Mayor Nelda Martinez to Recognize Local Senior Corps Volunteers Who Collectively Served 190K Hours in 2015

On April 4 at 8:30am, Mayor Nelda Martinez will present a Proclamation

Every day, in counties and cities across America, national service is tackling tough problems and strengthening communities. During the last week in March and the first week of April, county officials and mayors across the country will thank those who serve and recognize their impact on the Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service.

The nation’s cities and counties are increasingly turning to national service as a cost-effective strategy to address local challenges. By unleashing the power of citizens, National Service programs such as Senior Corps and AmericaCorps have a positive and lasting impact -- making our communities better places to live.

Last year, local Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Foster Grandparents Program (FGP) and Senior Corps Program (SCP) volunteers provided 190,000 hours ($4,446,600) of volunteer services to local non-profits, school districts, and less fortunate seniors to help them stay in their own homes. These services saved the community thousands of dollars. 

On March 23rd, County Judge Loyd Neal presented a resolution in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Nueces County Courthouse honoring volunteers serving in RSVP, FGP, and SCP programs—all of which receive federal grants from the Corporation for National Community Services.

Mayor Nelda Martinez will be honoring these volunteers who serve in the Coastal Bend by reading a proclamation at a breakfast scheduled for April 4th at 8:30am at the American Bank Center, in the Henry Garrett Ballroom. 

“Our community is truly blessed to have so many seniors who are committed to providing vitality and value through their service in the Senior Corps programs,” said Mayor Nelda Martinez.

Senior Corps programs are composed of volunteers age 55 and older who serve through the component programs of SCP, FGP and RSVP. Senior Corps programs are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. Senior Corps was conceived during the John F. Kennedy’s presidency, and currently links more than 360,000 Americans to service opportunities. Their contributions of skills, knowledge, and experience make a real difference to individuals, nonprofits, schools/children and faith-based community organizations throughout the United States. 

Through grants and other resources, including the energy and efforts on citizens 55 and over, Senior Corps helps meet the needs and challenges of America’s communities. Grants administered through Senior Corps provide funding for RSVP, FGP and SCP. RSVP and SCP are both sponsored by the City of Corpus Christi and operate under the Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department. FGP is sponsored by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Matching funds are provided by the sponsors so that the services can be administered in our community at no charge to the recipient.

For more information about the Foster Grandparent Program, and learn how to become a Foster Grandparent, call 361-878-7765 or visit https://www.dads.state.tx.us/fostergrandparents/.

To learn more about RSVP and SCP as well as how to become a volunteer, please visit the City of Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department website at www.ccparkandrec.com (click ‘Senior Services’).