An estimated 115 americorps seniors volunteers will serve

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) awarded Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Yakima $171,000 under the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program (SCP) on July 1, 2021. The SCP grant will support an estimated 115 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in providing necessary companionship, transportation, respite and other services to over 400 community members in need. Volunteers will help clients access medical care, increase food security, and maintain social connections. The three-year project focuses on healthy futures and independence for clients in their own homes. Total funding of $747,500 includes $85,500 in local matching funds. Catholic Charities will oversee service delivery through October 31, 2021 as part of the SCP program goal to engage low-income seniors in meeting critical community needs.

Of this number all 115 americorps seniors volunteers will be placed in outcome assignments. Some of their activities will include: providing transportation and accompaniment to help access medical care, increase food security and assist in maintaining or establishing social connections. The primary focus area of this project is healthy futures. At the end of the three-year grant, 115 volunteers will have provided necessary companionship , transportation and or respite services to 400+ community members in need; allowing them continued independents in their own homes. The cncs federal investment of $747,500 will be supplemented by 85,500 in match funding from local grants, agency match and in-kind donations (legends, world vision, community donations).