Senior volunteers provide hands-on help to art program for veterans
May 16, 2016
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of the Midlands is excited to announce a partnership with Creative Journey, an art outreach program for veterans sponsored by the City of Columbia Art Center.
In its fourth year, Creative Journey provides veterans an opportunity to take monthly pottery or painting classes at no cost, thanks to community donations. RSVP of the Midlands will provide a corps of volunteers to help facilitate the program.
“Creative Journey provides a pathway to healing through the arts,” said Cultural Arts Specialist Brenda Oliver. “We are grateful for the work the RSVP volunteers will do to provide support and respite to veterans through art.”
RSVP is a part of the national Senior Corps program, and seeks to match volunteers ages 55 and older to opportunities in the community that match their interests and abilities.
“We are always looking for new volunteer opportunities for seniors and ways for them to be engaged in the community during their retirement years,” said Pam Dukes, executive director of Senior Resources, which is the local administrator of RSVP. “Our retirees have a lot of creativity and energy to give, and we know that veteran issues are near and dear to many of their hearts.”
Creative Journey is held the third Friday of each month at the Art Center. Sessions last approximately three hours. For more information about RSVP or to volunteer for the Creative Journey initiative, contact Beverly Brandt at 252-7734 x246. The program is also in need of pottery and painting supplies. To donate or learn more about Creative Journey, please contact Brenda Oliver at 545-3093.
About Senior Resources, Inc.
Senior Resources is a non-profit organization that coordinates services, provides resources and encourages the personal choices that allow Columbia’s senior citizens to remain independent. All activities, services and programs of the agency are geared toward promoting independent living, with the goal of helping seniors remain in their homes as long as possible through the support of staff and volunteers, and delaying or preventing institutionalization.
Since 1967, Senior Resources has served Columbia’s frail and elderly residents in three areas:
1) In-home services, including Meals on Wheels, home care, respite care, senior companion services, and case management;
2) Community-based services, including congregate meals, wellness centers, transportation, and physical fitness;
3) Volunteer services, including the Senior Companion program, Foster Grandparent program, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
With local, state and federal government funding, as well as contributions from United Way, personal donations and fundraising activities, Senior Resources offers a variety of programs so that our clients can select the assistance they need to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle.
