Delgado Announces Federal Funding to Support Senior Volunteer Services in Kingston

KINGSTON, NY—Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced the Ulster Literacy Association will receive $102,709 in Senior Corps funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), the federal agency for volunteering and service. This award will support 60 Senior Corps volunteers in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and will expand Senior Corps’ presence in Ulster County.

“Our seniors are a critical part of our community, and I am proud to support programs that allow older Americans the opportunity to meet new people and remain active,” said Delgado. “The Ulster Literacy Association does critically important work to improve education for adult learners, and I’m pleased they will be able to expand their programming to support more seniors through these funds. Today’s grant funding is an important investment in our older Americans that will allow folks to remain engaged in the Ulster community as they live out their golden years.”

“Rep. Antonio Delgado knows the importance of reading and writing in the growth and career success of an individual as well as a community,” said Casandra Beam, executive director of ULA. “Now, with this crucial RSVP grant through his office, ULA has the support to continue our work of empowering people through literacy.”

The funds were awarded as part of a Senior Corps grant competition to increase the impact of national service in specific geographic areas. Volunteers supported by the RSVP grant will continue to share their skills with those in need, while being able to stay close to home. Tutor training, recognition events, and networking opportunities are currently provided to volunteers throughout Ulster County. ULA serves nearly 400 learners a year, and this RSVP grant funding will give ULA an opportunity to serve even more adults and their families.

The RSVP Program is one of America’s largest volunteer networks for people 55 and older, engaging volunteers to use their skills and experience to tackle a diverse range of activities. Volunteers recruit and manage other volunteers, mentor and tutor disadvantaged children, respond to natural disasters, support workforce development by providing job readiness training, offer free tax preparation, and more.

Each year, Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans 55 and older through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs – all addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges – everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity, and helping Americans rebuild their lives following a disaster. Senior Corps opens doors for Americans who might not otherwise have the opportunity to serve their community due to financial or other barriers. Open to adults age 55 and older with incomes up to 200% of the poverty line, Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions are unique among volunteer programs as it allows the women and men serving to earn a small stipend. As a result of the increased appropriations provided by Congress in Fiscal Year 2020, CNCS will be able to raise the stipend for the first time since 2002.