Thursday March 28, 2024
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Yesterday, Mayor Greg Fischer joined more than 4,500 city and county leaders nationwide in recognition of the National Day of Service.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) sponsors this day of recognition to highlight the value of national service and the positive impact of Senior Corps and AmeriCorps.

Mayor Fischer said programs such as the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) are examples of Louisville’s decades-long commitment to service and volunteerism. Administered by the city’s Department of Community Services, FGP and RSVP connect residents 55 years and older with the people and organizations that need them most.

“Great cities have the social muscle that creates opportunities and overcomes adversities — and one way we build up that social muscle is through volunteerism and service,” Mayor Fischer said. “RSVP volunteers and foster grandparents are examples to our entire city of the impact that personal, selfless deeds can have when considered as a whole.

“As we prepare for the April 15th launch of our Give A Day Week of Service, I wanted to say thank you to RSVP volunteers and foster grandparents and all citizens who commit their time and energy to compassion.”

More than 130 FGP members serve about 135,000 hours annually, volunteer in area schools, after school programs and childcare centers to assist children who need additional help with age-appropriate reading or social skills. Volunteers also mentor troubled teenagers and young mothers, and provide care for premature infants and children with disabilities. During the summer, FGP volunteers help day camp participants stay academically engaged while enjoying the seasonal break.

The approximately 550 members of Louisville Metro RSVP serve nearly 71,000 hours annually at 60 active locations of public service, faith-based and community need agencies. Thirty members serve at the Robley Rex Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC). A hundred members serve with the Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program, packing and/or delivering lunches to other homebound senior adults including the Meals on Wheels Program.

“I am proud to be working with Louisville as we continue to strengthen communities through national service,” said Kim Mansaray, Acting CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Mayors are leaders who get things done. They know first-hand the value of national service in tackling local problems. I commend Mayor Fischer for working with us to improve lives and strengthen communities through national service.”

People 55 or older who are interested in volunteering with either FGP or RSVP can go online to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-services/volunteer-help to complete an initial application for a follow-up call.  Or, call (502) 574-1933 for FGP information and (502) 574-7305 for a no-obligation information packet from RSVP.

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