Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced this week Dove, Inc., in Decatur, has received two federal grants for Senior Corps programs that help engage seniors in their communities. They will receive $70,268 for the Retired & Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and $86,750 for the Senior Companion Program through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).

“Dove, Inc does so many great things for the Decatur community, including organizing volunteers through Senior Corps,” said Davis. “The grants will help seniors and others who are retired stay engaged by connecting them with volunteer opportunities, like delivering Meals on Wheels, mentoring students, and providing other services.”

“Dove counts RSVP as one its most successful programs, having hosted the program since the mid-70s. RSVP members are key to supporting Dove and so many social service programs across Macon and DeWitt counties. We are so grateful to be funded again to keep this vital program growing and providing support to all our amazing RSVP volunteers,” said Barbara Blakey, Director of Volunteers and Community Relations, Dove, Inc. 

“We are also thrilled to be adding the Senior Companion Program to Dove’s programs, serving a great need in our area of providing companionship and respite for seniors and their caregivers in Macon County. Charlie Gillaspie, RSVP Program Director and all of Dove staff, look forward to the many many benefits this program will provide for area seniors.”

Senior Companion Awards

The Senior Companion Program (SCP) engages adults age 55 and over help other older adults, most of whom are homebound, live fuller, more independent lives. The Senior Corps volunteers provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks such as shopping or paying bills, and give respite to family caregivers. As a result, seniors are able to maintain their independence longer, allowing them to age in place, and their caregivers are able to take time to recharge or perform errands.

Senior Corps RSVP Awards

The RSVP Program is one of America’s largest volunteer networks for people 55 and older, engaging volunteers to use their skills and experience to tackle a diverse range of activities. Volunteers recruit and manage other volunteers, mentor and tutor disadvantaged children, respond to natural disasters, support workforce development by providing job readiness training, offer free tax preparation, and more.

More about Senior Corps

Each year, Senior Corps engages approximately 220,000 Americans 55 and older through its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, and RSVP programs – all addressing some of the nation’s most pressing challenges – everything from fighting the opioid epidemic, reducing crime and reviving cities, connecting veterans to jobs and benefits, preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, ensuring seniors age independently and with dignity, and helping Americans rebuild their lives following a disaster.

Senior Corps is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, which engages millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service each year through its Senior Corps and AmeriCorps programs and leads volunteer and civic engagement initiatives for the nation. For more information, visit nationalservice.gov.