Interested in Helping the Elderly? Join WECARE

University Program Seeks Volunteers to Serve

October 8, 2009 :: No. 034

What:

Cal State Fullerton’s WECARE (Working to Enhance Care And Resources for Elders) program is currently recruiting volunteers for 2009-10. College students, baby boomers and retirees interested in working with seniors are encouraged to apply. The program is seeking 55 new volunteers this year. WECARE participants assist Orange County seniors with a range of services to help them live safe, healthy and independent lives.

When:

Prospective participants can attend one of the scheduled information sessions:
Friday, Oct. 16 - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 30 - 10 to 11 a.m.

Where:

Orange County Office on Aging 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building B, Santa Ana 92705

Background:

WECARE is a project of AmeriCorps, a national service program that recruits participants to become AmeriCorps members and make a pledge to provide service in their community for one year. WECARE began on campus in 2007 and is offered through the university’s Center for Internships & Community Engagement and the Institute of Gerontology, in partnership with more than 25 Orange County senior-serving community agencies, including the Orange County Office on Aging.

Benefits:

Participants are eligible for living allowances of up to $12,000 per year, depending on the number of hours served, to help offset costs associated with their service and also may be eligible for an educational award to pay for higher education expenses. The program offers flexible hours with full- and part-time positions available.

Additional:

Participants help to build and support senior-serving organizations that can benefit from their skills, talents and passion to assist the aging population in Orange County. They can choose to volunteer for a variety of activities to help seniors, such as teaching classes about navigating the health, social services and transportation systems; preparing and delivering meals; making home visits to homebound seniors; or disseminating information on healthy aging and community resources. Training sessions are offered throughout the year to give participants the skills and information needed to provide one-on-one services to seniors.

Program Partners:

WECARE community partners and host sites where members are placed include the Orange County Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Community SeniorServ, St. Jude Medical Center, Mission Hospital, along with local churches, senior centers and nonprofit senior agencies.

More info:

Contact Ashiya Kerr at 657-278-5192 or akerr@fullerton.edu, or visit the WECARE website.