Highl ights - Montgomery Area Council on Aging

8
Why Should I be an RSVP Volunteer?
Every six months, RSVP programs report to the Federal government on the progress of their volunteer
efforts and how these efforts impact their communities. The reports include the number of volunteers, how
many hours they serve, and where they serve. These reports allow the governments to see where needs are and
how volunteers are meeting these needs. This helps keep up the flow of federal funds to support volunteer efforts.
Another reason is that it is good for your health! Volunteers agree that volunteering makes them feel
physically healthier and less stressed. Volunteering corresponds with higher levels of life satisfaction, including
a greater sense of meaning and purpose and causes one to be more optimistic.
The RSVP project, sponsored by MACOA, covers Autauga, Coosa, Elmore, Tallapoosa, and <strong>Montgomery</strong>
Counties. For more information on volunteering contact:
Autauga/<strong>Montgomery</strong>: Pam Goodwin (334) 365-1007, (334) 265-9204; pgoodwin@macoa.org
Coosa: vacant (contact main office (334)-265-9204)
Elmore: Shirley Stewart (334) 285-4114; sastewart@macoa.org
Tallapoosa: Ann Hardman (256)-215-5408; adhardman@macoa.org
RSVP bids a fond farewell to Linda McLemore,
coordinator of <strong>Montgomery</strong> County. Linda had a
great rapport with her volunteers and she will be
missed. She has been replaced by long time staff
member Pam Goodwin who has served as the
coordinator in Autauga County for the
last 12 years. Pam will be serving both counties.
Pam is known for her work with the Yellow Dot
Program and the Autauga Water Festival. She also
developed the frozen meals program in Prattville and
provides over 700 meals each month. Pam’s hours
will be: Monday, Friday and every other Thursday in the Prattville
office (334-365-1007); Tuesday, Wednesday and every other
Thursday in the <strong>Montgomery</strong> office (334-265-9204).
Coosa County Coordinator Christine Harrell is retiring
to keep her new granddaughter after serving
four years in the Rockford office. She is best known
for her work with the adult literacy program, the Governor’s
Task Force for Strengthening Alabama Families,
and the development of two Neighborhood
Watch programs in the county. She also contributes a basket of
Christine’s Homemade Goodies to the Culinary Caper’s Silent Auction
and the Swinging Fore Seniors Golf Tournament. We are happy
to say that Christine will continue to be an RSVP volunteer. Interviews
are being scheduled for her replacement. If you have questions
please feel free to contact the main office at 334-265-9204.
RSVP WANTS YOU!
What is RSVP?
RSVP stands for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. It is a part of
a family of national service programs under the umbrella of Senior Corps. The
purpose of RSVP is to link the skills, knowledge, and experience of a volunteer
with identified needs in the community and to provide rewarding opportunities
for seniors.
Any person 55 years of age or older who is willing to volunteer on a regular
basis is eligible for membership. The amount of service can vary. The average number of hours served is
about four hours per week. There are no dues or membership fees.
“Your Heart Will Understand!”
The National Association
for Black
Veterans, Inc. (NAB-
VETS) is a membership
organization charged to
address issues concerning
black and other minority
veterans. This mission also includes
advocacy for youth and families, community involvement
to help create positive lifestyles for veterans,
and the empowerment of low income and
minority veterans and civilians. In keeping with
their mission the chapter of NABVETS in Autauga
County has formed a partnership with the
Autauga County Extension Service, sponsor of the
local 4-H Program, to help low income children
participate in 4-H.
Once agriculturally focused, today’s 4-H
concentrates on healthy living, science, engineering
and technology programs. The main focus of
these volunteers will be to raise funds to send children
to camps and on field trips and to purchase
supplies and materials for 4-H contests. Volunteers
also plan to judge these contests. If you are
interested in learning more about this program,
please contact Pam Goodwin, Autauga/<strong>Montgomery</strong>
County Coordinator at 334-365-1007.
MACOA/Summer 2012