Senior Volunteers Mark Older Americans Month

May is , and to mark the occasion, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholder last week honored Senior Corps.

Senior Corps, a branch of the Corporation for National and Community Service, taps the skills, talents and experience of nearly 500,000 Americans age 55 and over to meet a wide range of community challenges through three programs: RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program and the Senior Companion Program.

"RSVP is a government-funded volunteer resource center for non-profit agencies in Morris County, and [through this effort] we operate our own non-profit programs in Parsippany," said township resident Stan Gabay, RSVP volunteer coordinator. "For example, at the , we run a program for seniors called Healthy Bones, a low-impact exercise program for persons with osteoporosis. We run a similar second class at the Building."

In addition, Gabay says his group conducts a weekly walking club for seniors at the PAL Center.

"These classes are all operated by RSVP volunteers and are attended by Parsippany residents," he added. "Additionally we are partners with UJC of MetroWest as lead agencies in producing its monthly activities calendar, Parsippany Live."

Freeholder Director William J. Chegwidden officially proclaimed last week as Senior Corps Week in Morris County. The proclamation was accepted in person by Stan Gabay and Nancy Hess of the Northwest New Jersey Community Action Partnership’s Skylands RSVP Program.

The proclamation recognizes the impact that senior volunteers have on communities nationwide. elping people recover from devastating natural disasters.

RSVP volunteers, all age 55 and over, recruit and manage other volunteers, participate in environmental projects, mentor and tutor children, and respond to natural disasters, among other activities. Foster Grandparents serve one-on-one as tutors and mentors to young people with special needs. Senior Companions help frail seniors and other adults maintain independence primarily in the clients’ own homes.

“Through RSVP, the Foster Grandparent Program, and the Senior Companion Program, Senior Corps is impacting our nation in substantive ways and making life better for those in need in our communities," said Skylands RSVP Director Nancy Hess. 

Older Americans Month is a time to recognize senior service and thank community partners and volunteers for the contribution they make to their communities, said Gabay, who added that more helpers are needed.

“Although we have many volunteers across Morris County and throughout northwest New Jersey providing tremendous service to our local non-profits, the need for more help has never been greater,” he said. 

If you or someone you know is over 55 years old and interested in volunteering, contact Skylands RSVP at  888-387-9830 ext.202.