Rsvp of central arkansas proposes to utilize 505 unduplicated volunteers

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) Office of Grants Management awarded a $644,374 Project Grant to Future Builders under the AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP, CFDA 94.002). The grant will fund environmental stewardship, elder justice, veterans support, education, and other community services delivered through 505 unduplicated volunteers in Arkansas from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2024. Volunteers will maintain national parks and community gardens, educate seniors on healthcare fraud, provide transportation assistance to veterans, mentor students struggling in reading and math, and support healthcare facilities. Future Builders will supplement the $152.9k in federal funds with over $45k in non-federal resources annually to exceed the 10% matching requirement.

Rsvp volunteers will be recruited and placed in outcome assignments. Some of their activities will include: 1.) environmental stewardship (primary focus area) volunteers will serve in national parks and community gardens where grounds and natural habitat are well maintained. 2.) healthy futures - elder justice, this area will focus on educating beneficiaries in healthcare fraud and abuse through the senior medicare patrol (SMP) in partnership with other organizations on scams that are plaguing our senior population. Rsvp volunteers will also serve their communities through service in food banks and pantries. 3.) veterans and military families - rsvp volunteers will help answer the needs of transportation to and from hospitals and VA clinics so disabled veterans can keep necessary appointments. 4.) education - rsvp of central arkansas volunteers will serve in public elementary schools as mentors for students who struggle with reading and math skills. Rsvp volunteers will also help adults who have challenges with english skills, have problems with language barriers, and need help in finding jobs. This would include veterans and low-income families. 5.) other community services - rsvp of central arkansas volunteers will serve in local hospitals, senior centers, and nursing homes (when allowed due to covid-19) to help healthcare administrators with patients, activities and office duties. At the end of this 3-year grant, rsvp of central arkansas will meet the requirements, outcomes and needs of each work plan presented in this grant. The cncs share of $152,866 will be supplemented by resources generated over the years that allow US to exceed the 10% match requirement. We are proud that year one of this grant will be supplemented by $45,860 (30%) of non-federal resources. Rsvp of central arkansas will survey the needs of the community in collaboration with programs throughout the 4-county service area of pulaski, saline, lonoke and garland. Collaborative programs to name a few include the arkansas department of health and human services, VA healthcare hospitals and centers, school districts in the 4-county area, and national parks.