Welcome to SARPC's digital newsletter. Our goal is to publish a newsletter bi-monthly that provides highlights of projects and activities being undertaken at the agency. If you have any questions or would like to request additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. |
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In This Issue
A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TRANSPORTATION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
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STAY CONNECTED TO SARPC ON FACEBOOK
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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The SARPC Annual Meeting and Strategic Session was held on January 12th and 13th, 2023. This event was well attended by elected officials, appointed officials, Board members, sponsors and SARPC staff. Board members elected officers for the fiscal year who are:
CHAIRMAN: Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Mayor of the City of Mobile
VICE-CHAIR: Mayor Charles Murphy of Robertsdale
SEC-TREASURE: Mayor Jim Staff of Atmore
Programs and presentations included report from John Cooper, ALDOT DIRECTOR; John Driscoll, Alabama State Port Authority; Chris Curry, Mobile Airport Authority; Justice Jean Brown, Alabama Department of Senior Services; LEGISLATIVE update from eight (8) Alabama House and Senate Representatives.
Also, economic developers from our three counties gave updates on all of the wonderful projects ongoing in our Region. Dr. Ted Mashburn, University of Mobile delivered a very insightful opening motivational and inspirational message.
Thanks to all who attended and we especially thank our Sponsors who made this event possible.
John F. (Rickey) Rhodes
Executive Director
rrhodes@sarpc.org
Direct: 251-706-4667
Cell: 251-421-9400
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2023 SARPC Annual Meeting and Strategic Session |
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It is with sadness that longtime SARPC employee Voncille Thomas passed away this weekend. Arrangements are not complete, but we will announce when made. Please keep the family in your Prayers.
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Mobile MPO Updates
The Mobile Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board met on Wednesday, January 18th. The committee approved the following amendments to the Transportation Improvement Program:
- 100075915; PE; Extend westbound Bridge on SR-42 (US-98) over Big Creek; 12/1/2022; $550,000.00
- 10007593915; CN; Safety Improvements (2’ Safety Widening, Rumble Strips and Pavement Markers) on Bellingrath Road from Half Mile Road/Laurendine Road to the Mobile City Limits; 8/25/2023: $538,169.00
- 100071558; PE; Corridor and I-65 Interchange Modification Study along SR-42 (US-98/Moffatt Road) from Wolf Ridge Road to Springhill Avenue; DELETED $625,000.00
- Mobile County Regional Transportation Operations Program (RTOP) Expansion – Congestion Management Process Project; $693,143.00
- Citywide Traffic Signal Upgrades for the Expansion of the Regional Transportation Operations Program (RTOP) in the City of Mobile; $2,500,000.00
- Segways for Prichard Police Department; $78,000.00
- Traffic Management Center (TMC) Upgrades & Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera Expansion – ALDOT; $281,439.00
- Interstate Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Expansion for the Mobile Area – ALDOT; $1,886,826.00
The committee also approved the State’s new and amended Performance Measures and Targets. Other items of discussion included Mobile Urban CRRSAA Funding; Mobile Urban Carbon Reduction Funding; STP Attributable Funding; and Mobile Urban TAP Funding.
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RPO Updates
A New Initiative Seeks to Help Small Cities Access Infrastructure Funding
By Molly Bolan, JANUARY 26, 2023 06:26 PM ET
The program will work with communities to assemble strong grant applications that can win some of the billions of dollars available.
Thanks to the 2021 infrastructure law, billions of dollars are available to communities to invest in clean energy, transit, affordable housing, good-paying jobs and environmental justice initiatives. But for small and rural communities, these funds are often out of reach.
Many such communities don’t have the staff or financial capacity to assemble strong grant applications. That’s where a new initiative that aims to connect governments with the capital and training necessary to kickstart their projects comes in. Click HERE for more.
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2020 Census Boundaries and Population Changes |
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The United States Census has released the 2020 Census Boundaries and Population numbers. The Census has changed the way they determine if an area is considered urban from population density to household density methodology. This change appears to have consolidated the urban area into a more amalgamated space and removed peripheral areas like Grand Bay, Bayou La Batre, and areas in Baldwin County. As for population, the change cannot not solely be responsible for the population increases and decreases for the past ten years as these tend to diverge organically based on many factors. As shown below, most places did not have a dramatic increase or decrease except for these three areas: Fairhope-Daphne, +19,424 (33.8 %); Foley-Gulf Shores, +14,451 (54.6%); Pensacola, +50,105 (14.7%). That said, Foley-Gulf Shores are closing in on becoming an additional MPO in the area (Less than 10k away from the 50k threshold) or possibly absorbed into an existing MPO. As for what this means for the area in terms of funding and other opportunities, that remains to be determined. |
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Transportation Improvement Program( TIP)
The TIP represents a four year program (2020-2023) for improvements in the various transportation systems located within the Mobile study area as identified in the Mobile MPO's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP establishes the transportation programs that are needed to meet travel demand by the study year and study area. LRTP projects that become funded are moved into the TIP and submitted to the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), where they are programmed into the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). For MPO projects, TIP project selection is based on priorities established by MPO member governments and the availability of funds through the Surface Transportation Attributable program. For other projects, ALDOT has discretion of project funding based on availability of funds from various types of funding categories. Most often, projects in the TIP are derived from the LRTP. The TIP guides ALDOT in its annual allocation of funds for transportation improvements and becomes a part of the STIP.
ArcGIS Online is now being utilized by MPO staff to map all federally funded surface transportation projects within our area. Check it out.
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SARPC Annual Meeting and Strategic Session |
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SARPC’s Annual Meeting and Strategic Session was held on January 12-13th at the Grand Hotel and Spa in Point Clear. This event was well attended by elected and appointed officials, SARPC Board members and staff, and sponsors. Programs and presentations included current updates from ALDOT, Alabama State Port Authority, Mobile Airport Authority, Department of Senior Services, and Economic Development reports from representatives from SARPC’s tri-county region as well as a Legislative update from eight (8) Alabama House and Senate Representatives. SARPC thanks all who attended and our sponsors who make the event possible. If you missed it this year, please make plans to join us next year.
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The City of Bayou La Batre has recently completed a shoreline stabilization project named the Lightning Point Project, a coastal restoration project the city has been working on with the Nature Conservancy since 2019 to create a coastal barrier that will restore, enhance and protect the shoreline habitats of the area. New public amenities were also installed at Lighting Point as part of the project which included new walkways, trails, pavilion, picnic tables and an ADA accessible fishing platform. |
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In addition to these environmental improvements, the city has begun a new economic development project at Lightning Point named the City Docks Redevelopment Project. Construction on the new $29 million dollar economic development project will begin in Spring 2023. The property is currently zoned Heavy Industrial and SARPC Planners are working with the BLB Planning Commission on implementing the needed rezoning changes, which will allow for commercial and eco-tourism land use activities. The economic development project will create three districts: a Market District, Marina District and a Lightning Point District, all of which will create economic growth and open up the waterfront to the public. Plans include fresh seafood markets, oyster restoration areas, bait shops, boat slips, boat storage, and numerous eco-tourism opportunities! The project is funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE ACT). To learn more about the project, visit BayouLaBatreCityDocks.com.
Below is a rendering of the City Dock’s Master Plan. Congratulations to the City of Bayou La Batre for these accomplishments in their community!
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The City of Semmes is GROWING! In addition to annexing new properties and growing their city limits, the city has a new Public Safety Complex, an 8,000 square foot state-of-the-art building to house the city’s Police Officers and Fire Fighters. In October, they established their new Police Department and swore in their first 4 Police Officers. With the establishment of the city-owned Police Department, the city is able to shift their $1.6 million contract they have with Mobile County Sheriff’s Office to their own Police Department enabling them to hire more officers and grow the department. Additionally, the city recently moved their City Hall to its new location at 1 Main Street in Semmes. The new Municipal Complex Semmes City Hall along with the city’s administrative offices and the Building Department. Congratulations to the City of Semmes on all their recent accomplishments and improvements! |
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The following funding agencies are currently accepting grant applications for community development projects, transportation and infrastructure projects, job creation, workforce development, and economic development projects, and more. Please contact Nicole Taylor, Director of Community Development for more information or if interested in applying for any of these opportunities at ntaylor@sarpc.org or (251) 706-4659.
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Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) |
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The State was recently awarded $311,732,000 via the federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-43) to improve the disaster recovery and mitigation efforts in the State’s most impacted and distressed areas resulting from Hurricanes Sally and Zeta that occurred in 2020, which includes all of Mobile and Baldwin counties as well as the 36502 zip code in western Escambia County. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated the CDBG Disaster Recovery funds and ADECA is the State Administering Agency for these funds. The grant will provide funding to communities to build long-term resilience to natural disasters and meet impacts of climate change – with a specific focus on low-income and moderate-income populations – by directing expenditures on disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing, economic revitalization, and mitigation.
ADECA is in the early stages of developing a plan to guide the grant process for these funds. In the coming months, the agency will lead public meetings to gather feedback as part of the plan’s development. The final plan will include details on the types of recovery projects, eligibility for local governments and the application process. After the plan is approved by HUD, ADECA will begin the application process.
Information regarding the funds and the planning process will be posted to the CDBG Disaster Recovery page of ADECA’s website which is available HERE.
Check this website often for updated information as the plan is developed.
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USDA Seeks Applications to Support Regional Economic and Community Development Planning |
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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced that USDA is seeking applications to implement regional economic and community development projects to create thriving communities in rural America. This funding is available under the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) initiative and authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. Learn more about SECD and this opportunity at the following link HERE.
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White House Announces Roadmap for Nature-Based Solutions to Address Climate Change and Strengthen Local Communities |
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The Biden-Harris Administration released the Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap, an outline of strategic recommendations to address climate change and nature loss, build community resilience, and strengthen local economies. The Roadmap outlines strategic areas of focus, which includes unlocking funding, training the nature-based solutions workforce, and prioritizing innovation and adaptive learning to advance solutions. Access the Roadmap and learn more at the following link HERE.
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NOAA Releases Practitioner’s Guide to Implementing Resilience: |
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NOAA and its partners have released Implementing the Steps to Resilience: A Practitioner's Guide, a handbook for national climate resilience. The resource is designed to help climate adaptation practitioners work with local governments and community organizations to incorporate climate risk and equity into their long-term decision making. Copy and paste the following link you’re your browser to download the guide HERE. |
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The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development just released a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
This joint planning resource guide for rural America will better equip communities with an easy to access and easy to use tools to maximize the work of providing greater and inclusive economic prosperity across our country. The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus areas:
- Planning and technical assistance
- Infrastructure and broadband expansion
- Entrepreneurship and business assistance
- Workforce development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and resources.
VIEW THE JOINT PLANNING RESOURCE GUIDE FOR RURAL AMERICA HERE.
The White House released a technical assistance guide to help state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments access resources from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The 56-page document includes information for programs related to transportation, high-speed internet, water, power grid and clean energy, resilience, environmental remediation, and place-based initiatives.
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data.census.gov
Data.census.gov is the primary platform to access data and digital content from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census continuously updates data.census.gov with new data from the most popular survey and programs that provide the following data needs:
- Educational materials
- Learn about Microdata Access and the Census Data API
- Request a data.census.gov training: ced.cedsci.outreach@census.gov
- Request a training for your local area: census.askdata@census.gov
- Ask your questions: census.data@census.gov
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Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official (CAPZO): |
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UNA Center for Learning and Professional Development & The Alabama Planning Institute offers regular training opportunities via ZOOM. For more information on upcoming trainings, send email to lgatlin@una.edu or call 256-627-3566 to check on your certification or recertification.
CAPZO Certification gives evidence to your community that you have gained the knowledge and skills needed to serve most effectively in your appointed planning position. Your community, in turn, benefits from having its staff, local officials, PC, and BZA members with a solid foundation in the operations of the commission and the board.
WHO SHOULD BECOME CERTIFIED? Local Planning Commission Members, Board of Adjustment Members, Mayors, City Council Members, Zoning & Building Staff, City Clerks, County Commissioners, County Administrators, County Engineers, City & County Attorneys, or anyone involved with local planning and growth issues.
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Upcoming Grant Opportunities and Events |
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DRA SEDAP Grant Opportunity (Escambia County Only) |
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The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) will open their SEDAP Grant in March for infrastructure projects and business and workforce development project in Escambia County. SARPC Planners will attend the required workshop in Memphis on February 1st.
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ACAMP Grant Opportunity (Mobile and Baldwin Counties Only) |
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), along with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will open their ACAMP Grant in early Spring 2023. This funding opportunity is eligible for the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) areas of Mobile and Baldwin Counties and provides funding for planning projects, water access improvement projects, and educational outreach projects. SARPC Planners will notify you soon as the announcement is released. |
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ADECA will hold an information meeting in Brewton on January 26th to discuss the ALABAMA COMMUNITY BROADBAND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM- OUTREACH AND DELIVERY PLAN. Escambia County is one of the top 10 counties in the state to be included in the first phase of this program. The program is designed to accelerate Alabama counties for Broadband deployment and to provide technical assistance to help communities prepare for broadband deployment and digital opportunities. More information will be forthcoming.
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Employment and Economic Development Services |
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SARPC Staffing Service
SARPC Staffing Service is hosting a Virtual Job Fair on February 2nd. The Zoom event will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Available positions include an Equipment Operator ($24.53 - $27.41 per hour), Landscape ($14.35 per hour) and a Volunteer Support Coordinator ($12 per hour).
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When starting a small business, it is not all about the money. It is about having a plan. This is especially true when applying for funding. Not only is a business plan required by the lending organizations, it used to keep the business on track and maintain success.
This plan is not a document to be left on the shelf. It should be a guide to refer to as the days and years pass. This document reveals the targets that should be met to insure continued revenue and increase revenue trajectory. The business plan should also be reviewed and edited as the business and economy change and grow.
For assistance with compiling a business plan for a start-up or existing business, call the Small Business Development Center at 251-460-6078. Their services are free, but the value is enormous!
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Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) |
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The Senior Community Service Employment Program is a community service and work-based training program for older workers.
The program helps seniors transition into unsubsidized employment by providing the skills and knowledge needed to complete job search.
In the last 3 months, 4 participants have found employment after working with the SCSEP program. We have also added 2 new host agencies to our program—City of Satsuma and Dumas Wesley Community Center.
SCSEP is seeking seniors interested in enrolling in the program. Openings are available in the following counties: Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile. To be eligible, persons must be 55 years or older, unemployed and fall within 125% of the federal poverty income level.
Eligible participants are places at a host agency—nonprofit organization or government entity. While on assignment, participants work a 19.75-hour work week and receive a stipend of $7.25 an hour. Participants are eligible to participant in the program for up to four years, or until they find unsubsidized employment.
SCSEP is continually seeking to add more host agencies. It is requested that host agencies give an in-kind amount of $1,150 per participant; however, it is not required. The host agency provides the training, while the SCSEP Program directly pays the participants. SCSEP is responsible for worker’s compensation insurance and all related employment taxes.
It is important that EEDS staff go to events to network/market our programs and support our community partners.
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Cheryl Nicholls, Marketing Executive, attended the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council (SAWDC) Workforce Summit held at Bishop State Community college. Various business and industry and education partners attended the meeting. The guest speaker was Joel Holmes, General Manager from Veryable: An On-Demand Labor Solution company.
The mission of this company is to supply on-demand labor for manufacturing and logistics industries. The company touts itself as being able to provide well-qualified workers on an as needed basis in an effort to maximize efficiency and increase productivity. David Rodgers—Vice President of Economic Development with the Mobile Chamber—and Bridget Wilson—Executive Director with SAWDC—provided updates on the workforce landscape in the Mobile area.
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A Note from the Area Agency on Aging Director Julie McGee February is National Senior Independence Month - Let Us Help You Maintain Your Independence
The Mission of our agency is to provide “dignity & independence for the disabled, older adults & their caregivers.” Nothing is more precious to a Senior than having the resources they need to remain in their own home and in their own community.
We recognize February as National Senior Independence Month as a way to celebrate and promote the importance of retaining independence. Both AARP and National Council on Aging studies have found that Seniors maintaining their independence is their primary concern. Other priorities include being able to pay their bills, remaining as mentally and physically healthy as possible and avoiding isolation.
We can help alleviate all of these critical issues. Our Agency coordinates and offers services in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties that help older adults age with dignity, with support services it takes to make independent living a viable option. By making a range of supports available, we help to make it possible for Seniors and the disabled to choose the services and living arrangements that suit them best. Providing services to allows Seniors and the disabled to remain as independent as possible, provides a benefit to the entire community. These programs and services include:
- The Aging and Disability Resource Center Information/Assessment Hotline
- Health & Wellness Classes
- Home & Community Based Services
- Alabama Cares Caregiver Programs
- State Health Insurance Program
- Prescription Assistance
- Long Term Care Ombudsman
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Legal Counseling
- Senior Center Lunches and Health and Wellness Activities
- Home Delivered Meals
- Food Assistance (SNAP)
Some Seniors may think that participating in support programs creates dependency, but nothing could be further from the truth! If accessing services helps you pay less for medications, groceries and healthcare, you have a better chance of maintaining your independence. Reach out to our Agency and let us assess you for the benefits that you are entitled to. You can contact our ADRC at 251.706.4680 for information on all of our programs and services. Also, you can visit our website at: https://agingsouthalabama.org/
Let us help you live in dignity and maintain YOUR independence,
Julie
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Area Agency on Aging Impact Report
The Area Agency on Aging has released its Fiscal Year 2022 Impact Report. The report demonstrates how the Agency’s numerous programs and services have assisted citizens of Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties, and the benefits provided through statewide grants and partnerships.
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Participate In our Upcoming Events
A Reminder that Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment is January 1 – March 30
Free TCE Tax Preparation Services in Baldwin and Escambia Counties
Currently, scheduling appointments for sites.
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FEBRUARY
*** National Senior Independence Month
SHIP Medicare Assistance Program Tuesday, February 14 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mt. Zion Church.
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SHIP Medicare Assistance Program Thursday, February 16 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Westminster Village. |
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SHIP Medicare Assistance Program Thursday, February 28 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Hope Chapel AME Zion Church. |
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Caregiver College: Dementia 101 on Wednesday, February 28 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Parkway Senior Center. |
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MARCH
***National Senior Nutrition Month
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Dementia Friendly Alabama Memory Café Friday, March 17 from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at AAA Office/ GM&O Building, 2nd floor Training Room |
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Legacy Leadership Institute March 20-22 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the AAA Office/GM&O Building and the University of South Alabama Faculty Club. |
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COMING IN APRIL…
NEW TO MEDICARE?
MEDICARE MONTHLY WORKSHOPS BEGIN APRIL 4
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Tuesday, April 4 (Held first Tuesday of every month)
AAA Office/GM&O Building – 1st Floor Conference Center
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
With so many options and almost daily post cards arriving at your house, the choices can be confusing and overwhelming. If you are new to Medicare or turning 65 soon, we can help you navigate the process. The Area Agency on Aging’s SHIP monthly workshop covers Medicare basics, plan choices, and cost saving information, including prescription drugs. The SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Program offers free, unbiased information and is not affiliated with any private insurance companies.
MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION.
Call: 251.706.4680 or 1.800.243.5463
Email: jroberson@sarpc.org
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Program Spotlight: State Health Insurance Assistance Program |
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Overwhelmed by Medicare? Need to make sure you are maximizing your savings on prescription drugs? Then you need to reach out to the dedicated team of SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). SHIP is funded by the federal government to provide local assistance to people on Medicare about their insurance options and benefits. The SHIP Program offers free, unbiased information and is not affiliated with any private insurance company. SHIP can help you with: new Medicare enrollment; Medicare plan comparisons; eligibility for Medicare extra help with premiums and co-payments; Medicaid; information on Medicare prescription drug plans; and benefits, billing and claims, fraud, rights and protections. SHIP counseling services are available by phone, or you can make an appointment to talk to a SHIP counselor on staff. Information is also available through www.medicare.gov.
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Caregiving for the Young and Old |
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Recent studies have found there are 43 million adults in the United States who provide unpaid care to an adult or child. On average, a family caregiver will spend more than 24 hours caring for a loved one, though many report spending more than 40 hours per week.
Caregiving takes many forms, including the care of a spouse or partner and care of grandchildren (Grandfamilies.) In the Southern region, there are more than 4,000 households where Seniors are responsible for grandchildren living with them. While caregiving can be a genuinely rewarding experience, caregivers often feel overwhelmed, anxious and intimidated by their duties, facing issues such as:
Managing Time. Caregivers spend so much time on caregiving duties that they end up sacrificing the things they enjoy, like hobbies or vacations.
Financial Strain. Most family caregivers are “unpaid,” and they can start to feel financial strain, especially when caregiving takes them away from a paying job. The longer the family caregiver has been providing care, the more financial strain they feel.
Fear of Asking for Help. Many caregivers feel ashamed to ask for help from others. They feel they must assume the full caregiver burden as that asking for some assistance may be a sign of weakness. The caregiver in turn starts to feel guilty that they aren’t providing the best care that they could.
Depression and Isolation. A family caregiver is often at high risk for depression. Oftentimes, caregiving duties take up so much of their time that they no longer maintain social connections outside of the home.
It’s important to seek a balance between caregiving and your own life. More than 20% of caregivers report that their health has gotten worse as a result of caregiving. And, caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease seems to cause the most emotional stress.
The Area Agency on Aging’s Alabama Cares Program is designed to support those caring for the young and old. Services are provided through five basic areas: information, assistance, counseling, respite care and related supportive services. We can provide the support you need.
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COVID: Get Screened As Soon As Symptoms Begin |
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The sooner you act on your Covid symptoms, the better. If you test positive - and have health issues that can worsen your sickness from Covid - treatments are available to reduce your chances of severe illness.
CDC data shows the new Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines target both the original Coronavirus strain and some of the latest Omicron variants. The updated boosters are called bivalent vaccines, meaning two sets of instructions that teach the body to produce antibodies to fight off a coronavirus infection.
Don't Delay. Get tested as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Treatment must be started within days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
Reach Out. Contact to your doctor or healthcare provider right away to find out if treatment is right for you, even if your symptoms are mild. There are multiple options for treating Covid at home or in an outpatient setting.
New boosters can be administered two months after the last dose. The AAA is working with local health departments to provide access to vaccines and boosters for the homebound in Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties. For more information, contact the Aging Hotline at 251.706.4680.
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Progress in Planning and Quality of Life |
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SARPC/AAA Staff attended the State of the Cities meeting in Daphne, hosted by the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce. The mayors of Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort updated citizens on recreation, public safety, economic development and quality of life projects. |
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Seniors Who Volunteer Live Longer and Report Better Health |
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Volunteering as an older adult provides benefits to physical and mental health, and volunteers report better physical health than do non-volunteers. Volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older. Here are some ways getting engaged in volunteer work can improve your quality of life:
- Good for your mental health. Keeps the brain active, which contributes to mental health.
- Prevents loneliness and isolation. Getting out into the community promotes socialization.
- Gives you a feeling of purpose. Feel recharged with a new zest for life and motivation for setting and accomplishing other goals.
- Helps you make new friends. Meet new people with common interests and build friendships with like-minded peers.
- Gives you and loved ones a way to reconnect. Reconnect and strengthen your relationships by making meaningful memories to share with family members and friends.
- Increases physical activity. Keeps you moving, whether you are serving meals at a shelter, helping to clean up your local parks, or walking around the neighborhood with someone as a companion.
- Bridges the generation gap. Interacting with younger generations allows older adults to share important life lessons. And, volunteers can learn a thing or two from the younger generation.
- Helps you engage with old interests. Do you have an old hobby that has slipped to the wayside? Find a volunteer activity that includes something that you used to enjoy.
- Helps you learn new skills. Many activities allow you to try things you’ve never done before and learn new skills.
RSVP provides Seniors (55 and over) with meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences in Baldwin and Escambia counties. Volunteer opportunities include: disaster services; helping people reach financial independence; education; the environment; healthcare; companionship; and Veterans and military families. The program is structured to maximizes volunteer time, and provides support through a pre-orientation and on-site trainings. You can experience first-hand what Senior volunteers have found: “Giving back is good for the heart and mind!” Contact Dawne Biggs at 251.620.1462.
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO FIND RESOURCES FOR SENIORS, CAREGIVERS AND THE DISABLED
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Check us out of Facebook! |
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For more information about SARPC call 251-433-6541 |
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