FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB) November 07, 2022
The Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF) and AmeriCorps Seniors will host ‘Grateful for Seniors’ on Thursday, November 17, 2022, from Noon – 2:00 PM. It will be held at the Hillcrest Community Center, 1150 Orchard Terrace, Frederick, MD 21703.
The event is free to the public and will focus on services for Frederick County senior citizens. Entitled “Grateful for Seniors,” the pop-up event will feature exhibitors serving those 55+, including AARP, AmeriCorps Seniors, Frederick County Department of Health, Frederick County Senior Recreation Council, Hospice, Maryland Legal Aid and others.
In addition, the event will feature brief presentations on pertinent subjects such as finances, the arts, volunteerism, elder law, and more. In preparation for the holiday season, this AACF pop-up includes a coat drive / distribution and a Thanksgiving canned goods drop-off and distribution.
AmeriCorps Seniors is administered locally by the Asian American Center of Frederick (AACF; http://www.AACFMD.org). AACF offers different assistance programs for all races, religions, and age groups, including translation services, veteran support, and health literacy and wellness. AmeriCorps Seniors provides two programs in Frederick County, the Senior Companion Program (SCP) and the Retired Seniors and Volunteers Program (RSVP).
AmeriCorps Seniors’ Senior Companion Program (SCP) provides low-income volunteers, age 55+, the opportunity to earn a modest, tax-free stipend by providing care and companionship to another senior in need of assistance. “Some of our volunteers have been providing care to a loved one for some time. The chance to earn a stipend for their help is welcome,” explains SCP’s Project Manager Stephen Norris. “Other volunteers are recently retired and looking for a rewarding experience acting as companions to other seniors in the community.”
One goal of the SCP grant is to improve aging in place. Volunteers help their companions with simple chores, such as cleaning the kitchen, mowing the lawn, or assistance grocery shopping. Another SCP goal is to improve the lives of local seniors by acting as companions. “The pandemic was difficult for seniors. Statistics show that 93% of the Covid deaths in the United States were seniors over the age of 50,” Mr. Norris points out, “Seniors were locked away. Loneliness can turn to depression and that can lead to mental health issues. One of SCP’s goals is to mend this with companionship.”
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP facilitates volunteerism between those 55+ and the local community. Marc Miller, AmeriCorps RSVP Project Manager, states: “As a new member of the 55+ demographic, I am excited to work with volunteers pursuing their passions in support of the Frederick County non-profit community. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Frederick County (MD) is 5th largest such program in the United States and gives the 55+ generation varied opportunities to contribute in interesting and rewarding ways.”
The Asian American Center of Frederick is a Frederick-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that, for over 15 years, has been serving all races, religions and ethnicities. AACF has expanded to five offices in Frederick and Washington Counties. Along with Frederick Health, AACF recently hosted the annual Frederick Community Health Fair, assisting over 800 with healthcare needs. AACF strives to “enhance, empower and enrich” the community, especially the underserved and those in need.