Project Grant 18SRWAR002

AN ESTIMATED 150 RSVP VOLUNTEERS WILL SERVE THROUGH THE TRI COUNTY RSVP PROGRAM IN THE SERVICE AREA OF COLUMBIA, UNION AND OUACHITA COUNTIES, ARKANSAS. OF THIS NUMBER, 121 RSVP VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PLACED IN OUTCOME ASSIGNMENTS. SOME OF THEIR ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE: PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION FOR OLDER ADULTS TO MEDICAL FACILITIES AND THE GROCERY STORE TO PROMOTE AGING IN PLACE, PROVIDING COMPANIONSHIP AND DELIVERING MEALS TO HOMEBOUND INDIVIDUALS, ASSISTING WITH COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING FOOD ITEMS AT LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES, TUTORING ADULT STUDENTS WHO DESIRE TO IMPROVE THEIR LITERACY SKILLS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT AND/OR PREPARE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, AND INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS. THE PRIMARY FOCUS AREA OF THIS PROJECT IS HEALTHY FUTURES. AT THE END OF THE THREE-YEAR GRANT, 50 CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT AND AGE IN PLACE, 1500 FAMILIES WILL HAVE GREATER FOOD SECURITY; ADULTS WILL HAVE IMPROVED THEIR LITERACY SKILLS HELPING TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT; 350 LOW -INCOME CITIZENS WILL HAVE RECEIVED FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION; AND LOCAL NONPROFITS WILL HAVE RECEIVED NEEDED VOLUNTEER SUPPORT. THE CNCS FEDERAL INVESTMENT OF $120,914 WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY $58,076 IN OTHER RESOURCES.