Pictured from left: FGP/RSVP Project Support Mike Zanghi, Foster Grandparent Volunteer “Grandma Betty” Waller, and Community and Children’s Center Director Beth Mulkin.

The Lutheran Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), part of AmeriCorps Seniors locally, recently placed volunteers at the Children’s and Community Center located in Northern Chautauqua County. Volunteers at the center work with infants and toddlers to nurture social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development as well as cultivate learning and creative expression. FGP volunteers typically work with children while the programs counterpart, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), has many different services opportunities throughout all of Chautauqua County that gives volunteers the chance to share their talents, time and skills with other various organizations and nonprofits in the community. One recent RSVP volunteer opportunity has been helping less fortunate individuals in our community to stay warm throughout our cold seasons in hopes of creating a healthier environment. Talented knitters, crocheters, and sewers created items in need such as hats, scarves, gloves, and small quilts along with walker and wheelchair bags for seniors. Infant items such as stroller cover-ups, burp cloths, booties, and changing pads have also been produced by RSVP volunteers. Many area agencies receive these items to distribute where they are needed.

“Volunteers are actively needed to support both of these programs in Chautauqua County right now,” said Brenda Weiler, Project Coordinator for AmeriCorps Seniors in Chautauqua County. “If anyone over the age of 55 is out there, has some free time, and wants to help their community in fun and interesting ways, we’d love to talk with them.”

AmeriCorps Seniors is a network of national service programs for Americans 55 years and older, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Volunteers commit their time to address critical community needs including academic tutoring and mentoring, elderly care, disaster relief support, and more. Volunteers and service opportunities are matched together based on the skills and need of all involved.

For information about volunteering as a Foster Grandparent or Retired Senior Volunteer, call 716-665-5354 or 716-366-8070 or visit www.seniorsvolunteer.org online.

The mission of Lutheran Jamestown is to offer a continuum of care that supports an individual’s journey through life with compassion, dignity, and respect.