Role of AmeriCorps, senior program recognized

By John Howell
Posted 4/7/16

Scott Avedisian was one of 3,500 mayors and officials across the country who paid recognition to volunteers Tuesday as part of Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service.

The purpose of …

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Role of AmeriCorps, senior program recognized

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Scott Avedisian was one of 3,500 mayors and officials across the country who paid recognition to volunteers Tuesday as part of Mayor and County Recognition Day for National Service.

The purpose of the day – the fourth national celebration of its kind – is to bring awareness to the contributions of AmeriCorps and senior programs. Locally, the Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) and the Rhode Island Vet Corps, which is part of AmeriCorps, were recognized. Westbay Community Action runs both programs.

Westbay director Paul Salera said the two programs provide more than 150,000 hours of volunteer service annually to the community. Members of the RSVP, numbering 600, assist programs at 80 sites in Kent County, he said. RSVP members can be found assisting at schools, the Pilgrim Senior Center, youth organizations, and other groups. The Vet Corps, he said, helps veterans to connect with social services through veterans centers from Westerly to Woonsocket.

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service website, last year, 2,786 elected officials representing more than 150 million citizens participated in the third-annual recognition day. The initiative is led by the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, Cities of Service, and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

The mayor talked about the dedication of volunteers and their commitment to the organizations and people they assist.

“It is so important to take a little time and say thank you,” he said. “You will never know the impact you have.” He called Warwick “a very grateful city that says thank you to all of you.”

As an example of how community pulls together, Avedisian told of how a church emergency food pantry ran out of supplies on Monday. Calls were made to other churches and agencies that instantly stepped in to assist.

He said the partnership between agencies goes “unmatched” in the city.

One of the many who wear the hat of volunteer, Verteal “Vertie” Patterson, spoke of her experience. She started by assisting people with their taxes 15 years ago as a member of RSVP. She went on to become active with AARP, even testifying before state legislative committees on issues she believes important to senior citizens.

“I like being involved,” she said. She has no time for those who would sit back and complain and do nothing.

“Everybody needs to be involved to help their city and state,” she said. “It’s not begging.”

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