DELAWARE TO CELEBRATE SENIOR CORPS WEEK MAY 7-11 AND THE ALMOST 1 MILLION HOURS THAT DELAWAREANS SERVE

NEW CASTLE (May 3, 2012) - Delaware will mark Seniors Corps Week May 7-11 by celebrating older volunteers who served almost 1 million hours last year on behalf of fellow Delawareans.

The Seniors Corps is made up of volunteers 55 and older who serve in RSVP, the Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program.

Delaware has one of the country's oldest Foster Grandparent Programs with a charter that began in 1967. The Foster Grandparent Program will celebrate its 45th anniversary with a luncheon at 11 a.m. May 10 at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.

In addition, RSVP will participate in the Community Resources Fair, sponsored by the New Castle County Council, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 11 at the Newark Library.

"It is gratifying to see volunteers devote their time and talents to becoming mentors, coaches or companions to Delawareans in need," Gov. Jack Markell said. "A passion for giving back provides a positive influence for younger people. These volunteers often help older seniors remain in their homes and they bring invaluable talents and experience to nonprofits."

During Senior Corps Week - this year's theme is "Making a Difference for Generations" - Delaware will highlight the ways that those 55 and older can get involved:

• RSVP connects volunteers with service opportunities in their communities that match their skills and availability. In Delaware, 3,416 volunteers provided 615,873 hours of service in fiscal year 2011. To learn more about RSVP, call 255-9882 (New Castle County); 734-1200 (Kent County); or 856-5815 (Sussex County).
• The Foster Grandparent Program connects volunteers with children and young people with exceptional needs. Volunteers mentor, support, and help some of the most vulnerable children in Delaware. In Delaware, 280 volunteers served 252,865 hours in the last fiscal year. To learn more Foster Grandparents, call 857-5040.
• The Senior Companion Program brings together volunteers with adults who have difficulty with the tasks of day-to-day living. Companions assist with shopping and light chores, interacting with doctors, or just making a friendly visit. In Delaware, 94 volunteers served 77,510 hours.

To learn more about the Senior Companion Program, call 856-7761.

"Older Delawareans are such an asset to our communities," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the State Office of Volunteerism. "They have been business owners, teachers, police officers, nurses, artists, executives and more. Now, they offer that experience and those talents to our communities and, in return, their lives are enriched by the very act of giving back."If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, go to www.volunteerdelaware.org.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.