Preparing for the 2010 - 2011 Term of Service                

Welcome to Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps, serving Vermont elders and adults with disabilities in partnership with the state's Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).  Members are hosted around the state at the AAA offices, with part time regional coordinators for each AAA and a statewide program director.

Our mission is to serve elders and adults with disabilities by helping them continue to live at home in their communities; by engaging them in healthy aging programs; and by strengthening their connections with local organizations and volunteers.

Key activities for N2N members are:

• Building partnerships with community organizations that support elders ~ senior centers, meal sites, and senior housing facilities ~ to expand the capacity of these organizations and strengthen the network of support for seniors and adults with disabilities.
• Recruiting and managing adult and youth volunteers and directing them as they do friendly visits and a variety of services with seniors.
• Performing in-home services so elders can "age in place" and get assistance with household tasks, a minor repair job, weatherization, food shopping, or just have a friendly visit.  Volunteers are introduced for ongoing visits and services.
• Organizing and presenting healthy aging programs that bring elders together for physical activity, mental exercises and problem-solving, presentations on nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices, and to enjoy socializing.  Some programs are just one session and many continue for 6 - 8 weeks.  The intent is to have participants enjoy themselves, learn new information or expand their understanding, and possibly make a change in their lifestyle as a result of attending the program. 
• Finally, members build skills in the areas of leadership and human services, through training, teamwork, community service learning, coaching at the host Agency on Aging, and reflection with other members.

Neighbor to Neighbor AmeriCorps Program Director
Nancy Sherman - nsherman@cvcoa.org    802 476-2674     OR   1-800-642-5119

Central Vermont Council on Aging, 30 Washington St., Suite 1, Barre, Vt 05641

   Arm chair travel to Scotland with Celtic Music                 N2N member on MLK Day project