Wishing you Happy Holidays!
You’re invited to enjoy a special presentation of Arabian Nights’ Christmas show available at a discounted rate thanks to your support of Florida Senior Programs. Don’t miss it!
Florida Senior Programs
Foster Grandparent Program and RSVP of Orange County
November Grand Times
We can’t believe it’s almost time for a new year! Look at how much you have accomplished already-helping a new set of children who need your love and attention so much. At this time of year, we are thankful for you-the hard working volunteers, who make Central and East Central Florida a better place to be, work and live! You are making a tremendous difference each and every day!
As you may have heard, our organization has gone through some changes this year, as well. The Foster Grandparent Program and RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) have been under the same parent organization, Florida Senior Programs, Inc. for over 30 years. Earlier this year, it was decided we would come together, to share what we do best.
You may have noticed some changes-including in last month’s newsletter. From this point forward, the Grand Times newsletter you receive each month will go to both the Foster Grandparents and the RSVP volunteers. You are going to notice some changes like more birthdays, more events, and changes in information. If you see something in it that states “RSVP,” it is not required for Foster Grandparents, and vice versa.
By now, someone from RSVP should have visited each Foster Grandparents in-service. You are welcome and encouraged to volunteer some of your extra time to RSVP outside of your service as a Foster Grandparent. You will not receive a stipend or mileage reimbursement for any time you give to RSVP.
This month, we also are asking for your help! We think it’s time for the Grand Times to get a makeover. What do you love, what do you hate, we want to know it all so that we can get you the information you need each month. Click here to complete the survey.
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, and know that this year we give thanks for you!
- Florida Senior Programs Staff
Want to see the rest of the Newsletter? Click here to read it!
Want to receive our Newsletter and updates by email? Click here to sign up!
Weekend in Dothan
We had the great opportunity this past weekend to travel to Dothan, Alabama for the 2012 National Foster Grandparent Conference. Once in Dothan, we were surrounded by fellow Foster Grandparents from across the country and together we got to visit, learn about being a great volunteer, senior issues, children’s issues, sightsee, and overall have a great and full weekend! Big thanks to Jackie Walker and her team from the Human Resource Corporation for putting on such a wonderful event.
Of course, the Foster Grandparent volunteers made this trip so wonderful! Our highlights include:
Cotton Picking on the road to Dothan
Sunday Brunch
Identity Theft Workshop
- An Elvis performance!
Sightseeing at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens
Enjoying dinner out all together Saturday night
Sightseeing at the Wiregrass Museum of Art
Foster Grandparents of the Year, including our own Foster Grandma of the Year, Rosa Mendez!
10/19 Special Event
We were fortunate enough on Friday, October 19 to host an outstanding event for our Foster Grandparent and RSVP volunteers. Thanks to Linking Solutions, AT&T, and our various community partners, volunteers were able to attend a great event!
This year, many vendors were present to distribute information on their services offered.
Volunteers attended workshops about how to use technology, which will help improve their lives. They had the opportunity to learn how to send and receive text messages, and to even sign up for email.
A contest was held, where volunteers performed by singing and reading poems, and attendees had to text in to vote for their favorite, kind of like American Idol. Congratulations to Foster Grandma Nilsa Silva who was the winner!
Big thanks to Linking Solutions, AT&T and our friends in Central Florida for making this a great event!
Be an Upstander
Join The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida and your community on Sunday, October 14. Enjoy the day and take the pledge to end bullying.
UPDATE: Now Closed: Looking for Vendors!
We have an exciting opportunity available to participate in a great upcoming event! Along with Linking Solutions, Florida Senior Programs, Inc. is holding an event on October 19 for our Foster Grandparent and RSVP volunteers. Volunteers attending will have the opportunity to learn more about computers, cell phones, and crime prevention. See the flyer below for all the details.
The best news is, you can be a part of it! There is no cost to participate and you can spread the word about your organization or service to over 200 Central Florida adults!
For more information, reply to this email or contact Shirley Parker at (850) 261-8718 or by emailing shipark@bellsouth.net
Spots are limited so register today!
Want to live longer?
If you’re happy and you know it, maybe you really should clap your hands.
In a study published [last year] in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from University College, London found that happy people reduced their risk of premature death by as much 35 percent.
The same can be said for people who volunteer! People who volunteer because they want to help others live longer than people who don’t volunteer at all, University of Michigan researchers found. Konrath, a researcher working on the study, said their analysis demonstrates the importance of motives when considering the health benefits of volunteering. She said basically, volunteer buffers the stress of caregiving and promotes well-being.
Read more by clicking here: Want to live longer? Get happy, study says and here: U-M Researchers: People Who Volunteer Live Longer
Waitlist Opening in Orange County, Florida
The Housing Choice Voucher Waitlist is now open! It is open through this Friday, September 29th at 11:59 pm. This waitlist is only opened every couple of years – so now is the time to consider applying.
The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. The Orange County Housing & Community Development Division will be accepting pre-applications to establish a waiting list of eligible applicants. This pre-application process will be open from September 24 at 12:01 am through September 29 at 11:59 pm on-line at www.ocfl.net/waitinglist. For more information, please contact Ramona Rivera at 407-836-0922 or Ramona.rivera@ocfl.net.
For more information, check the Section 8 housing choice voucher for elders – 2012
Become an Agent of Change!
Created in 1971, RSVP is the nation’s largest volunteer program for older adults, annually engaging 300,000 Americans in community service that meets pressing local needs. RSVP helps nonprofits and public agencies expand their impact by engaging experienced and committed volunteers in service. RSVP volunteers allow organizations to increase their capacity and make a difference in the community.
Get involved in our new and exciting volunteer opportunities for caring adults– 55 and better– and serve in programs that meet critical needs in Orange, Osceola, and Volusia counties. We are recruiting volunteers in these focus areas:
OTTER (Older Teachers Training Early Readers) Program -Early Literacy Skills/School Readiness
Reading with 3 and 4 year old children to strengthen their vocabulary skills, increase their comprehension, their ability to re-tell a story, and develop a lifelong love of reading. Note: You do not have to be a former teacher or educator to help in this area
Mentoring for Educational Success
Mentoring young people (ages 7 to 15 years old) to provide guidance and leadership that reinforces appropriate social behavior, provides nurturing support and encouragement, and engages a child in education-related activities that build his/her self esteem and appreciation for academic success.
Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Nutrition Education
Serve with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive services to teens with chronic conditions which result from unhealthy habits and teach teens how to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Preparing our Community for Disasters
Disaster preparedness is a vital component for any organization, especially those in Florida. According to the Better Business Bureau, nearly 55% of organizations do not have a disaster plan and between 25 to 40% will not reopen after an unexpected business interruption. After comprehensive training, RSVP volunteers will work with local businesses and non-profit organizations to provide disaster preparedness and planning services.
If you would like more information or would like to join one (or more) of these exciting new programs, please contact Star Barto, RSVP Program Manager at 407-298-4180 or e-mail sbarto@rsvporlando.org
Join UnitedHealthcare for a National Medicare Education Week Event!
Take the time this week to learn about Medicare, for yourself or your loved ones.
Representatives from United Healthcare will share important Medicare information and give an overview on social media. Hands-on computer training will follow the presentation and will help you explore online resources for understanding.
September 21, 2012
10 am
Valencia Enterprises
2411 Sand Lake Road
Orlando, FL 32809
There is no charge for this event, but registration is required. To register to attend, call 850-443-6401, TTY 711, Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.
Light refreshments will be served.
Round trip shuttle services will be provided from the Marks Street Senior Recreational Complex, 99 E. Marks Street in downtown Orlando. Estimated pickup at 9:30 am and return at 12 pm. Shuttle seating is limited.
Visit www.NMEW.com for more information.
Brought to you by UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Made Clear campaign. Proud Supporters of National Medicare Education Week.
