Chuck Grassley: “in the 21st century, advances in medicine are allowing Americans to live longer than ever before. Today, the average…”

“in the 21st century, advances in medicine are allowing Americans to live longer than ever before. Today, the average American will live to be over 76 years old. As the collective age of society increases, so does the need for increased help, care, and support, as long-term illnesses and the frailties of age become the rule, not the exception. Faith in Action volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that help is there for neighbors in need. Faith in Action is a nationwide, interfaith coalition that works to help people with long-term health needs or disabilities maintain their independence by providing assistance with daily activities. Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Faith in Action boasts 100,000 nationwide volunteers serving over 200,000 care recipients. Through Faith in Action, Americans of every faith--including Catholics, Protestants, Hindus, Jews and Muslims--work together to improve the lives of their neighbors in need. Faith in Action volunteers help others maintain their independence by doing simple things: watering flowers, shopping for groceries, taking people to the doctor, and simply listening. Sometimes they open doors that people can't open on their own. In my home State of Iowa, over 2,100 dedicated volunteers work in local programs to contribute approximately 315,000 volunteer hours per year--a service valued at nearly $5.2 million. But the value of Faith in Action is measured not by dollars and cents.…”