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LEWISTOWN -- In observance of National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, Regional Services Corporation and its affiliates, Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging, Mifflin-Juniata Food Services and Call-A-Ride Services, are celebrating the dedication and hard work of its volunteers, who provide critical support for many of the corporation's programs.
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging says more than 90,000 volunteers contribute their time and talents to the nation's 622 Area Agencies on Aging, support that AAAs says is critical to their organizations.
Locally, volunteers have provided services in areas of tax preparation, property tax and rent rebate applications, ombudsman program facility visits and PEER training, APPRISE health insurance counseling for Medicare beneficiaries, home delivered meals, and coordination of the annual Senior Games.
In 2016, volunteers provided:
≤ Assistance with completion of 1,353 federal, state and local tax forms, as well as 386 property tax or rent rebate applications, resulting in more than $400,000 returned to local older residents.
≤ During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, ombudsman volunteers locally completed 75 long-term care facility visits, totaling 90 hours of volunteer time, in addition to 65 hours of PEER training.
≤During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, APPRISE program volunteers contributed 350.75 hours of service. Some 1,030 consumers in Mifflin and Juniata counties received health insurance counseling services due to the efforts of staff and volunteer APPRISE counselors.
≤ During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, 66,910 home delivered meals were provided to eligible seniors in Mifflin and Juniata counties. Volunteer drivers provided 7,162 hours of time to successfully provide critical services to homebound residents.
≤ The 31st Annual Senior Games, held in June 2016, were a success due to the efforts of 42 volunteers, including seniors, as well as 12 students, an example of a successful multi-generational activity.
"Whether it's providing transportation, delivering a meal or spending time with an isolated older adult, our volunteers play a vital role in helping seniors maintain their safety, health and independence," Sarah Sunderland, coordinator of volunteer programs, said.
"Many of our volunteers are older adults who bring a lifetime of experience and an unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others," she said.
Older adults are seeking new ways to stay active and healthy as they age. A growing body of research indicates that those who volunteer for as little as two hours per week, or 100 hours per year, may experience improved mental, emotional and physical health.
Given its history of providing innovative volunteer programs for older adults nationwide, Area Agencies on Aging offer countless opportunities for older adults to engage in their communities.
For more information about volunteer opportunities with MJRSC/MJAAA/MJ Food Services, call Sunderland at 242-0315 Ext. 152, or send an email to ssunderland@mjaaa.com.