AmeriCorps Senior Center Program Launching in July 2022
Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announces the creation of an AmeriCorps Senior Center Program that will make available additional resources to support elderly companionship and an enhanced social support network. The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) Division of Senior Citizens (DSC) was awarded a $183,758 grant from the AmeriCorps Seniors Demonstration Program (SDP) to develop the new AmeriCorps Senior Center. The program is recruiting up to 24 AmeriCorps volunteers.
Administered by DPHSS/DSC, the program will leverage the skills and experiences of Guam’s senior citizens to support Aging in Place-Independent Living. AmeriCorps volunteers will be assigned to Senior Citizens Centers and Adult Day Care Centers around the island to provide companionship for seniors in support of aging in place. The program will be easily accessible to provide senior citizens increased social support, improve their capacity for independent living, and ensure greater connection with the community through the coordination and planning of various activities. The program also will offer bereavement support and healthcare resources.
“This is an opportunity for us to lift up our senior citizens after all the hardships they’ve faced early in life and throughout the pandemic,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our manåmko’, like each of us, need companionship to live full lives of dignity, and oftentimes having a good friend can make all the difference. It is comforting to know our growing elderly resources and more of our compassionate community members will combine to serve our manåmko’.”
“Our manåmko’ are a source of pride for our entire island, and we owe them the best quality standard of independent living we can offer as they live out their golden years,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “As our teachers, our healers and our Greatest Generation, Guam’s senior citizens shaped this island and we must continue to invest value into their lives. Our Administration has honored this sacred obligation and we will forever continue to do so.”
The AmeriCorps Senior Center Program is scheduled to launch on July 1, 2022. The Leon-Guerrero Tenorio Administration and DPHSS/DSC is commemorating Senior Citizens Month throughout May. The Governor’s proclamation signing kicked off the month on May 16, 2022, at the Tamuning Senior Citizens Center. Upcoming events include the centenarian celebration, Governor’s Conference on Aging, and the Manåmko’ Tennis Masters match.
For more information, contact DPHSS/DSC at (671) 735-7415/21 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, or email chad.palomo@dphss.guam.gov.