(NAPSA)—A year after severe storms devastated the Gulf Coast, manypeople arestill struggling to survive and get back on theirfeet. For example, it is estimated that as many as 128,000 older Ameri- cans were either displaced from their homes or otherwise affected by the two storms. Fortunately, some of these victims will be helped through new volunteer support. AARP Foundation, through its Partners for Independence project, is seeking volunteers to help older Americans affected by and still recovering from hurricanes Katrina andRita. Partners for Independence is a collaboration between the AARP Foundation and local charitable groups. The project was instituted in 2005 when the foundation received a Challenge Grant for $500,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service to engage boomer volunteers to provide support in states hit hardest by the hurricanes—Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. The funding is being used to motivate and grow the baby boomer volunteer base to help older adults affected by the hurricanes in rebuilding their lives by providing independent living services, home repair and modification, older-worker training and placement, consumer education and assistance. Volunteers can choose an area that works best with their interests and their schedule, as well as a volunteer locale that is in close It’s estimated that as many as 128,000 older Americans were either displaced from their homesor otherwise affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. proximity to their residency. They can volunteer for an hour, a day or a week. * Volunteer opportunities may include: Friendly visits * Telephone reassurance * Local transportation * * * Shopping and errands Light housekeeping Yard work Homerepair/modification Older-worker training Tax preparation Consumereducation AARP Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowermentfor older persons in need. Its goal is to enable lowincome homeownersto live independently and with dignity. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/foundation/pfi or call (800) OUR-AARP. ~--------------------------- OM. ---------------------------Note to Editors: April is National Volunteer Month.
