Reed & Fung Announce $150K in Federal Funds to Boost Senior Volunteers in Cranston

Press Release

In an effort to support senior volunteer activities in Cranston, U.S. Senator Jack Reed and Mayor Allan Fung today visited members of the Cranston Senior Services' Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) to thank them for their volunteerism and announce over $150,000 in federal funding to boost their efforts.

During a visit to the Cranston Senior Center, Reed and Fung said federal Serve America Act grant funds are being awarded through the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, one of three Senior Corps programs administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Over a three year cycle, Cranston RSVP is scheduled to receive a total of $150,000 ($50,000 annually) in federal funds to support the Cranston Senior Enrichment Center's volunteer programs for local seniors.

The competitive federal grant funds are made available through the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Cranston RSVP plans to use the funding for additional volunteer opportunities focused on healthy aging, environment stewardship, and veterans and military families.

"The Senior Corps program is a real win-win. It helps seniors stay active and engaged and lets them share their wealth of expertise and skills with those in need. Cranston RSVP is making a positive impact on people's lives. This federal funding will help them continue their services, empower more seniors to get involved, and strengthen their volunteer network," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees Senior Corps funding and a strong supporter of national service programs, who voted for the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act.

"This grant provides the opportunities for seniors within the City of Cranston to utilize a lifetime of skills and experience to help other seniors and their community in many areas such as Health, Nutrition, Adult Day Care, Emergency Preparedness, and Scam Prevention Programs. I congratulate Cranston RSVP on receiving this award and thank the many Cranston seniors who work to improve our community as Senior Corps volunteers. Citizen service is an essential part of the solution to many of the challenges facing our communities, especially in these difficult economic times," said Mayor Allan Fung.

The grant competition awarded funds to three new RSVP programs in the agency's six focus areas: disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans and military families.

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