AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, is awarding $587,488 in American Rescue Plan funding to AmeriCorps Seniors grantees in Florida. This funding positions the agency to make significant, targeted investments to further support the Biden Administration’s top priority to provide immediate relief related to the pandemic, with a specific focus on support for underserved and disproportionately impacted communities.
Under the American Rescue Plan, COVID-19 relief legislation supported and passed by Democrats in Congress, Florida District 10 here in Orlando will receive $262,500 to support volunteer projects by Florida seniors in support of our children, health and wellness, and veterans and military families. Representative Val Demings supported the legislation and is touting the federal money she is delivering to her district. The primary focus of the District 10 volunteers is “Healthy Futures, Aging in Place” to assist at least 50 home-bound seniors.
“One of Florida’s secret weapons is our dedicated seniors who devote their time, energy, and creativity to service projects within our communities,” said Rep. Demings. “I am glad to announce this new federal funding for senior volunteer projects in Florida, which will fund ongoing volunteer projects in Orange County and Tampa Bay. These projects are a win-win for our communities, supporting the hard work of our seniors and delivering important benefits to our health and children’s wellbeing.”
Through American Rescue Plan Senior Demonstration program funding opportunities, grantees will engage adults age 55 and over to address one or more priorities such as:
- Establish and support programs in hard-to-reach communities and/or those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19;
- Support communities historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely impacted by persistent poverty and inequality, such as African American, Hispanic, and Tribal communities;
- Support program models that focus on education (children’s learning loss, summer programs, etc.) and health and wellness (mental and physical health);
- Serve veterans and military families; and
- Expand opportunities for senior volunteers in communities that have not previously received AmeriCorps Seniors resources.
Volunteers For Community Impact Incorporated
Volunteers for Community Impact will place 35 volunteers who will provide companionship, run vital errands (such as visiting grocery stores and pharmacies), and transport seniors to visit their doctors or other essential services. This will be accomplished through a network of volunteer sites such as home health providers, senior care organizations, and home hospice organizations. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures, Aging in Place. At the end of the grant, volunteers will have assisted at least 50 home-bound seniors. 75% of clients (38 unique individuals) assigned a Senior Companion will show quality of life improvement by reporting increased social ties/social support. The AmeriCorps investment of $262,500 will be supplemented by $53,980 in non-federal funding of both cash and In-Kind.
Seniors In Service of Tampa Bay Inc (FGP)
Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. will seek 30 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who will Tutor, Mentor and support Family Involvement for disadvantaged children K-12 in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. The primary focus area of this project is Education. At the end of the grant, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be responsible for improved academic performance for 80% of children served. The AmeriCorps federal investment of $224,988 will be supplemented by $25,126 in non-federal resources.
Seniors In Service of Tampa Bay Inc (SCP)
Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. will seek 100 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers who will provide Companionship and Education/Training in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties. The primary focus area of this project is Healthy Futures. At the end of the grant, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers will be responsible for providing Companionship via small support groups that result in at least 240 of 300 older adults with disabilities reporting increased social support/improved capacity for independent living and providing Health and Wellness Education/Training that results in at least 80 of 100 historically underserved individuals reporting increased health knowledge. The AmeriCorps federal investment of $100,000 will be supplemented by $27,513 in non-federal resources.
