Volunteers of America has been running the Federal Grant from Senior Corps for 17 years in El Paso County, providing purpose and payment for seniors who choose to volunteer their time with children in Head Start, Elementary Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs in El Paso County.
Widow finds new purpose
Many of Volunteer of America’s senior volunteers say they are lonely and are looking for something to do—Ardene was one such volunteer. After 10 plus years of being the primary care giver for her ailing husband, his death both broke her heart and opened her schedule. She had been stuck at home for so many years she could no longer stand to be there.
Enter the Foster Grandparent Program. Once through training, Ardene was placed with a 2nd Grade teacher at D11 school, volunteering 15 hours a week. After two days, her face was as bright as a Christmas tree. “I had not expected to feel so welcomed by the kids and the teacher. They are so wonderful, and I feel like I am doing good work.” said Ardene.
The Need
Head Start (toddlers and 3 to 5-year-olds), Elementary Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs are always in need of volunteers. This program was created to allow seniors on a fixed income the ability to contribute to their community without draining their resources and instead receive a non-taxable stipend (does not affect HUD, food stamps etc.) of $2.65 an hour, for training and volunteering, reimbursement of mileage or transportation costs, and all costs to complete the application.
To be a part of the Foster Grandparent program, volunteers need to be:
- Age 55 +
- Willing to volunteer 15 + hours a week
- Walk, bus, silver key or drive to your location (within 5 miles of home)
- Earn less than $24,980 (after up to 12, 000 in medical expenses)
The Volunteers of America – Foster Grandparent Program operates out of Laurel Gardens Residences, Suite 152, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
For more information on the program, visit https://www.voacolorado.org/volunteer-opportunities/foster-grandparent-program-3
Contact: Barbara Roeckel
719-632-1448
ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, women in need, and veterans and their families. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit voacolorado.org.
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For immediate release:
June 15, 2019
Volunteering That Heals Hearts and Bank Accounts
After 10 plus years of being the primary care giver for her husband, widow finds new purpose mentoring and tutoring elementary children
Colorado Springs, Colo. — Volunteers of America has been running the Federal Grant from Senior Corps for 17 years in El Paso County, providing purpose and payment for seniors who choose to volunteer their time with children in Head Start, Elementary Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs in El Paso County.
Widow finds new purpose
Many of Volunteer of America’s senior volunteers say they are lonely and are looking for something to do—Ardene was one such volunteer. After 10 plus years of being the primary care giver for her ailing husband, his death both broke her heart and opened her schedule. She had been stuck at home for so many years she could no longer stand to be there.
Enter the Foster Grandparent Program. Once through training, Ardene was placed with a 2nd Grade teacher at D11 school, volunteering 15 hours a week. After two days, her face was as bright as a Christmas tree. “I had not expected to feel so welcomed by the kids and the teacher. They are so wonderful, and I feel like I am doing good work.” said Ardene.
The Need
Head Start (toddlers and 3 to 5-year-olds), Elementary Schools and Boys & Girls Clubs are always in need of volunteers. This program was created to allow seniors on a fixed income the ability to contribute to their community without draining their resources and instead receive a non-taxable stipend (does not affect HUD, food stamps etc.) of $2.65 an hour, for training and volunteering, reimbursement of mileage or transportation costs, and all costs to complete the application.
To be a part of the Foster Grandparent program, volunteers need to be:
- Age 55 +
- Willing to volunteer 15 + hours a week
- Walk, bus, silver key or drive to your location (within 5 miles of home)
- Earn less than $24,980 (after up to 12, 000 in medical expenses)
The Volunteers of America – Foster Grandparent Program operates out of Laurel Gardens Residences, Suite 152, Colorado Springs, CO 80910. For more information on the program, visit https://www.voacolorado.org/volunteer-opportunities/foster-grandparent-program-3
Contact: Barbara Roeckel
719-632-1448
ABOUT VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need live healthy, safe and productive lives. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America’s most vulnerable groups, including the frail elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth, homeless individuals, women in need, and veterans and their families. For more information about Volunteers of America, visit voacolorado.org.
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Life After 50 