December 1, 2009

To the Editor:

A recent news story reports that the recession has hit older adults hard. The number of seniors visiting food pantries and soup kitchens has shot up.

At the Health Association of Niagara County, Inc., we are doing our part to help. We offer paid volunteer positions to people age 55 and older. In the Foster Grandparent Program, older volunteers help children in schools, daycare centers and after-school programs across Niagara County. In the Senior Companion Program, older volunteers befriend and help frail, homebound elders in their homes.

In exchange for their service, our volunteers receive tax-free hourly stipends. These paychecks do not hurt the volunteers' ability to receive Social Security or disability. Volunteers must be at least 55 years old, and they have to be living at or below 200 percent of the poverty level.

The stipends are made possible by a continuing federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. Additional funding is provided by the New York State Office for the Aging, the Niagara County Office for the Aging, the United Way, and local donors.

Volunteering through HANCI is a great way to earn extra money and make a difference in the community, without the stress of returning to the workplace. If you know someone who could benefit from joining us, or if you are eligible yourself, please give us a call at 285-8224, ext. 239. We would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Michele Long

Director, Volunteer Center at HANCI

(716) 285-8224, ext. 223

volunteercenter@hanci.com