Fall 2023 VOL 4 No. 1

FALL 2023 VOL.4 / № . 1

You’re Invited : RSVP

The Official Newsletter For Members of RSVP OF WESTCHESTER

ALL NEW INSIDE:

RSVP Partner Profile Family Services of Westchester

The Power of Community Connection and Collaboration

Commemorate 9/11

by Doing Good Uniting Across Generations to Serve

Americorps Seniors Prohibited Activities Dos and Don’ts for RSVP Volunteers

PRINTED ON SUSTAINABLY SOURCED PAPER

Written

by Members of RSVP for Members of RSVP Editor-in-Chief Lew Koflowitz Newsletter Committee Advisors Cheryl Brandwein Jacqueline Cannino Guadalupe Fishman Ellin Greenstein Lew Koflowitz

All rights reserved ©2023 Publisher: Volunteer New York!

220 White Plains Road Tarrytown, NY 10591 c/o Alex Acaro Volunteer New York! is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee that has been host of the RSVP program in Westchester for over 50 years. Thank you to the tens of thousands of RSVP of Westchester members who have served since 1972.

Additional support for RSVP of Westchester is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, New York State Office for the Aging, and the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services.

To learn more or to join RSVP visit volunteernewyork.org/adults

2

fall 2023

Director’s Message “We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.”

- Winston S. Churchill

Dear RSVP Members, I am thrilled to be part of the RSVP of Westchester community! A community that is so committed, energetic, and vibrant.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I joined RSVP of Westchester last June, and I am inspired by you. I have more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, where I gained knowledge about the needs of the community and how to tackle them one at a time. I have witnessed firsthand how change can be made when people, organizations, and private and public sectors work together for a common cause. On a personal level, I am married and have one daughter.

I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet some of you at our Ice Cream Social and other events; and I hope to have the opportunity to meet many more of you in the future, if not all! I’ve enjoyed seeing many of you in action at Summer Reading Buddies, 9/11 Day of Service, Advisory Council Meetings, Booming Better Expo, and at Volunteer New York!’s office. Your compassion and dedication are helping to close the gap in lost learning; providing intergenerational interactions with children who otherwise would not know what it is to have the experience and warmth of a mature adult in their lives. I know how priceless that experience is, as I was fortunate to have my grandma in my life for 20 years. You are also helping fellow seniors by providing them with rides to medical appointments or food shopping, assisting in food pantries, providing companionship and so much more. If that is not love for humanity, I do not know what it is!

We, at RSVP of Westchester, are busy: we are planning workshops for the upcoming months, new member orientations, and other opportunities. Be on the lookout for registration information.

All of you thrive on using your time, experience, and knowledge to be of service to others, and you continue to make a meaningful and positive impact in the community. Thank you! I am looking forward to being part of this amazing journey.

Warmest regards,

Guadalupe M. Fishman Director, RSVP of Westchester Volunteer New York!

Read this issue and all past issues online at www.volunteernewyork.org/rsvp

Editor’s Corner Dear RSVP Members, It’s great to be back with you for another year of volunteering to benefit our fellow Westchester residents. I want to welcome our new RSVP Director, Guadalupe Fishman, who is off to a great start in putting her imprint on RSVP of Westchester.

This issue of You’re Invited: RSVP is devoted to “the power of community and connection.” Here you will read about the many activities RSVP volunteers have participated in throughout 2023.

Jackee Cannino tells you about many of the activities in which RSVP members participated as part of 9/11 Days of Service this year. And Ellin Greenstein gives us a first-hand account of how she brought her grandchildren to the 9/11 events so that they will carry on the tradition of volunteering.

Cheryl Brandwein writes about the many collaborations and partnerships in which RSVP members participated this year, where “the power of community” is expressed in helping fellow Westchester residents of all ages. This includes our Lost Learning initiative, designed to help students recover both academically and emotionally from the impact of the COVID pandemic.

To carry on our tradition of highlighting RSVP stations, we are covering the many services and volunteering opportunities at Family Services of Westchester (FSW).

We want to hear from you -- your comments, and particularly your ideas for future articles.

In fact, if you have a good idea for an article, you may want to write for an upcoming issue.

You can reach out to me at lewkof@hotmail. com. You can also contact Cheryl Brandwein, Program Manager, RSVP of Westchester, at: cheryl@volunteernewyork.org or 914-227-9302.

Looking forward to a great year in volunteering.

Sincerely, Lew Koflowitz

9/11 Day of Service: Uniting Across Generations to Serve

By Ellin Greenstein I am so lucky as a grandparent that two of my six grandchildren live nearby.

It’s not unusual for us to get together often to do a variety of fun things like bowling, the beach, crafts, and even the library. But we usually don’t do “after school” or go to places that aren’t really in the kids’ wheelhouse.

Fast forward to early September 2023, when I saw an opportunity to volunteer on the Day of Service related to the 9/11 tragedy. Volunteering always makes me feel good. My heart grows fuller when I reach out in even a small way.

Hoping to pass on the volunteering gene to my grandchildren, I was “taken” by an activity that seemed right up their alley...a craft project in which they created “Linus Blankets” for children who had to enter or stay in the hospital.

My grandchildren were excited, but a bit apprehensive, when I shared my idea that we go to the Westchester County Center and help out on this project. They “got” that the blankets would make these kids feel comforted at a time of need, but they didn’t quite get where WE were going and how it would all pan out.

From the moment we entered the Day of Service venue, everything was perfect. We were greeted so warmly and were brought to a table where our “mission” was explained and demonstrated. The kids were very excited, worked diligently, and completed the task. They completed a number of blankets in the time we were there, and while we were working, we had the time to talk a little about 9/11. The kids shared what they knew, including that there’s a book about 9/11 written from a child’s perspective from the children’s series called “I SURVIVED.” It was interesting to hear from them!

During our visit, the kids got lots of positive feedback from everyone in the room and were pleased with their own accomplishments.

For me, I’m hoping that I’ve planted the volunteering seed in them and that they’ll not only see the value of helping others but will CHOOSE to do so as they travel along the road to adulthood. That would be a job well done on all accounts!!

volunteernewyork.org/adults

3

9/11: Never Forget, Commemorate by Doing Good

By Jackee Cannino September 11, 2023 marked the twenty-second anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and our country. It was a painful remembrance for all of us, and most especially for those who were, and continue to be affected by the tragic events of 9-112001. I, as many of you, will never forget that fateful day. What is so memorable, amidst the pain, sorrow, sadness, and devastation, is the camaraderie, connectivity, community and caring that enveloped our families, communities, and country. We will “never forget,” but I ask, how do we remember?

Remembrances are held in varied and meaningful ways in communities throughout our County. Volunteer New York! has been holding a community-wide 9/11 Day of Service for the past thirteen years! Although venues and types of opportunities may change, the overriding goal is to bring volunteers together to “do good in memory” of those lost on 9/11. This year, the events took place over a three-day period, September 8, 9, and 11.

A variety of activities were held at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, where groups and individual volunteers displayed their commitment to “do good” for others. There were parents with children, grandparents with grandchildren, individuals with

4

intellectual and developmental challenges and groups. Among the activities available were making no-sew fleece blankets for Project Linus; creating cards for our troops, to be donated to United for the Troops; producing laundry sachets for Hope Community Services in New Rochelle, and preparing literacy kits which will be donated to early childhood programs at WJCS (Westchester Jewish Community Services).

In addition, fifty-four pints of blood were collected during a Blood Drive, potentially saving the lives of 138 patients in area hospitals. The CPR Workshop registered 56 attendees, who learned lifesaving Hands-Only CPR. Monroe College’s Feed the Funnel program brought together 300 community members to “do good.” Working alongside Monroe students to pack 51,000 meals that were distributed to the New Rochelle community.

For those with a spirit for the outdoors, there were multiple opportunities in parks throughout Westchester and Rockland. In Rye, invasive Japanese Stilt Grass was removed; volunteers in Croton picked up 135 pounds of trash; at ONWG (Our New Way Garden), potatoes and tomatillos were harvested.

Tibbets Brook Park was made ready for the planting of 100 trees with the removal of 500 square feet of invasive species. At D.I.G Farm, volunteers readied three 100 feet x 3 feet rows of land in preparation for winter. Visitors to Rockland Farm Alliance will receive a special surprise as they view the

500 feet of lighting to be strung, thanks to the installation of 45 metal posts installed by 9/11 volunteers. In addition, tarps were removed from 2,000 strawberry plants in preparation for next year’s plantings.

Invasive species were removed from Teatown Lake Reservation and replaced with locally grown native shrubs and wildflowers.

As an RSVP member and volunteer at Volunteer New York!’s 9/11 Day of Service, I experienced the community, connections, and collaboration that this day of remembrance hopes to foster. There were introductions, smiles and hugs as individuals reconnected or met for the first time. Opportunities were available for all ages, abilities, and interests.

The RISE program (Readiness thru Integrated Service Engagement) coordinated the participation of 56 individuals in this Day of Service. This program connects adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to community nonprofits where they build skills while volunteering.

On a personal level, my adult daughter looks forward to creating no-sew blankets each year. Despite her intellectual challenges, she can participate and feel good about herself, while helping others.

It is evident that when people come together with a shared vision and purpose, remarkable things can happen. We will never forget 9/11. But we will remember that fateful day through community, connections, and collaboration!

volunteernewyork.org/adults

5

The Power of Community

By Cheryl Brandwein Community collaboration and partnerships are powerful. RSVP members showcase the power of community spirit every day through their service.

Your dedication and volunteerism are a compelling reminder of how much stronger we are when we work together. Recent local events highlight the immeasurable impact of RSVP and its “people power,” the importance of collaboration and partnership, and how Volunteer New York! mobilizes and inspires our community to address its greatest challenges.

The RSVP Lost Learning initiative to help local students disparately impacted by the pandemic has provided academic, social, and emotional support at this critical moment in history. As part of a multi-year partnership with four nonprofit organizations helping Westchester students to bridge the education gap, RSVP held an intergenerational literacy event with Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) at their White Plains summer camp.

LUW is an RSVP partner with a mission to support local families who have lost housing and are struggling to meet basic needs. RSVP volunteers distributed literacy kits, handcrafted by dedicated volunteers at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., underlining the united strength of community. The “rainbows,” LUW’s elementary school-age campers, savored this special program with RSVP, and the event was a compelling testament to our shared commitment to uplift and empower local students.

6

RSVP joined New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson and the New Rochelle Office for the Aging, for a volunteer appreciation lunch at one of our RSVP partner stations, the Hugh Doyle Senior Center. RSVP members and other volunteers were recognized for their outstanding work supporting the Center’s vibrant nutrition, recreation, and computer programs for seniors in New Rochelle.

We were delighted to celebrate their dedication to community.

RSVP participated this year in Westchester County’s annual month-long celebration of the rich contributions of our 55-andolder population at three Salute to Seniors events at local parks across the County. Providing resources, smiles and connections, we were thrilled to be a part of this vibrant community event and connect with many of our nonprofit partners including DOROT, Family Services of Westchester-RideConnect and the Family Service Society of Yonkers.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

-- Margaret Mead

RSVP was thrilled to recognize volunteers from Volunteer New York!’s Readiness through Integrated Service Engagement (RISE) program. RISE connects adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills through volunteering. Each week, RISE volunteers with the Young Adult Institute (YAI) make special handmade birthday cards for our RSVP members. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities, and the RISE-RSVP partnership in the birthday card project is one such opportunity. To date, RISE volunteers have made over 1,000 BIRTHDAY CARDS!

Rea

l

E R L O V for

S V PB ' D A Y r d s Ca

“I appreciate the effort and skills put into the beautiful cards. Thanks for your efforts!”

-- Carol Angelilli “For my birthday, you created a lovely card. It still sits on our shelf so we can enjoy it. Thank you very much.”

-- Virginia Bender “Just this week I received one of the birthday cards created by RISE. It was truly lovely. Please let the volunteers know that Hallmark better watch out because RISE can easily compete with them!!! Thank you.”

-- Ellie Eidam

RSVP nonprofit partners gathered in August to extend a heartfelt welcome to our new Director of RSVP of Westchester, Guadalupe Fishman. The excitement in the room was palpable as they discussed initiatives planned for the coming months and the important role of RSVP volunteers because of the unique knowledge, skills and experiences they bring. Stay tuned as RSVP and its partner nonprofit organizations continue to unveil new opportunities for RSVP members to serve our community and make a lasting impact!

RSVP conducted outreach at the Westchester Public-Private Partnership Livable Communities event at the Mount Pleasant Community Center. Along with many of our nonprofit partners, we engaged our neighbors 55 and older in conversations to highlight the importance of community service and the cognitive and physical health benefits of volunteering. As we say, volunteers live longer and smile more!

RSVP members came together at a pavilion in Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale to celebrate the end of the summer with a fun ice cream social. We were delighted to gather again to socialize and catch up with each other in such a lovely and relaxed setting.

“I just received my birthday card from RISE-RSVP, and it was lovely. It was so nice to be thought of on my special day. Many thanks to everyone at the birthday card project.”

-- Alissa Jacobson

Thank you to everyone who supports and contributes time through RSVP to create and foster these wonderful community connections and collaborations!

Volunteering is one of the best ways to remain engaged, improve quality of life and create social connections. RSVP members exemplify Margaret Mead’s quote, cited to the left, that thoughtful and committed citizens can make a difference and change the world!

“Thank you, RISE volunteers for caring, sharing, creating, and coming together to celebrate others!! Everyone loves birthdays and receiving birthday cards. But receiving a homemade piece of art, by volunteers, is most special!

I look forward to, once again, receiving one of your creations in June.”

-- Jackee Cannino "I received a YAI birthday card a few months ago and loved that it was homemade.

The colors were beautiful too.

Keep up the good work! " -- Elaine Chiamulera

Care Management Seniors consult with an FSW Care Manager who provides personalized information about services for seniors in Westchester and Southern Putnam Counties, such as mental health care, and local activities and amenities. The Care Manager can also make quick referrals to specific programs and services.

RSVP Partner Profile:

Family Services of Westchester: Many Services And Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors

By Lew Koflowitz Family Services of Westchester (FSW), with one of the broadest arrays of community services of any Westchester-based nonprofit, provides many services that directly assist our senior population.

At the same time, FSW also offers older adults numerous opportunities to volunteer for the benefit of others in our community.

FSW, which has been operating in the County since 1954, offers the Westchester community nearly 50 programs in mental health and social services “that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of their lives,” according to the FSW website. FSW serves 30,000 individuals annually.

The service programs are grouped under several major headings: Adults: Senior Services, Restorative Justice, Veterans Outreach and Support Children and Youth: Adoption and Children’s Services, Early Childhood Programs, Therapeutic Foster Care, and Youth Programs.

Families: Family Mental Health Centers, HIV/AIDs Programs, Strengthening Families.

FSW’s Senior Programs FSW’s Senior programs, overseen by Nicolle Brunale, Director of Senior Programs, include the following: RideConnect RideConnect is a very popular program that provides older adults in Westchester with free transportation to medical and other appointments, as well as for shopping. Transportation is provided by volunteer drivers using their own cars. Transportation reimbursement is available to RSVP members 60 and older who live in Westchester County.

8

Elder Abuse Prevention FSW’s Elder Abuse and Victim Assistance Program works with adults 50 and older to provide family interventions, peer support, program information, and referrals. The program collaborates with both survivors of abuse and community members, to proactively promote safety among survivors through home and offsite visits, case management, counseling and referrals to appropriate service providers.

Gatekeeper The Gatekeeper program assists and engages older adults who live in the community, but who may be at risk for mental health issues such as depression, and may benefit from case management services.

Livable Communities Connections Livable Communities Connections is an initiative of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) that creates community hubs to coordinate programs and advocacy activities for seniors. A regional coordinator connects networks of people with shared interests in issues concerning aging and seniors, such as mobility options, housing, safety and security for residents, community centers, and general quality of life.

Outreach Presentations Through this program, FSW provides guest speakers who make educational presentations to community groups on topics that matter most to older adults, their caregivers, communities, and service providers.

Veteran Support Services In addition to programs specifically aimed at seniors, FSW operates Veteran Support Services that encompass veterans who are seniors.

Vet2Vet is a peer-to-peer support and suicide prevention program offering social activities, support gatherings, and mentorship for veterans, active duty, reservists and their families and caregivers in settings throughout Westchester County. Case management services are also offered to support veterans and their families. The program, established at FSW in 2012, serves approximately 1,200 individuals annually. For further information about this program, Contact Andrea Molina, MBA, USMC, Director of Veterans Services/Vet2Vet, 914-358-4240 or Amolina@fsw.org.

Recovery Connections Through this brand-new program, FSW’s staff will augment their basic responsibilities by meeting the needs of seniors recovering from substance abuse (e.g., opioids, heroin, prescription medications, alcohol). The program will screen all incoming referred individuals for substance use concerns. Education and care plans include Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT), coping with symptoms, and making informed and healthy choices. The program also emphasizes the importance of safely managing prescription medications as well as strategies to help seniors increase independence and financial stability. Seniors in recovery are encouraged to share their wisdom through volunteerism, reflecting that anyone in recovery can meaningfully and purposefully help others.

“This program is just getting off the ground, using opioid crisis money,” says Brunale. “We get funding to help seniors in recovery from addictions, including pain killers, alcohol, heroin, and prescription medication abuse.” Referrals to this program can come from doctors, adult protective services, and from other senior programs, Brunale says.

Volunteering at FSW FSW always has a need for volunteers, and seniors make up a significant proportion of the organization’s volunteer corps, says Wendy Armstrong, Senior Manager of Volunteer Services. Wendy took on this newly created position this past March, after leaving the position of Director of RSVP of Westchester.

In her current position, Armstrong and her team recruit volunteers from across Westchester by attending conferences, expos and the like, including many meetings aimed directly at seniors. In addition, she acts as a clearing house for requests for volunteers from FSW’s many programs, as well as inquiries from individuals who wish to volunteer.

Recent Volunteer Opportunities from FSW: Volunteer Drivers for RideConnect Drive seniors to doctors’ appointments, the hairdresser, the mall – just about anywhere throughout Westchester and Putnam counties.

Paint Night Art Project Prep for Veterans Every other Friday volunteers will pull together, and pack supplies for the Zoom sessions in the Center for All Ages.

Receive and Distribute Donated Food at White Plains Head Start Centers Two Fridays a month throughout the school year, the Interfaith Food Bank in Scarsdale delivers bagged food to the Head Start Centers in White Plains that families take home for the weekend. One Friday, volunteers are needed at the Rochambeau Center, and on the other, some volunteer at Eastview and North Street.

Volunteer Classroom Assistants in the Head Start Centers Head Start Centers across the County need volunteers to assist in the classroom. Groups are welcome to help students with reading and other activities.

Volunteer Classroom Assistants in the Prime Time Program Both centers in White Plains need volunteers to assist with the special education children.

Volunteer Outreach Ambassadors Attend outreach events throughout Westchester and assist staff at tabling events.

Join the Adopt-a-Family Efforts • Choose a family (or more) for whom you’ll buy gifts.

• Spend a few hours during the week of December 11 receiving donations and handing out gifts to case workers.

The Bottom Line Whether you’re looking for assistance in your personal life, or you want to volunteer, Family Services of Westchester is a good place to consider. For further information about FSW, please consult the FSW website www.FSW.org. For inquiries about volunteering at FSW, contact Wendy Armstrong, Senior Manager of Volunteer Services at: 914-305-6877 or wendy.armstrong@fsw.org.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs • Assist in the classrooms with activities such as: ○ Playtime and circle time ○ Mealtime and snack time ○ Naps and toileting • Read with the children and do a craft • Engage with parents • Run a drive for: ○ New books ○ Toys and games ○ Educational items ○ Diapers • Sort and deliver donations

volunteernewyork.org/adults

9

X Prohibited Activities AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

We – volunteers, station partners and staff – are required to be aware of the following special limitations on our actions and activities under the rules of the RSVP program, including prohibited activities, and in accordance with the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Program Operations Handbook.

Political Activities – There is a prohibition against using AmeriCorps grant funds for lobbying activities. 1) No part of any grant may be used to finance, directly or indirectly, any activity to influence the outcome of any election to public office, or any voter registration activity. 2) No project may be conducted in a manner involving the use of funds; the provision of services, space, or facilities; or the employment or assignment of personnel in a manner that identifies the project with: a) Any partisan or nonpartisan political activity associated with a candidate, or contending faction or group, in an election; or b) Any activity to provide voters or prospective voters with transportation to the polls or similar assistance in connection with any such election; or c) Any voter registration activity except that voter registration applications and nonpartisan voter registration information may be made available to the public at our premises. But in making registration applications and nonpartisan voter registration information available, employees of Volunteer New York! (VNY) and volunteers may not express preferences or seek to influence decisions concerning any candidate, political party, election issue, or voting decision. 3) No AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer or VNY employee or volunteer station may take any action, when serving in such capacity, with respect to a partisan or nonpartisan political activity that would result in the identification or apparent identification of AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP with such activity. 4) VNY may not use grant funds for any activity that influences the passage or defeat of legislation or proposals by initiative petition.

Restrictions on State or Local Government Employees

– VNY is not a state or local government agency.

However, restrictions are applicable to a state or local government agency with a grant from AmeriCorps principally employed in certain activities. The restrictions are not applicable to employees of educational or research institutions. Employees subject to these restrictions may not: 1) Use their official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or nomination for office; 2) Directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, or advise a state or local officer or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes; or 3) Be a candidate for elective office, except in a nonpartisan election. (“Nonpartisan election” means an election in which none of the candidates is to be nominated or elected as representing a political party any of whose candidates for Presidential elector received votes in the last preceding election at which Presidential electors were selected.)

Religious Activities – 1) AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and project staff funded by AmeriCorps may not give religious instruction, conduct worship services, or engage in any form of proselytization as part of their duties. 2) VNY or volunteer stations may retain independence and may continue to carry out their missions, including the definition, development, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs, provided that they do not use AmeriCorps Seniors funds to support any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization, as part of the programs or services funded. If an organization conducts such activities, the activities must be offered separately, in time or location, from the programs or services funded under AmeriCorps Seniors.

Service Assignments in Connection with Religious Activities – While AmeriCorps Senior programs may not provide religious instruction, conduct worship, or proselytize as part of service, volunteers may drive a client or beneficiary to a religious service, provided this activity is part of the volunteer’s service activity description. A volunteer may remain with a client who is attending a religious service if the activity is part of the agreed upon volunteer assignment. In other words, if an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer and their client want the volunteer to accompany the client to a religious service as part of the volunteer’s service activity, and if the AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer is not responsible for conducting a religious service, the volunteer is not engaged in prohibited activity. The volunteer, though, cannot lead any part of the religious service.

Non-Discrimination – Any program, project, or activity to which AmeriCorps supported volunteers are assigned is deemed to be receiving federal financial assistance. 1) VNY and its employees may not discriminate against an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer, or with respect to any activity or program, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, or military service. 2) VNY will take affirmative action to overcome the effects of prior discrimination. Even in the absence of prior discrimination, VNY may take affirmative action to overcome conditions which resulted in limited participation.

Labor and Anti-Labor Activity – No grant funds may be directly or indirectly used to finance labor or anti-labor organization(s) or related activity.

Non-Displacement of Employed Workers and Non-Impairment of Contracts for Service – An AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer may not perform any service or duty or engage in any activity which would otherwise be performed by an employed worker or which would supplant the hiring of or result in the displacement of employed workers, or impair existing contracts for service.

Prohibition on Fee-for-Service – Under no circumstances may an AmeriCorps Seniors volunteer receive a fee for service from service recipients, their legal guardian, members of their family, or friends. No person, organization, or agency may request or re-

ceive any compensation for services of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. There is a general prohibition against grantees and volunteer stations requesting or receiving any compensation for the services of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. This prohibition is sometimes referred to as the “fee-for-service” prohibition.

No agency or organization to which volunteers are assigned hereunder, or which operates or supervises any volunteer program hereunder, shall request or receive any compensation from such volunteers or from beneficiaries for services of volunteers supervised by such agency or organization. Questions about fee-for-service will be addressed by contacting our AmeriCorps portfolio manager.

Nepotism – Persons selected for AmeriCorps Seniors project staff positions may not be related by blood or marriage to other project staff, VNY staff or officers, or members of the VNY Board of Directors, unless there is written concurrence from the Advisory Council and with notification to AmeriCorps.

Volunteer Status – AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers are not employees of VNY, the volunteer station, AmeriCorps, or the Federal Government.

Fair Labor Standards – If VNY employs laborers and mechanics for construction, alteration, or repair of facilities, it must pay wages at prevailing rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis Bacon Act, as amended, 40 U.S.C. § 276a.

Prohibitions on Abortion Service – While charging time to an AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing activities supported by the AmeriCorps Seniors program or AmeriCorps Seniors, staff and volunteers may not engage in providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services.

Call for Volunteer Voices Calling all RSVP volunteers! Want to share and inspire others with your words? We would love to hear from you!

Did you do an interesting volunteer project that other members might want to try?

How does helping your community make you feel?

Have you met a friend through volunteering?

Do you have a poem to share about the power of community and volunteerism?

How do you teach your kids and grandkids important lessons about helping others?

You’re Invited: RSVP! Please send us your contributions for publication in our Spring 2024 Newsletter to cheryl@volunteernewyork.org

YOUR TIME IS YOUR LEGACY. THANK YOU FOR USING IT FOR GOOD.