Retirees Can Still Make a Difference – Mar. 2014
Health and Help Squads:
Special program for older military veterans or their husbands and wives. The loss of friends or spouses as we age can easily lead to loneliness and depression. Health and Help Squads might be the answer. Squads are 5-6 vets/vet spouses living in the same general area who commit to making short weekly companionship phone calls to the other members of their squad. They might also meet to help team members with activities, go to an event or share a meal together. To participate, you just complete an RSVP enrollment form to help us assign you to a squad and tally your monthly hours as a squad member. (Our CNCS sponsors require us to report the hours donated by volunteers in our RSVP programs.) We’re launching Health and Help Squads in: Aurora; Brighton; Commerce City; Federal Heights-Westminster-Southwest Adams; Northglenn – Thornton; Eastern Plains (Watkins, Bennett, Strasburg, Byers and Deer Trail). We ask you to commit to a “get acquainted enlistment period” of 3-6 months to give squad members time to build friendships. We’ll provide conversation ideas to make it easier. Tell your friends so they can join up with you. And pass this to veterans groups you know. You’ll help others and be helped yourself. Everyone wins! To join a Health and Help Squad near you call Tom Rapp (303)955-6609. If we miss you please leave a call back number so we can reach you.
Disaster Preparedness Speaking Team:
After the recent floods this is very timely. Team members teach the general public and especially senior citizens how to prepare for disasters. Call RSVP today.
Schools Where All Thrive Tutor/Mentor Program:
Help us help kids! We place teams of volunteers with 2nd or 3rd grade students behind in reading. We’re serving in Adams 1, 12, 50 and Brighton 27J. We need more volunteers in each district. 2 hours per week are required. We’re currently planning training sessions for new volunteers. Call Ron Ausmus at 303-426-4408 or rausmus@seniorhub.org today!
RSVP Recycling Volunteers:
Work with Keep Thornton Beautiful and Thornton schools, churches and businesses to promote recycling. Help with upcoming recycling events. Call RSVP for details.
Other volunteering:
Senior Hub Meals on Wheels has three open routes needing drivers, and also needs someone to help with the assessment of MOW applicants for eligibility. MOW drivers are also needed in Aurora and Brighton. Senior Hub needs a Food Pantry Assistant 4 hours twice a week. Transportation services for homebound/elderly; in-home/respite care; helping at food banks; serving congregate meals; serving in hospitals; helping in senior centers; serving on boards and agency committees. Call us to discuss these and many other current volunteer opportunities.
By Tom Rapp, Director Adams/E. Arapahoe RSVP at Senior Hub, Inc.
Adams/E. Arapahoe RSVP places volunteers 55 and older in locations across Adams County and Arapahoe County (east of I-25). Call 303-426-4408, or e-mail trapp@seniorhub.org for information.
