Political Quotes

“in 1981, the Alabama Association of Retired Senior Volunteer Program [RSVP] project directors developed a proposal requesting State funding for their projects as a supplement to their Federal budgets. During State budget negotiations, the funding was also extended to Alabama's Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent projects, marking the beginning of a collaboration among senior service corps programs in my State that has continued for 15 years. As a State association known as the Alabama National Senior Service Corps Directors Association, these three programs--RSVP, Senior Companion, and Foster Grandparents--have worked together to secure other funding. The Senior Corps' 35 State projects receive more than a quarter million dollars annually from the State budget to cover costs related to volunteers. These funds have been used to establish several programs, including a public housing mentoring program and training programs in prescription and over-the-counter drug misuse. The funds have also been used to conduct free community intergenerational workshops at sites throughout the State. The association also contracts with the IRS to provide tax counseling services for the elderly. The association is now seeking Medicaid waiver funding and hopes to soon venture into the arena of private sector funding. Project directors have taken the first step toward seeking private sector support by incorporating as a 501(c)(3) organization.”