Washington, DC  -  Thanks to the long-standing volunteerism of area seniors, Tallapoosa and Coosa County citizens should soon be even better prepared for an emergency, under a grant announced today by Congressman Mike Rogers.

 

Central Alabama Community College’s Senior Corps, an all-volunteer program for citizens 55 and over, will be the recipient of a $15,000 grant to recruit twenty-five new volunteers, as well as work with the state Emergency Management Agency to help better prepare area residents for an emergency.

 

“Volunteerism embodies the American ideal of giving back to our community,” Rogers said. “These citizens are role models for us all, and I applaud their work for helping improve the lives and safety of all Tallapoosa and Coosa citizens.”

 

Newly recruited Senior Corps volunteers will help create a database of area special needs individuals, as well as receive training from the state Emergency Management Agency to assist with area emergencies. The new recruits will also help distribute emergency preparedness materials to local churches and community centers.

 

CACC’s Seniors Corps volunteers are some of the half a million seniors nationwide that provide a wide range of community services in areas such as homeland security, public safety, health, education, the environment and elder care. Senior Corps is administered by President Bush’s USA Freedom Corps and is overseen by the Corporation for National and Community Service.