Pennsylvania Department of Aging Recognizes Volunteers for National Volunteer Week

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging will recognize seven volunteers with the department's Volunteer Spotlight Award.

Volunteers who participate in volunteer programs were nominated by Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state, and were selected for their excellent customer service, reliability, service, superior job performance and positive impact on team or agency.  This is the second year the awards have been presented.

"Through our Volunteer Spotlight Award, we acknowledge the selfless efforts of ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary through volunteer service and who motivate others to follow their lead," said Acting Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne. "It's a privilege to recognize their commitment to serving older Pennsylvanians in their local communities. Their willingness to share their time and talent truly makes a difference."

Recipients of the department's Volunteer Spotlight Award along with the program they participate are as follows:

Dennis Sensenig – Ombudsman Program (Berks)
Carol Bumpus – Ombudsman Program (Chester)
Richard Macaluso – Ombudsman Program (Lawrence)
Virginia Crone – Home Delivered Meals Program (Lehigh)
Kenneth Goodling – AARP Tax Aide Program (Mifflin/Juniata)
Joshua Elks – Senior Community Center Program (Tioga)
Ron Croushore – Home Delivered Meals Program (Westmoreland)  

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to urge Americans to give their time to their community.  It's a time to inspire, recognize and encourage people to pursue imaginative ways to engage in their communities. At this time, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging recognizes the significance of volunteerism by honoring individuals for their outstanding service and volunteer efforts.

Volunteers offer assistance in senior centers, deliver meals to homebound individuals, provide counseling services through the APPRISE program and volunteer in the State Long-Term Ombudsman Program. The department encourages older adults who want to make a difference to consider the volunteer opportunities it has available at the department and through partner organizations.

For more information about these volunteer programs and the Volunteer Spotlight Award, visit aging.pa.gov. To learn more, visit www.volunteermatch.org

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1550

Editor's note:

PROCLAMATION
VOLUNTEER WEEK IN PENNSYLVANIA

WHEREAS, it has long been said "We are not honored by what we have received, but by what we have given"; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is exceedingly fortunate to count a mainstay of older volunteers among its 2.7 million residents age 60 and older; and

WHEREAS, anyone can become a volunteer; and

WHEREAS, while over 15,000 older adults participate in the three Senior Corps programs - Senior Companion, Retired Senior Volunteer and Foster Grandparent, many more older adults volunteer in their communities throughout the commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, these generous individuals apply their wellspring of experience, strength, and wisdom to a myriad of challenges aimed at improving the lives of people and their communities across the Commonwealth; and 

WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging relies on significant numbers of these volunteers, and those of all ages, who willingly devote their time and ingenuity to helping others; and

WHEREAS, the department administers beneficial programs to older Pennsylvanians through the 52 Area Agencies on Aging serving the 67 counties of the commonwealth: safeguarding elders from abuse and exploitation; advocating for residents' rights in long-term living facilities; providing essential health insurance counseling; coordinating transportation to medical appointments and more offices of daily life; serving home-delivered meals and daily nutritious lunches within the social setting of senior centers, in which the fellowship of creative, intellectual, cultural, athletic, educational  and fun-loving activities thrive; and

WHEREAS, in sustaining many of the services listed above, none would be possible without the inestimable contributions of volunteers, who constitute a priceless resource and treasure of our commonwealth.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim April 12-18, 2015, VOLUNTEER WEEK in Pennsylvania. I urge every resident to take this opportunity to honor not only older adults, but all volunteers for their service to our communities, and also, encourage others to consider becoming a volunteer.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this thirteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand and fifteen, and of the Commonwealth the two-hundred and thirty-ninth.                                   

Tom Wolf
Governor

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging