The Minnesota Senior Corps Association (MnSC) is a professional membership organization that supports a unified mission of the Foster Grandparent Programs (FGP), Senior Companion Programs (SCP) and Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) throughout the state of Minnesota. The MnSC Association provides an infrastructure to achieve the highest standards possible in matching the skills, experience and talents of volunteers 55 plus to meet pressing community needs throughout the state. In 2009, the MnSC member programs represented 19,289 volunteers who served 2.7 million hours throughout Minnesota. The programs that comprise the MnSC include: * The Foster Grandparent Program: Foster Grandparent volunteers make significant contributions to the children and youth in their local community through their service of 15-40 hours per week. They serve at partnering agencies, such as schools, head start programs, daycares, homeless shelters and alternative learning centers. Foster Grandparents are mentors and tutors, providing children and youth with the extra time, encouragement and love to help them achieve their behavioral and academic goals. Last year, 913 Foster Grandparents spent 604,949 hours making an impact on the lives of 11,914 children and youth. ‘ *The Senior Companion Program: Senior Companion volunteers make independence a reality for those who are struggling to retain independence in their own life. These volunteers become a companion to a frail person, and help that person stay in their own home. Whether it's giving family members or caregivers much-needed time off, running errands or simply being a friend, they make a difference that strengthens and helps preserve an individual's independence. The contributions made by Senior Companions also help control the rising costs of health care. In 2009, 439 Senior Companions provided 261,882 hours of assistance to 2,292 seniors. *RSVP: Community members who choose to volunteer through the services of RSVP are provided with personalized placement services that match their skills, expertise, experience, schedules and passions with volunteer opportunities that meet pressing needs in their own community. Local nonprofit partners, who in many cases, are struggling to meet growing needs in a climate of shrinking resources, rely on RSVP to recruit and place volunteers within their organizations, to increase their impact in the community. Last year, 17,937 RSVP volunteers donated 1,823,105 hours of service to non-profits that help people of all ages. MnSC programs have a significant and direct local impact, recruiting, training and placing an increasing number of volunteers statewide. The MnSC plays a vital role in supporting the American culture of citizenship, service and responsibility. During this time of mounting social needs and renewed interest in citizen service, the MnSC plays an imperative role in implementing volunteer service. Since 1977, the MnSC has functioned as a statewide entity to support the growth, sustainability, innovation and adaptability of the Senior Corps programs throughout the state. MnSC Association members are uniquely positioned to positively influence volunteerism throughout Minnesota, with a demonstrated expertise and success in mobilizing volunteers 55 and over-currently the fastest growing and largest segment of our population. MnSC members serve as a referral service for volunteers on a statewide level, serving even the most rural populations in our state. In many cases, the MnSC programs serve as the conduit, referral source and implementer, allowing service agencies to reach persons living in isolated areas, who would otherwise be unable to access services. "Service isn't just for the young...so many people who are retired are at the prime of their lives...we need their skills and gifts to pass on to the next generation." -First Lady Michelle Obama President- Jennifer Halberg "By the year 2011, the large baby boom generation will begin to turn 65 and, for the next 25 years, the aging population will dominate the landscape of Minnesota," as cited in the Minnesota Department of Human Services report, Transform 2010: Preparing Minnesota for the Age Wave and Beyond. It states furthermore; “by the year 2030, the number of Minnesotans over the age of 65 will double, rising to 1.3 million, and older people will represent over 20% of the state's population...such a major shift in the age of our population has never happened before, and policymakers are preparing for both the opportunities and the challenges this change represents." The report concludes with six action steps to prepare for this significant change in the aging population of Minnesota, including, "Engage Minnesotans in vital aging opportunities-non-paid volunteer or civic engagement options-as they age." The MnSC Association is poised to have a significant impact on engaging Minnesotans in vital aging opportunities throughout the state, assuring that as we age, we are a part of the solutions, rather than the problems. The potential impact of volunteerism across all geographical areas and societal needs has only begun to be tapped. It is imperative that we continue to build this resource if we are to continue to enjoy a high quality standard of life for all citizens of Minnesota. Mora 2010-01-08T19:27:39Z 2009-12-14T19:34:54Z The Minnesota Senior Corp Association has an executive committee rather than a board. It consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. $3070.93 for 2009 320-679-9036 1) A new website will provide a perfect format to post information online and significantly decrease the information shared via printed publications which will save time and money, while reducing waste. It will provide a stage where the MnSC can demonstrate the impact of their services throughout the state through annual reports, stories, etc. 2) With the inclusion of an intranet, a new website will allow online training and decrease the need for travel to meetings with people from across the state. It would provide MnSC members with a common location to communicate online. 3) A new website will allow recruitment of more volunteers that can be placed in "green" initiatives across the state, which include opportunities that promote ecological responsibility including environmental awareness, recycling, energy conservation, community gardening, rain gardens, prairie restoration, seed collection, building homes using "green" materials, and more. 15 $400.00 A key structural component of the MnSC statewide marketing plan includes the need to create an interactive, highly resourceful website targeted towards increasing the number of new volunteers enrolled, while also enhancing the volunteer experience of current volunteers. Likely website components include; online video and resource materials as they pertain to the value of volunteering, volunteer opportunities, and stories of volunteers currently making a difference. In addition, volunteers will be able to submit their volunteer hours via the website, learn about additional volunteer opportunities, and submit success stories of their own. A user-friendly referral system will allow volunteers from across the state to access local program information regarding the MnSC program in their location. A new website will help to meet an increase in demand for volunteers, including those who are highly skilled and technologically savvy. Due to a higher demand for services on Minnesota's non-profits who are dealing with stagnant or decreased funding, they turn to the MnSC to provide volunteers to help them accomplish their mission. The website will also be an information resource for funders, donors and recipients of service. A section built-in for accepting online donations is desirable. A password protected intranet will act as a statewide MnSC member library of sorts, where members can post work plans, share successes and resources, discuss concerns and communicate with other MnSC members. We will also benefit from having links to sites such as the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Minnesota Board on Aging and other program partners. We are very open to new possibilities and suggestions. We would however, appreciate a website that is easy to maintain on an ongoing basis. We will designate individuals who will be responsible for ongoing website maintenance. /system/logos/15/normal/Senior_Corp_Logo_JPEG.jpg?1262802955 image/pjpeg Senior_Corp_Logo_JPEG.jpg 207453 2010-01-06T18:35:55Z The MnSC improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement in Minnesota- by supporting the growth, sustainability, innovation and adaptability of the Senior Corps programs, by striving to increase the number of new volunteers and by increasing the impact and value of volunteer service. Serving with local non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations and other groups, these 55 and over citizen volunteers help to build nonprofit capacity and meet the ever-changing needs in communities throughout Minnesota. MnSC focuses on a range of efforts to create new opportunities for Minnesotans to serve, emphasizing service within key state and national priority areas, increasing efficiency and accountability, supporting social innovation, and strengthening Minnesota's volunteer infrastructure. MnSC volunteers help seniors remain in their homes, mentor and tutor children and youth, build homes for low-income persons, feed the hungry, increase environmental awareness and community safety, respond to emergencies and disasters and much more. MnSC volunteers also serve children in foster care, children of prisoners, immigrants, adult ex-offenders and provide respite to caregivers. Whatever type of new or on-going needs that people in the community may have, senior corps volunteers make the difference. Minnesota Senior Corps Association (MnSC) 320-679-1080 $2679.75 for 2009. true true MN 105 S. Union St. 41-1957423 2010-01-11T21:06:27Z http://www.mnseniorcorps.org 55051