Senior volunteers program gets $71,579 grant

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South Central South Dakota RSVP in Mitchell has received a $71,579 grant to support senior volunteer activities from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

CNCS awarded the funds as part of a competitive grant process for RSVP, one of three Senior Corps programs administered by CNCS. Established in 1971, RSVP engages Americans age 55 and over in volunteer opportunities across the country.

These volunteers are a critical resource to the volunteer response to everything from hunger to natural disasters including, most recently, Hurricane Sandy.

“Community service and volunteering are a valuable resource for communities, contributing to solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities,” said Mitchell Mayor Ken Tracy.

“This grant will provide opportunities for South Dakota seniors to utilize the skills and wisdom earned from a lifetime of experience to improve the lives of their fellow citizens and inspire hope for the entire community.”

South Central SD RSVP has over 675 volunteers age 55 and over in Bon Homme, Clay, Davison and Yankton counties. They provide the opportunity for these volunteers to use their talents and skills as well as address challenges and needs in their communities for over 137 local non-profit agencies.

“At a time of increased need and declining resources, volunteers age 55 and over continue to step in to fill the gaps,” said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. “Today, more than ever, communities need the talents and skills of all Americans to help move this nation forward. Senior Corps volunteers are delivering enormous social and economic benefits to our communities and demonstrating that service is good for the nation and those who serve.”

This grant is one of 206 RSVP awards provided to volunteer organizations across the country to support senior volunteer activities in areas from disaster services to education and veterans and military families.

Tags: life, updates, grant, local, mitchell, volunteering